The Citrus They are fruit trees belonging to the genus Citrus, which are evergreen trees or shrubs that are grown in both small and large gardens and orchards, and even in pots.
They have great importance for humans, since apart from producing fruits with a pleasant flavour -except for lemon -, they are also medicinal and very, very decorative.
Citrus main characteristics
The Citrus genus is naturally present in tropical and subtropical Asia. They grow between 5 and 15 meters in height, with a more or less straight trunk, and a fairly branched crown.. The leaves are green, lanceolate, with the entire margin. They usually bloom in spring, with small, white, aromatic flowers. But without a doubt, what you like the most is the fruit, which is a modified berry, with hardened skin and fleshy pulp, with a somewhat acidic flavor.
Citrus examples
Citron (Citrus medica)
Image - Wikimedia / H. Zell
Known as citron, citron, grapefruit, French lemon or poncil lemon, it is a shrub between 2,5 and 5 meters high, with a stiff, twisted trunk. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical to lanceolate. It produces hermaphroditic and fragrant flowers, grouped in clusters. The fruits are oblong to globose, with a thick yellow or greenish skin, and sweet or acid pulp.
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
Image - Wikimedia / douneika
It is a tree up to 7-8 meters tall, with simple, alternate and greenish leaves. The flowers are small, solitary or in inflorescences, white and very fragrant. The fruit is a small hesperidium, with normally thin skin and pulp with a slightly acidic but very pleasant flavor.
Orange tree (Citrus x sinensis)
Known as naranjero, sweet orange or orange tree, it is a tree up to 13 meters high which is usually left with up to 5 meters. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a rounded crown composed of medium and long leaves. The flowers are solitary or in clusters, and the fruit is rounded, with an acid taste but not unpleasant.
Grapefruit (citrus x paradise)
Image - Wikipedia / Syrio
Known as pomelo, grapefruit or grapefruit tree, It is a tree or small tree 5 to 6 meters high, with a rounded and little branched crown composed of simple, alternate and ovate leaves. The flowers are hermaphroditic, fragrant, and appear in small clusters or solitary. The fruit is rounded, covered by a thick shell that protects the 'segments' or meat with a sweet or acid flavor depending on the variety.
Lime / lime (Citrus x aurantifolia)
Image - Wikimedia / © 2009 Jee & Rani Nature Photography
Known as lime or lime, it is a tree up to 6 meters high with a generally crooked trunk with branching starting very low. The branches have short, hard spines, and the leaves are ovate. The fruit is a yellow modified berry, the same color as the peel, although it is somewhat more greenish. The meat or pulp is acidic and juicy.
Lemon Tree (Citrus x lemon)
Known as the lemon tree or lemon tree, it is an often thorny tree that reaches a height of 6-7 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and its flowers are solitary or grouped in corymbs. The fruits are rounded, with a very acid taste, so much so that they are only used to flavor food and beverages.
What are the care that Citrus requires?
Climate
Citrus fruits are plants that they are grown quite simply in warm temperate climates. It must be taken into account that, although they resist frosts, they must be weak and punctual. In areas where the temperature drops below -4ºC they will require protection.
Likewise, maximum temperatures can be 38°C or even 42°C, as long as they are kept in moist soil or substrate, as they are not drought-tolerant. For more details on how to protect them in different climatic conditions, see our guide on cultivation in dryland agriculture.
Earth
- Flower pot: : highly recommended to use prepared substrates, such as urban garden substrates (for sale) which contain all the nutrients they need.
- Garden: They grow in clay or slightly acidic soils with good drainage. To optimize their development, review our guidelines on best fertilizer for citrus fruits.
Irrigation
Must be frecuente. During the summer they may need 4-5 irrigations a week, and the rest of the year 1-2 weekly.
In any case, use rainwater or lime-free water whenever possible, otherwise you could develop chlorosis. To prevent this, also review how to detect and treat whitefly in citrus trees in our dedicated article. You can also consult our article on whitefly treatment in citrus.
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So that they are well, it is important that you fertilize your citrus fruits throughout the spring and summer with organic fertilizersWhen producing edible fruits, it's preferable to use natural (non-composted) products, such as guano, mulch, compost, or herbivore manure, for example. It'll also be very useful if you want to expand your knowledge of , and it's a good idea to use it.
Multiplication
The Citrus multiply by seeds (rarely) and / or grafting.
Seeds
It is sown in autumn or spring, in pots or seedling trays with seedling substrate (for sale).
Another popular option is to sow them wrapped in kitchen paper or damp cotton, and when they germinate, transfer them to pots. For more details, see our full article on Which fruit trees withstand flooding?.
Grafts
They are used from patterns to:
- Carrizo, which is very resistant to limestone and salinity, but sensitive to waterlogging and drought.
- Citrange troyer, which is a variety not very resistant to limestone, but which stimulates fruit production.
- Bitter orange tree, which is very resistant to phytophthora, drought and limestone but sensitive to the sadness virus.
Citrus pruning
Uncommon, and not aggressive at all. They are trees that, although they tolerate pruning, it is not good to be cutting them every year since they lose many reserves. At least 3 years have to pass between pruning and pruning.
Dry, diseased, weak, and broken branches should be removed, as well as those that extend inward and those that touch the ground. Always use pruning tools that have been previously disinfected with rubbing alcohol or dish soap, and apply healing paste to large cuts. To expand your knowledge of pruning techniques, consult our guide on how to prune grapefruits.
Planting time
In spring, when the risk of frost has passed. They don't have invasive roots, but it's a good idea to leave at least two meters between trunks so they can develop properly. For more tips, check out our guide on Regional guide to fruit trees in Spain.
How are citrus fruits consumed and what vitamins have?
The citrus they are usually eaten as dessert, but they are also used to make juices, ice creams, yogurts, and to flavor other foods such as the lemon tree. They are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, as well as mineral salts and citric acid, which improves digestion.
And you, do you have any?
