The Calamondin Tree: A Symbol of Prosperity and Good Luck for Chinese New Year

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, symbolism plays a central role. From the colors red and gold to the dishes served, everything is steeped in tradition and meaning. Among the many cherished symbols of this festive season is the calamondin tree, a beautiful and fruitful plant that carries deep cultural significance. Known as the “Citrus of Abundance,” the calamondin tree represents wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, making it a perfect gift and decoration for this time of year.

Why the Calamondin Tree is the Star of Chinese New Year

Symbolism: The Citrus of Abundance

The calamondin tree, a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, has earned its reputation as a harbinger of prosperity. Its evergreen foliage signifies longevity and vitality, while its small, vibrant fruits symbolize abundance and success. The tree’s ability to produce fruit year-round is viewed as a metaphor for consistent wealth and opportunities throughout the year.
In Chinese culture, the orange hues of the calamondin fruit are especially significant. Orange is associated with gold, a timeless symbol of wealth and financial prosperity. The fruits are also round, representing wholeness and unity, key themes during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Calamondin Trees as Gifts: A Thoughtful Gesture

A Wish for Health, Wealth, and Happiness

The tradition of giving a calamondin tree as a gift during Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in the values of goodwill and generosity. Gifting a calamondin tree is a way of imparting best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness to friends, family, and business associates. It’s a gift that not only carries symbolic value but also offers practical benefits. The tree’s fragrant blossoms and tart fruits can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even skincare.

Perfect for Every Setting

Whether presented to a close family member or a professional colleague, the calamondin tree conveys a universal message of hope and positivity. It’s a meaningful gift that keeps on giving, as recipients can enjoy its beauty and benefits long after the celebrations are over.

The Calamondin Tree in Festive Decorations

Bringing Fortune Into Your Home

During Chinese New Year, homes and businesses are adorned with symbols that attract good fortune, and the calamondin tree is a favorite choice. Often placed at the entrance of homes or offices, the tree is believed to invite positive energy and prosperity into the space. Its bright fruit contrasts beautifully against its lush green leaves, adding a vibrant and festive touch to any decor.

A Centerpiece of Tradition

In many households, the calamondin tree takes center stage as a decorative focal point. Families may add red envelopes (ang pao), gold coins, and other traditional ornaments to its branches to amplify its auspicious qualities. The combination of red, gold, and green reflects the harmonious balance of elements thought to bring good fortune.

Caring for Your Calamondin Tree

While the calamondin tree is relatively low-maintenance, a little care goes a long way in ensuring it thrives and continues to bring symbolic and practical benefits. Here are some tips for keeping your calamondin tree healthy:

• Lighting: Place the tree in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilization: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy foliage and fruit production.
• Pruning: Trim dead or overgrown branches to maintain its shape and vitality.

A well-cared-for calamondin tree can live for years, serving as a perennial reminder of good fortune and prosperity.

The Calamondin Tree’s Broader Appeal

While its significance during Chinese New Year is well-documented, the calamondin tree’s appeal goes beyond its cultural symbolism. It’s a versatile plant that can enhance any garden or indoor space. Its small size makes it ideal for patios, balconies, or even tabletops, and its fragrant blooms provide a delightful sensory experience.

In addition to its decorative value, the calamondin fruit is highly versatile. Its tangy juice can be used to flavor dishes, make refreshing beverages, or even act as a natural cleaning agent. The fruit’s rich vitamin C content also makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products.

A Timeless Symbol of Prosperity

The calamondin tree is more than just a plant—it’s a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and the hope for abundance. Whether given as a gift or used as a decoration, this “Citrus of Abundance” holds a special place in Chinese New Year traditions and continues to capture the hearts of those who celebrate.

As you prepare for Chinese New Year, consider adding a calamondin tree to your festivities. It’s a beautiful way to honor tradition, share goodwill, and invite prosperity into your life. After all, who wouldn’t want a little extra luck and abundance to kick off the year?

>>Shop Calamondin (Calamansi) Trees

The post Add Some Luck to Your Yarden this Chinese New Year! appeared first on Yarden.

Most people associate citrus with summer: cold glasses of lemonade, key lime pie, and frosty popsicles. However, most citrus trees in North America ripen and taste the sweetest in winter! While we offer over 40 varieties of citrus trees to choose from, here are our top 3 must-have varieties for winter.

1. Meyer Lemon Tree

This cold-hardy, evergreen citrus tree is a cross between a common lemon tree and a mandarin orange tree. It produces juicy medium-sized, orange-yellow, sweet-tart lemons. It blooms all year round, while harvesting usually happens twice a year: late fall/early winter and late winter/early spring. You can plant the Meyer Lemon tree directly in the ground in USDA zones 8-11 or in a container in zones 4-11. Our Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree also makes a great option for container growing. With the two harvest seasons spanning the winter, this variety will keep you well stocked for a cozy season. Squeeze a wedge into a hot cup of tea or use for a fresh take on a Hot Toddy. The rind emits a spicy bergamot scent that is herbier than a regular lemon. Try using the zest in this Lemon Icing Glaze atop some spiced muffins or toss those unused rinds in a stovetop potpourri to keep your house smelling great.

