Citrus trees can’t survive Quebec’s harsh winters, so they need to be grown in pots. These pots can be placed outside when the weather is warm and brought indoors before the cold sets in. If you want to integrate your citrus plants into your landscape, you can bury the pot in the ground, which makes it easier to move them without causing stress from transplanting.
Before placing your citrus trees in their permanent location, ideally in full sun, take some time to acclimate them. Start by putting them in the shade during the day and bringing them inside at night for three days. Then, move them to partial shade, leaving them outside at night if temperatures stay above 10ºC, for another three days. After this, they can stay outside in full sun.
The Key to Success: Proper Fertilization
Citrus trees need fertilizer to produce fruit and recover from the winter. Use a fertilizer specifically designed for citrus, rich in magnesium, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Begin fertilizing in March when the days start getting longer and the plant begins producing new leaves. You’ll notice results almost immediately. Continue fertilizing regularly until October.
The Ups and Downs of Growing Citrus
Growing citrus can be frustrating and stressful. When you bring your trees indoors as the days shorten, they will lose a significant amount of leaves, sometimes nearly all of them! This is normal but can be concerning. Continue to water them and patiently wait for spring. As the days get longer and you resume fertilization, your plants will regain their vigor. Patience and resilience are essential.
Light, Light, Light!
Place your citrus tree in the brightest spot in your home. Don’t hesitate to add artificial lighting, and program it to run for 14 to 16 hours a day.
Watch Out for Spider Mites
Citrus trees are susceptible to spider mites. When bringing your plants indoors, use insecticidal soap to eliminate any unwanted outdoor pests. Check the undersides of leaves and all crevices for eggs or larvae.
A good tip to limit spider mite spread is to create humidity around your plants by placing pots on a bed of clay pebbles or misting the foliage daily. For more tips on maintaining proper humidity for your plants, read our full article on the subject.
Citrus fruits are delicious and versatile, perfect for eating fresh or incorporating into recipes like salads, sauces, desserts, drinks, and cocktails. Give it a try at home this year—you’ll be charmed by the sweet fragrance of their blossoms and thrilled to see beautiful tropical fruits growing right here in Quebec. Remember, growing citrus will bring a range of emotions, and you might consider giving up. But with patience and resilience, the rewards are sweet.
