How to grow citrus fruits in a cold climate

31st January, 2022

Citrus trees are not as cold hardy as most fruit trees, but there are a few varieties that can withstand colder temperatures. The cold hardiest citrus trees are the Kumquat, Satsuma mandarin, the Meyer lemon, and the Kaffir lime. These trees can tolerate temperatures as low as -9c (15F).

When planting a cold hardy citrus tree, it is important to plant it in an area that receives full sun. Citrus trees need a lot of sunlight to produce fruit. They also need well-drained soil.

If you have a greenhouse, sunny windowsill or conservatory, here in the UK, or areas with a similar climate, you can grow your own citrus fruits! 

Here's how:

1. Start with a dwarf citrus tree. These are smaller and easier to manage in a greenhouse, or indoor setting.

2. Place your tree in a sunny spot in the greenhouse or conservatory. During the hottest months of the year, from June until the end of August, you can move your citrus fruit trees in pots outdoors, and leave them outdoors, in a sunny position, such as a south facing patio or decking. As well as looking lovely, this will give the trees plenty of fresh air, and natural rainwater, when there is a shower or summer storm. However, try and avoid any breezy areas, as they don't like wind.

3. Water regularly, but do not overwater. The soil should be moist but not soggy after watering. Water again when the soil is dry to the touch. In rooms that are quite dry if htere is central geating radiators, mist the leaves occassionally. Ensure all pots ave good drainage holes, so the roots dont rot.

4. Feed your tree with a fertilizer designed specifically for citrus trees.

5. Prune your tree as needed to encourage growth and keep it healthy.

6. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see anything, treat immediately.

7. Re-pot the citrus trees into larger pots as they grow.

Kumquat

A pretty and compact citrus tree with white blossom, it produces small orange like fruits, the size of olives. They can be used in marmalades, drinks and fruit salads. The skin is sweet, and the whole fruit can be eaten like a grape.

Meyer lemon

Rpunder than a true lemon, it is a cross between a citron and a mandarin/pomelo hybrid. The fruit is sweeter and less bitter than a standard lemon. The tree has fragrant white blossom and shiny, dark green leaves. Pruning the tree will encourage fruit growth, and most of the fruit can be harvested in the winter months.

Kaffir lime

Native to South-east Asia, the small lime fruits have rough green rind, that eventually ripen to yellow (they are best picked when they a re green). The rind of the fruits, and the leaves have an intense citrus fragrance. Although the fruit is not usualy eaten raw, the juice and zest can be used in various recipes, from marmalades, to Thai curries.

Satsuma mandarin

Satsumas originate from the old Satsuma province of japan, and arrived in the West, sometime in the 1870s. The fruits are seedless, easy to peel, and about the size of mandarins. it is one of the most cold tolerant of all the citrus trees. The tree branches should be thinned to allow air circulation, around the fruits. Self fertile, with white fragrant flowers. Grown in a container they can grow to about 185cm / 6ft tall.