• Owari Satsuma Tree

The Owari Satsuma mandarin is another cold-hardy evergreen tree. It produces palm-sized, seedless, bright orange fruits about 1.8 inches in diameter. They are often mistaken for clementines because they are so similar in look and taste. The fruits have a thin, loose rind which is easy to peel, so they are a great option for kids or people who have a hard time peeling other citrus fruits. Like the Meyer Lemon, it is best suited for in-ground planting in zones 8-11 and in containers in 4-11. Owari Satsumas are in season from December to January but be mindful; if they go unpicked too long, they can become puffy and tasteless. Eat them fresh for a dose of immune-boosting vitamin C during cold and flu season. Because they have tough membranes and firm flesh, they are also great for canning, so you can have fresh citrus all year round! 

• Calamondin (Calamansi) Tree

Calamondin (also called Calamansi) trees are a cross between a tangerine and a kumquat. They produce a small, thin-skinned and tart citrus fruit that is orange in color and 2-3 inches in diameter. Calamansi has an earlier harvesting time frame (June through November), so they are popular around the holiday season. Sometimes called a Philippine lime, this sour fruit is ubiquitous in Filipino cuisine and often used as a condiment in recipes such as pancit. Try using these fruits to make a marmalade or freezing them to use as ice cubes in cocktails. In addition to being packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like potassium, limonene, and vitamin A, calamansi touts numerous health benefits. It can help fight inflammation, regulate sugar levels, and even reduce mucus! When you feel congested during the cold winter months, squeeze a glass of fresh calamondin juice. The citric acid helps break up the phlegm and mucus in your lungs and can help with pain and swelling in the throat.

Whether you’re finding happiness in the sweet-tart flavor of a Meyer lemon, the ease of peeling the Owari Satsuma, or the health benefits of the Calamondin, each variety brings its own burst of sunshine to the winter season. Shop now and choose which winter citrus you’ll add to your Yarden!

The post Winter Citrus Wonderland: Our Favorite Winter Citrus Trees appeared first on Yarden.

They show up in the produce section (if they show up at all) during the winter months at about the same time the Key Limes do – diminutive, yolk-gold lemons with a round shape and a fragrant peel. They’re Meyer Lemons, and they look pretty, they smell pretty…but what are Meyer Lemons? And how are they different from regular lemons?

Meyer Lemons at a Glance

When we talk about a “regular” or “true” lemon, we mean the type of lemon you’ll find most often in the grocery store. There are a number of varieties of true lemon, but Eureka and Lisbon are the most common. You know them well – a fruit around five to eight centimeters in length, bright yellow and supremely useful in so many ways except for snacking on fresh out of hand due to their mouth-puckering taste.

Their smaller cousins, the Meyer Lemon, give you that lovely lemon flavor without (quite) as much sourness – in fact, some brave souls do eat them fresh out of hand, adding the wedges to salads and other dishes.

The chart below explains what Meyer Lemons are, how exactly they differ from true lemons, when they’re available and how you can use them:

How to Store Meyer Lemons

Most citrus holds up well when stored in the refrigerator, but, due to their thin skins, Meyer Lemons are one of the few exceptions (this is also why finding them in the grocery store when they’re in season is hit-or-miss). If you do get your hands on some Meyer Lemons, make sure you get the most out of them by storing them properly. The best place is in a sealed plastic bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer, where they’ll last up to a week. They’ll only last a few days at room temperature, so if you prefer them that way keep them in the fridge until about half an hour before you’re ready to use them.

Grow Your Own (Meyer) Lemons at Home!

One of the best things about Meyer Lemons is being able to grow your own just about anywhere – even if you don’t live in a warmer climate! Meyer Lemon Trees are on the smaller size, so if you live in Growing Zones 5-9 but have limited garden space, you’ll likely still have room for a Meyer Lemon Tree (and since citrus trees are self-pollinating, you only need to plant one to enjoy fruit).

If, on the other hand, you live in Growing Zones 4 and above (which is most of the United States), you can keep a dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree in a pot year-round! Meyer Lemon Trees are easy to grow and do well in pots (in fact, they were most often kept as ornamental houseplants when Frank Meyer stumbled across them in China), wintering over indoors in a sunny window and spending the summer months on your deck or patio. With its evergreen leaves, fragrant blossoms, and bright fruit you can pluck and use in your own cooking, Meyer Lemon Trees add beauty and interest to indoor settings.

Where to Buy Meyer Lemon Trees Online

If you’re wondering where to buy a lemon tree, Yarden offers several lemon tree varieties, including a variety of both standard-sized and dwarf-size Improved Meyer Lemon Trees for sale. To determine which lemon tree is best for you, you’ll want to consider where you live and how much space you have. If you buy a Dwarf Lemon Tree, you’ll be able to keep it in a pot that you can move indoors when the weather gets cold.

Among other varieties, you can find a Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree for sale on Yarden.com. Check our website to find a tree that’s right for you, as well as accessories and tips on how to keep it healthy. You’ll soon be looking forward to harvesting your own lemons at home!

