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Citrus Trees

As every local gardener already realizes, growing trees in Brevard County can pose some unique problems and challenges.  High salt exposures in air and water, threatening winds, quick drainage, poor drainage, drought, and a wide array of soil types.  However, citrus is perfect for this area and Spring is a great time for planting.  If your space is limited, consider planting a dwarf variety or a Fruit Cocktail tree.  Even a Meyer lemon can be easily maintained as a specimen under 10’ tall.  If more space is available, consider planting several varieties to increase harvest time.  For instance, planting Page(Oct-Feb), Hamlin(late-Nov-Jan) and Valencia(Mar-Jun) oranges means eight tasty months of healthy, fresh fruit.
 

Citrus trees should be purchased from a reputable source as a budded tree on an appropriate rootstock.  Ideally, citrus should be planted in full sun in a southern or western exposure with well-drained soil that is rich in organic material. Trees should be spaced at least 10-15’ apart in a North-South row to allow for maximum sun exposure.  Always remember to dig your planting hole twice as wide, but no deeper, than the rootball of your new plant.  The tree should sit no higher or lower than it was in the pot.  Mix one-part organic matter to two-parts of the existing soil and water deeply to remove all air pockets from around the roots.  With the unused soil from your hole, build a circular 3” berm 360 degrees around the drip line of your tree to act as a well that will capture water.  Spread 2” of mulch or compost over the berm and soil, but make sure to keep it 6” away from the trunk of the tree.  Water deeply every other day for the first three weeks.  From the fourth week on, begin a regimen of one inch of water weekly in warmer weather and one inch every two weeks in cooler temperatures.  Citrus trees are not salt tolerant and should never be watered from wells containing more than 2.30ppm salt.