I purchased a potted tangerine tree many years ago at a ‘garden club’ event.  I was so enticed by the beautiful fruit hanging on this lovely small sized tree, I was a little intimidated but just had to have it.  To my huge disappointment, after a few weeks it started to drop it’s leaves, more and more every day.  However, I was not to be discouraged.  It was winter and I was going to give this thing a chance.  It turns out that my tree was just adjusting to “life” so to speak, in my home.  It had come from a greenhouse, was transported in a cold van to my home and was aclimating to being in a new location.  Over the years my tangerine tree blossomed into a beautiful container tree that provided me with both fragrance and fruit.  Unfortunately, my beautiful tree met an untimely demise due to one of my newest kitties deciding that its’ pot made a fabulous ‘organic’ litter box.  Regardless, I owned my tree for over 12 years and I learned alot from it.  Here are some pointers for growing container citrus trees.

Citrus do terrific in containers, this is what makes them such a pleasing choice for patios and indoors.  The meyer lemon is the most popular patio citrus tree because it is almost always either in bloom or producing fruit. The fragance of these trees in bloom is exceptional and when they do produce fruit, it is truly very satisfying.

Be sure that your ‘tree’ is in an adequate size pot with drainage. A 9 – 12″ diameter pot is usually sufficient for a smaller sized tree (3-4′ tall).  Be sure to use a good soil mix with ample nutrients.  Water just to maintain moisture. Avoid over-watering.

Here in the northeast, I move my tree outdoors as soon as the sun starts to feel strong, usually around mid-april.  My rule of thumb is this: remember this is an ‘outdoor’ tree, as long as the temperatures are not too drastic (below 35F min.) it should do fine, as long as there is plenty of warm sunshine the next day to compensate.

If you live in a warm climate, you can leave your container tree in a sunny location, outdoors for most of the year. Citrus trees are fairly hardy, but I recommend bringing them indoors when the temperatures begin to flirt with freezing.  I usually leave my citrus trees outside for as long as possible since natural unfiltered sunlight is always best.  When the days and evening become colder, usually about towards the end of October, I bring my trees indoors.   When you do bring your tree indoors for the winter, be sure it is in the southern-most facing window.

Your tree may go through a leaf drop.   This usually occurs when there has been a major change in it’s environment, such as bringing in for the winter.  Don’t be alarmed.  Your tree will re-accustom itself.  Feed occasionally with a fertilizer.