The post Meyer Lemon vs. Regular Lemon: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Yarden.

If you love lemon flavor, this bright and silky glaze is for you. Try it over pound cake, blueberry scones, sweetbreads, cakes, cookies, muffins, doughnuts, or any baked treat where you’d like to add some zing! This recipe takes advantage of the whole lemon by using both the zest and juice to intensify the citrusy flavor. This luscious, lemony glaze is quick and easy to make, and will even make a great topping for a creamy cheesecake.

Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ c. lemon juice
• 1¾ c. confectionary sugar
• 1 Tbsp. butter

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, juice, and zest in a 4-cup glass mixing bowl.
2. Add butter and microwave on high until butter is melted (about 45 seconds).
3. Whisk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Allow to set for five minutes, then pour over whatever baked goods you wish to glaze.

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Growing your own citrus is a great way to ensure you have fresh fruit at home. Lemons, limes, and oranges are used in many recipes, from cooking to baking and even cocktails. But there’s more to growing citrus trees than just planting them in the ground. Having a solid understanding of what conditions the plant needs and when you should plant it are major steps in growing a healthy, fruit-bearing citrus tree.

When is the Best Time to Plant Citrus?

Most master gardeners recommend planting citrus trees in the fall for the best results. Planting trees at this time allows the tree to develop a deep root system over the winter. You’ll just want to ensure that the ground is not frozen and temperatures are not within the freezing range.

The best thing about some citrus varieties is their hearty nature, even in less-than-perfect climates. Meyer lemon trees are a good example, which can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warmer area, planting citrus can be a nice tropical addition to your garden. But even in cooler regions, you’ll simply want to plant them in pots and move them indoors when the weather turns cold. During this cooler time, the plant will also need to be watered less frequently as it will be dormant.

How Do I Choose Outdoor Planting Or Container?

You’ll want to research your growing zone before deciding whether to plant your citrus trees outdoors or in moveable containers like pots. Most citrus varieties can’t handle conditions lower than 28 degrees Fahrenheit, so the average temperature in your planting zone is one thing to consider.

When considering USDA Hardiness Zones, anyone north of Zone 8 should plant citrus trees in pots to avoid permanent frost damage. Those living within Zone 8 are typically safe to plant citrus in the ground if the plants are on the south or southeast side of a building for protection. Anyone living in Zone 9 or above can plant citrus trees in the ground without any worry or added protection.

Cold Weather Care

No matter where your citrus trees are planted, if you live in a cooler zone with the potential of freezing, you’ll want to take precautions with your plants. Anytime a freeze is possible, move your potted citrus indoors for protection from the elements.

When you have outdoor citrus and are expecting a freeze, you’ll want to take added steps to protect the plant. You can cover the tree with a sheet or blanket for an easy fix. However, this must only stay on the plant if the temperature is under 36 degrees F.

If you’re expecting multple cold nights in a row, consider building a miniature greenhouse with PVC pipe to surround the tree and then cover it with blankets or plastic. Just make sure the covering doesn’t touch the leaves. With either method, colder temperatures will often cause the tree to drop leaves, but this isn’t typically a concern.

Conditions

With any of these plants, whether in pots or in the ground, it’s best to choose a sunny location for them to reside. As they are naturally tropical plants, they’ll require ample amounts of sunlight to grow strong and bear fruit. So don’t even consider a partial-shade area; these plants need abundant full sunlight all day.

Soil should be prepped before you consider planting the citrus tree. You’ll want looser soil for the young plant to develop a deep and strong root system quickly. This area of dedicated soil, whether in the ground or in pots, should be at least 1.5 to 2 times the size of the pot your tree came in. This hole will also allow the roots to spread and the tree to grow stronger.

In addition, consider adding a decent amount of organic material into the soil to help feed the plant, about a bucket per tree. This material can be well-rotted animal manure, garden compost, or even topsoil from a local greenhouse. Mix this into the soil you’re planting in for an additional boost in growth for the tree.

This soil should also be well-drained. Any soggy soil isn’t good for the tree’s roots and can cause rot before the tree even has a chance. While citrus plants need moisture, they don’t enjoy being water-logged.

Citrus Tree Care

You’ll want to continue caring for your citrus plant for the best results, especially in its younger years. There are typically just a few steps that need to be taken to keep your citrus tree in the best condition; watering, fertilization, pruning, disease protection, and harvesting.

Watering isn’t complicated for citrus trees, and outdoor plants often receive lots of natural watering from rain showers. Depending on the rainfall in your area, the citrus should be watered once weekly or bi-weekly. Getting a watering schedule down will help keep the plant healthy and happy. If you’re unsure when they need water, check the soil. If the first two inches are dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing is also important after the initial fertilization of their soil upon planting. It’s recommended to fertilize every four to six weeks from about February to August with products that are slightly nitrogen-rich in a blend.

The trees will require pruning to maintain shape and help them grow stronger. You can do this by clipping long branches and removing those growing toward the tree instead of away from it. Doing so maintains adequate airflow for growth.

Monitor the leaves on your citrus tree for any pests or diseases. Citrus cankers, root mites, and root rot are the most common for these plants. You’ll want to remove the diseased or damaged areas and use an approved fungicide to help the issue.

