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Citrus Tree
Citrus species
Climate Resiliency
3 out of 5 stars
Citrus is notoriously difficult to grow in our area. Most citrus varieties are not cold hardy and need lots of protection in our cold winters. It generally survives either in containers that can move from location to location and even be taken indoors in winter if necessary or in a location that has some protection from the worst of our summer sun and also stays warmer than average in winter. The hardiest citrus available, and the only one that has been specifically suggested for our area, is the 'Improved Meyer' Lemon. It can be quite prolific if given adequate water, the flowers are fragrant, and it produces thin-skinned, juicy lemons. It is generally more like a large shrub than a tree. This plant is susceptible to iron chlorosis, so use soil sulfur and kerex about 3 times a year to keep the leaves green and healthy. Deep water this plant and provide protection from the afternoon sun. Protect from frost. Can be grown in containers with a large volume of soil and regular watering. Not a true lemon, Citrus meyeri is thought to be a hybrid of a lemon and a sweet orange. 'Improved Meyer' is the virus-free variety that replaced the original. The yellow-orange flesh is slightly sweeter than a true lemon, yet still moderately acidic. Other areas may produce two crops a year but in the desert there is only one crop.
- Plant type: Shrub, Tree
- Maintenance level: Low
- Water requirement: High, Medium
- Sun exposure: Part Sun, Morning Sun
- Height range: 14–16 Feet
- Width range: 14–16 Feet
- Canopy value: 133 ft²
- Growth rate: Medium
- Seasonal habit: Evergreen
- Flower color: White
- Flower season: Spring
- Fruit color: Yellow
- Fruit season: Autumn, Winter
- General foliage color: Green
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 15 °F
- Soil preference: Well Drained, Moist
- PH preference: Not Particular
- Sunset zones: 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
- USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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