The final step in caring for your citrus tree is the best part, harvesting fruit. Although most varieties are ripe when they’re true to the color of the fruit or just slightly green, you’ll want to research depending on the citrus you plant. Most varieties will bear fruit only a few years after planting, so you’ll have fresh citrus in no time.

Sourcing High-Quality Citrus Trees

Citrus trees are a great addition to any garden or interior plant collection and can bring life to your home and bear fruit for your family. However, ensuring you plant and care for your new citrus tree correctly is only half the battle.

You’ll also want to ensure you’re starting with a healthy plant like navel orange trees, lemon trees, or lime trees. If you’re shopping around for lemon trees for sale or other citrus trees for sale, consider checking out Yarden.com. They have the selection of high-quality citrus trees you’re looking for so you can begin growing citrus at home.

The post When Should You Plant Your Citrus Tree? appeared first on Yarden.

Growing your own food at home is rewarding and can be a fun hobby. However waiting years for any fruit after planting trees can be frustrating and leave you feeling discouraged. To avoid that, here are the fruit trees that you’ll see the fruit from the fastest after planting.

Peaches

These juicy round fruit are one of the fastest growers in the US bearing fruit within as little as 2 to 3 years. They’re self-pollinating and at full height will be around 25 feet tall. Each year from early on you’ll have ripe fresh peaches ready for picking.

These are also a great option for any type of growing area. Peaches come in smaller size trees so they’re perfect for growing fruit in pots off your back deck or porch. Dwarf peaches are an excellent choice for being grown in containers rather than the ground and will still produce juicy fruit each summer for years to come. These will reach only about 5 feet in height and need abundant full sunlight to produce the most fruit.

How To Grow A Peach Tree Indoors

Due to the small size of dwarf peach trees, they can also be grown inside. As long as the plant receives enough full sunlight it should thrive. But there are a few other things you’ll want to know about growing peaches indoors.

Light

Full sunlight is the most important step for peach trees to grow strong and produce fruit each year. These plants require at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day along with good airflow. It’s important this airflow doesn’t cause too much of a temperature change though.

Temperature

Peach trees require a consistent temperature year round. This is necessary for your plant to begin producing healthy juicy fruit. You’ll want to make sure they’re not placed in a drafty area or in any area where the temperature may fluctuate.

Growing Medium

Soil is another important element in ensuring you grow a healthy peach plant. Placing your dwarf peach tree into the correct environment will make the difference between a healthy and thriving plant, and one barely surviving.

This soil should be slightly-acidic and kept somewhat moist but never soggy. This will promote the best root growth and increase the chance for growing fruit faster.

Citrus Trees

Citrus, just like any other fruit, is better fresh. Luckily growing a citrus tree isn’t complex and plants like lemons, limes, and oranges can produce fruit as quickly as a year after planting with the proper care.

These fruits don’t have to be out of your reach just because you don’t live in a tropical climate. Citrus trees can definitely thrive indoors so a citrus tree in a pot will do just fine. These plants are also self-pollinating so you’ll only need one. Just make sure you plant them in mildly acidic soil mixed with 20% sharp sand. Also allow them at least 6 hours of full-sun a day and a consistent warm environment.

One of the most popular indoor citrus plants are Meyer lemon trees. These are a hearty option for indoor fruit growing and will produce fruit rather quickly. Pruning once fruit appears, and keeping their environment humid will also help indoor citrus plants grow quickly.

Fig Trees

Another great option for fruit growing at home are fig plants. Like most soft fruits, these plants will quickly bear fruit after being planted in only a year or so. Plus due to popularity there are many varieties perfect for each climate.

Whether you want to plant these outdoors or grow them inside, they’re a great option for either environment. These plants love hot and long dry summer weather. However they’ll also conform quickly to any container which makes them an easy option for growing indoors. You’ll also want to ensure the fruit ripens completely before picking. It won’t continue to ripen after being taken off the tree.

Apricot Trees

Another terrific fruit tree for growing at home without much hassle is the apricot. These are self fruiting so you only need one, plus they can do well in some cooler temperatures. Like most fruits, they also come in dwarf sizes so you can also choose to plant these in pots.

These do take a little longer than some fruits, but if you purchase a year-old tree you’ll likely see fruit within the second year. You’ll still want to ensure this fruit bearing plant gets plenty of sunlight to help it grow juicy and large fruit. Plus, after they’re done with their fruit bearing years they become a beautiful ornamental plant.

Apple Trees

One fruiting tree that may take a little longer to produce fruit but will be easy to grow, are apple trees. These come in a large variety of fruits and even specific ornamental plants. Plus they’re one of the better fruit trees for growing in pots as long as you opt for dwarf varieties that are the right size.

In full sun and with the right soil conditions, one apple tree is enough to supply enough apples for an entire family. Just be patient as it will take between 3-5 years to see fruit.

Berries

While technically not a tree, fruit bearing bushes need recognition as well. Often fruits that grow on smaller trees including most berries, will produce fruit within the first few years. These types of plants include; blueberries, strawberries, mulberries, and raspberries to name a few.

Make sure you research each fruit and follow recommendations for planting, growth and care to ensure you see fruit as quickly as possible.

Finding Fruit Trees Online

As you can see, there are plenty of fruit trees that will produce fruit quickly, and can be grown either indoors or out. No longer spend money on fruit from the store when it can be grown in your own home without much effort at all.

If you’re ready to grow your own fruit trees, consider checking out Yarden.com. There, you can browse through healthy fig trees for sale and other fruit trees including exotic options like banana trees and more, so that you can get your own home garden going in no time.

The post Which Fruit Tree Bears Fruit The Fastest After Planting? appeared first on Yarden.

Citrus trees have been cultivated for centuries for their delicious fruit, which comes in various flavors, such as sweet, sour, and bitter. Among the popular citrus fruits are lemons and limes, common staples in cooking, baking, and beverages. While these two fruits have their own unique characteristics, some people wonder if it’s possible to have a lemon lime tree hybrid.

Well, guess what? You can! The lemon lime tree, also referred to as the “cocktail tree,” is a remarkable plant that can produce both lemons and limes from a single tree. This hybrid is made possible by grafting or growing two trees together in the same container, where the Meyer lemon and classic key lime merge to form a delectable hybrid called the lemon lime fruit.

While one might assume that caring for such a plant could be challenging, they’re surprisingly simple to cultivate indoors. So, are you ready to take on the journey of growing a lemon lime cocktail tree or even a dwarf lemon lime tree of your own? Then keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the lemon lime tree and its delicious citrus fruits!

History of the Lemon Lime Cocktail Tree

The origin of citrus trees remains a mystery, but many experts believe that humans began cultivating them in Southeast Asia thousands of years ago. Over time, citrus trees spread far and wide, from Italy to California and beyond. By the latter half of the sixteenth century, both lemon and lime trees had become well-established on the Southeast coast of North America.

Horticulturalists later developed the lemon lime tree as a remarkable fusion of the Meyer lemon and key lime trees. These trees can be grown together in a single pot or grafted to create hybrid varieties. The result is a beautiful and tasty lemon-lime fruit that combines the best of both parent fruits.

Characteristics of Lemon Lime Trees

The lemon lime tree boasts some rather distinctive features as it combines the traits of both lemons and limes. Typically, these trees reach a height of around eight feet tall and are then pruned to maintain their shape. However, like many other fruit trees, they often grow as wide as they are tall.

The fruits of a lemon lime tree are an enticing blend of sweet Meyer lemons and versatile key limes. This combination is achieved by either growing the trees side-by-side in a single pot or grafting one tree onto the other. Remarkably, the trees retain their individual characteristics even when they are grafted together, producing a unique and flavorful fruit.

Choosing the Perfect Lemon Lime Tree for Your Yarden

The lemon lime tree is a wonderful addition to any garden, patio, or indoor space. With its unique characteristics of growing both lemons and limes, it’s not only a beautiful tree, but it also provides delicious fruit. With some basic care, it is incredibly easy to grow and maintain.

If you’re ready to start your own lemon lime tree, dwarf lemon lime tree, or Meyer lemon lime tree journey, then head over to Yarden.com. There, you will find a great selection of lemon lime trees, including grafted trees that combine the best of both worlds. Yarden also offers a wealth of resources and expertise to help you grow the healthiest and happiest lemon lime trees possible.

So don’t wait any longer to add this remarkable tree to your home garden or indoor space — order your lemon lime tree today and enjoy the beauty and bounty of this delightful hybrid fruit tree!

The post Is There a Lemon Lime Tree Hybrid? appeared first on Yarden.

Who doesn’t love pizza? If you’re trying to get your kids to eat more fruit, this quick, easy-to-prepare treat is a perfect alternative to a sugar-laden cookie or other high-calorie treat. Sweet and satisfying, tortilla-topped fruit pizzas make a great after-school snack.

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized whole wheat tortilla shells

½ c. plain Greek yogurt

1 tsp. honey

½ tsp. vanilla extract

¾ Tbsp. orange juice

¼ c. strawberries

¼ c. kiwi

¼ c. mandarin oranges, canned in juice

¼ c. blackberries

¼ c. green grapes

Directions:

• Cut tortillas into smaller circles using a cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or drinking glass. Set aside.
• In small mixing bowl, blend together yogurt, honey, vanilla and orange juice.
• Slice strawberries; peel kiwi and slice; drain oranges and slice into smaller pieces; slice blackberries and grapes into quarters.
• Spread yogurt mixture onto tortillas and top with fruit.

The post Fruit Pizza appeared first on Yarden.

There’s something so exciting and satisfying about eating fruits and vegetables that come from your own home garden! The best part is, you don’t even need that much space in order to enjoy this feeling…many an amateur gardener has produced prize-winning tomatoes on a small balcony or savory herbs on a kitchen windowsill.

But you don’t have to stop there – many edible plants do well in small spaces, and even in indoor spaces. And that includes fruit trees – thanks to the many dwarf varieties available and with proper care, growing citrus trees on your patio or in your sunroom is easily within your reach.

Citrus Trees in the Small Garden

When grown outdoors, small fruit trees produce enough fruit for a small family throughout the harvest season, but make sure you live in a climate that doesn’t experience frigid temperatures before you plant a citrus tree in the ground.

Keeping potted dwarf citrus trees can be especially intriguing for citrus lovers who dwell in colder climates as they can be kept indoors part of the time and still produce fruit.

Dwarf Citrus Tree Varieties

It might surprise you to learn that most of your favorite citrus comes in a dwarf variety. In fact, – most standard varieties have been grafted onto dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks.

Grown using dwarf rootstock, such trees can be kept to as little as six feet tall while still producing full-size fruit. When kept in a suitable container, dwarf citrus trees can live in a sunny spot indoors full-time or be moved to a patio during the warmer months.

You can find popular varieties of the following dwarf citrus trees at Citrus.com. The varieties of the citrus below all grow about 8-11 feet when planted in the ground, and 4-11 feet when kept in a container:

• Dwarf Orange Trees. Citrus.com offers a variety of options for growing fresh, full-size oranges at home, from Dwarf Valencia Orange Trees (known for producing the world’s best juicing oranges) to Dwarf Washington Navel Orange Trees (which produce the classic navel everyone loves so much). You don’t need to live in Florida to enjoy homegrown oranges anymore!
  
• Dwarf Lime Trees. The limes grown on a dwarf lime tree can be used for juice, cooking, zest, or any recipe that requires fresh lime. Imagine making Key Lime Pie with your own limes whenever you like! If you’re looking for lime flavor similar to what you’d find in the grocery store, go with a Persian ( Bearrs) Lime Trees. Love cooking ethnic dishes? The Kaffir Lime Tree produces a spicier fruit.
  
• Dwarf Lemon Trees. Dwarf lemon trees are easy to grow, making them a great choice for small or indoor gardens. They’re also a great choice for smaller families who love to cook or make drinks from fresh lemons, but don’t want to buy a whole back at the grocery store. Meyer Lemon Trees produce year-round, while Eureka Lemon Trees are less sweet like the lemons you find in stores. Both make delicious lemonade!
  
• Dwarf Kumquat Trees. Have you ever tried a kumquat? If you haven’t, you should – these easy-to-eat fruits are small and don’t even need to be peeled – just pop them whole into your mouth like a grape!
  
• Dwarf Mandarin Trees. If you’re a fan of small, sweet, easy-to-peel tangerines, Clementines, Satsumas and other mandarin varieties, a dwarf mandarin tree is a great choice. The tree may be small, but the fruit it will put out is the same that’s been pleasing kids for ages!
  
• Dwarf Grapefruit Trees. Do you love a half of delicious, sweet red grapefruit for breakfast, or a glass of refreshing, healthy grapefruit juice? Dwarf grapefruit trees may be small, but they produce full-size versions of the nutritional powerhouse fruit just like their larger cousins!
  
• Dwarf Lemon Lime Tree. Also known as cocktail trees, Dwarf Lemon Lime Trees let you grow two fruits where you might normally grow one! Even more space-saving than other dwarf citrus trees, cocktail trees are grafted to grow lemons and limes on the same tree.

Citrus.com also offers several varieties of dwarf citrus trees that can be kept in hanging baskets (though these will likely be more ornamental than fruit-bearing)!

Caring For Dwarf Citrus Trees

Once you’ve bought your tree and planted it in a large pot with specially formulated citrus soil and plenty of drainage, select a spot for it to live that will get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight, away from a dry air vent.

When grown in a container, citrus trees prefer periodic deep watering over frequent, light doses. Deep watering promotes deeper root growth and strengthens your tree. Allowing a few to several days between watering lets the soil drain properly. It’s fine to allow the top of the soil to dry out.

Applying a fertilizer helps to replenish the nutrients your growing tree leaches from its soil over time. To ensure you get a good crop of fruit, be sure to use a specially formulated fertilizer for citrus trees in pots. You can find the best fertilizer for citrus trees in containers from Citrus.com – in fact, our All-in-One Kits include everything you need to ensure your tree’s optimum health.

To keep your tree healthy and productive, remove all suckers after harvest and prune away any dead tree branches or branches that cross one another. If the upper canopy becomes thick to the point that the lower branches don’t get enough light, you’ll probably want to thin it.

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“What exactly is a kumquat, anyway?”

Kumquats are small, oval, thick-skinned citrus fruits. They’re popular in many citrus dishes, including marmalades, cocktails and even liqueurs. In Cantonese, “kumquat” translates into “golden orange” or “golden tangerine.” Kumquat trees are native to Southeast Asia, where the meiwa kumquat and other kumquat varieties have been dietary staples for centuries.

Kumquat trees were first brought to North America during the mid-19^th Century. While they can survive at lower temperatures more than many citrus trees, kumquat trees produce larger and sweeter fruits in warm climates. Thus, the ideal outdoor growing environment for a kumquat tree is in Florida and California. 

Now, on to that unique kumquat taste…

“Are kumquats sour or are they sweet?”

The reason it can be difficult to describe what kumquats taste like is because, depending on how you eat them, they’re both sweet and sour – that is, the flesh and juice are very, very sour (lip-puckeringly so), but the skin is very sweet. And before you say, “what does it matter what the skin tastes like?” you need to realize we’ve come to one of the most interesting things about kumquats – people generally eat them whole, skin and all, which means the sweet skin balances out the tart flesh and juice for a fresh, tangy taste treat that’s unlike any other.

“Where can I try a kumquat?”

Depending on where you live, it can be a bit tricky to find kumquats. When they’re in season you’re most likely to find them in an Asian grocery store, or stores located in an area with a larger Asian population. You can also grow your own kumquat tree indoors.

“How do I go about growing kumquats indoors?”

You can grow your own kumquats at home relatively easily by getting a dwarf kumquat tree. Citrus.com offers a Meiwa Kumquat Tree for sale, along with other popular kumquat varieties such as the Nagami and selected hybrids. The Meiwa kumquat tree height can be kept at 5-6 feet tall when grown in a pot and pruned once a year, and in addition to providing delicious fruit, it smells wonderful and makes an attractive accent to a sunny location.

“When do kumquats fruit?”

Depending on the variety of the kumquats tree, you can expect to see fruit from November to March (with February and March being the peak months). It takes about a month for the fruit to change from green to orange (you’ll want to wait until it has reached a bright orange color before you pick it).

“How fast do kumquat trees grow?”

The great thing about kumquat trees is that they’re great for container gardening beginners, being easy to grow and requiring little maintenance. If you pot them up you’ll need to get a citrus or succulent formula soil, and you’ll also want to prune them regularly (if infrequently) to ensure they stay small enough to keep indoors and stay looking nice. You can do that by pinching back the growing tips and shoots to make your tree full and bushy and to establish a sturdy, well-branched structure for future fruiting.  (Just be sure to prune top branches that are too tall while leaving the inner and side growth s you don’t lose the following years’ fruit yield).

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Growing citrus trees comes with many benefits: its fresh fragrance works as a natural air freshener, and the delicious fruit it puts within your reach can be used for cooking, mixing drinks, baking and even cleaning. Plus, it’s so easy to grow!

Lime Tree Varieties

Before you start looking for lime trees for sale, you may want to consider what type of lime tree you’re looking to get. How you want to use the fruit, and what kind of “look” you want to add to your indoor garden can definitely play a factor, as well as the environment you have to offer. Citrus.com has the following varieties for lime tree for sale:

• Dwarf Persian (Bearss) Lime Tree. Commonly available in your local grocery store, Persian or Bearss limes are juicy, tender and very acidic with a “true-lime” taste. Virtually thornless, the Dwarf Bearrs Lime Tree has dense, evergreen foliage and blooms each spring with fragrant, purple-tinted white flowers. This tree does well planted in the ground in USDA growing zones 8 to 11, and reaches up to 6’ to 10’ in height. For all other zones it makes a great specimen plant to be potted and placed on a patio or near a sunny window indoors.
• Dwarf Key Lime Tree. Known for their use in the famous pie named after them, Key Limes are small (about 1½–2 inches in diameter), seedy, round-to-oblong fruit with an invigorating blend of acidity and sweetness that is unique and unlike any other lime in the world. The rind of Key Lime is thin and smooth, and the color is deep green when unripe that turns to pale green when ready to be harvested. The Dwarf Key Lime Tree is bushy, with spindling branches that have short to medium length thorns. Key Lime Trees produce small white flowers that emit a spectacular aromatic scent. This hardy citrus tree is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, and can adapt to many types of soil.
• Dwarf Kaffir Lime Tree. Dwarf Kaffir Limes are acidic with a slightly bitter flavor and a fragrant smell. Dwarf Kaffir lime trees are shrubby and are easily distinguished by their aromatic, jade-green, glossy leaves that looked like two conjoined leaves. The leaves can be either used fresh or dried to give a spicy-lemony taste to many dishes. The Dwarf Kaffir lime tree thrives in potted environment.
• Dwarf Key Limequat. A Key Lime/kumquat hybrid, Dwarf Key Limequats are sweeter than Key Limes and have a more orange flavor. A small citrus plan that produces small, juicy fruit, Limequats can be eaten whole (just like kumquats) and produce flavorful juice. Dwarf Key Limequat Trees are easy to grow and even thrive in hanging baskets for many seasons with proper care.
• Dwarf Cocktail Tree. Why just grow one citrus tree when you can have two in the same pot? A 2-in-1 Meyer Lemon/Key Lime Tree or 2-in-1 Meyer Lemon/Persian Lime Tree uses grafting to combine two popular citrus varieties on the same tree, making them perfect for smaller gardens.

Dwarf Lime Tree Care

How is caring for a dwarf lime tree different than caring for a full-sized lime tree? Not as different as you might think, actually – like all plants, Dwarf Lime Trees have a few simple needs, and you must attend to these if you’re aiming to produce beautiful trees with delicious fruit.

1. Watering. The first and most important of these needs is good drainage. While the roots must have a constant supply of moisture, they cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, or water that stands for too long. Lime trees also need warmth and sunshine to produce colorful, juicy, and flavorful fruit. Overwatering causes citrus foliage to drop off. Under watering can also cause this trouble, but drooping foliage usually calls attention to the lack of water in time to ward off serious leaf drop.
2. Soil. Plants grown in containers do best with the least effort when they are planted in a lightweight, perlite-containing potting mix that drains well. An all-organic matter or native soil will compact too quickly, reducing aeration for roots. Look for planting mixes that are specially blended for citrus or succulent plants. There is seldom any overwatering problem in containers if a well-draining soil is used. In garden soil, excess water must have a means of escape. If the soil has naturally good drainage, there is little to worry about.
3. Pruning. Young Dwarf Lime Plants don’t need much pruning. Give them a few years and they will become neatly rounded specimens. If you want to keep the plants quite low or add fullness, you can pinch out the tips of the new growth from time to time. You’ll also want to prune away any deadwood, and prune to maximize airflow. Prune off any branches that cross others and prevent sunlight from reaching the lower branches.
4. Feeding. If your tree appears to be in need of nutrients, look for a citrus or lime tree fertilizer to help keeps things growing.
5. Pests & Diseases. Indoor citrus trees can be susceptible to pests just like outdoor trees. Treat aphids with a hard, firm spray of water, or use an insecticidal soap. You should also be watchful for signs of scale and pick it or water-blast it off before it can become an infestation. A spray made from neem oil is an effective cure for these pests.

When You Can Expect to See Limes On An Indoor Tree

When people decide to buy a lime tree, the big question on everyone’s mind is this: how long does it take for citrus trees to bear fruit? The good news is that Dwarf Lime Trees can produce full-size fruit in as little as 3-5 years (much sooner than a standard-sized lime tree). Limes ripen all year – consult the planting information that came with your tree when you purchased it to know approximately when its fruit will be ready for harvest.

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Lemon Tree Varieties

Before thinking about when to plant, you should decide on what to plant. Where you live will have a bearing on what type of lemon tree you get…while the preferred climate depends on the variety of lemon, most do well in warm climates. If you live in a cooler climate you’re best off going with one of the dwarf citrus varieties and keeping it potted so it can live indoors at least part of the year. Dwarf citrus trees are also good for smaller or backyard gardens (when grown in the ground, dwarf lemon tree height tops out at about 12-15 feet).

Here are the four most common most lemon varieties grown in the US:

• Eureka lemons. Found in most grocery stores, this is a low-acid lemon variety that can be used for most any culinary purpose. It has a great peel for zesting. The Eureka lemon tree produces its main crop in winter, with smaller crops in spring and summer. Eureka lemons have relatively few seeds, and the tree has almost no thorns.
• Lisbon lemons. This is the most common lemon found in grocery stores. It’s a lot like the Eureka lemon, but juicier. The tree produces its main crop in the winter. It’s thornier than the Eureka, but tends to be more tolerant to cold, making it a great choice for growing zones that get an occasional freeze.
• Meyer lemons. As a lemon/mandarin orange hybrid, Meyer lemons are sweeter and great choices for desserts and cocktails. Its main crop is in the winter, but it can produce all year. A small tree when grown outdoors, the Meyer lemon dwarf variety is ideal for growing in pots. Dwarf Meyer lemon tree care is very easy. When grown outdoors, an improved Meyer lemon tree size reaches about 8-15 feet tall.
• Pink Variegated lemons. These pretty fruits are very sour with few seeds, making them ideal for making lemonade. It produces its main crop in winter with smaller crops in spring and summer. Variegated lemon tree care is like caring for a Eureka lemon tree, as the two varieties are very similar.

When to Plant a Lemon Tree

In the citrus belt (a loosely defined area stretching from southern California to Florida), citrus trees can be planted at any time if you water them regularly. In regions prone to a late frost, you’ll want to wait until later in the spring when all danger of frost is past before you buy a lemon tree. This rule of thumb applies dwarf citrus trees as well.

Citrus will thrive in large containers. Choose a 15-20-gallon pot with plenty of drainage holes, and fill with a premium quality potting mix. Lemon trees can tolerate a range of different soils, but they mostly prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil (the best fertilizer for lemon trees is one that’s been specially formulated for citrus, or for cacti and succulents).

Place your potted citrus tree in a sunny place indoors or out, and make sure the plant is always moist. Lemons grow best in soils that are moist but not soggy. Water your tree every seven to 10 days during the summer, providing it with 4 to 6 inches of water each month. Allow the soil around mature trees to partially dry between watering. Overwatered lemon trees may suffer from crown and root rots, while those not watered enough frequently shed blossoms and don’t produce as much fruit.

Lemon Tree Care

A healthy citrus tree produces lots of fruit. All that flowering and fruiting is a big consumer of energy, so make sure you feed up your lemon tree with Meyer lemon fertilizer regularly to ensure a good yield. You can tell if your tree is undernourished if it shows stunted growth, or yellowing leaves. Feed your tree twice a year with a citrus food, once in February and again in August. Follow the directions on the packet and water the soil well both before and after you apply the fertilizer.

To ensure plentiful fruit, it’s best to prune your lemon tree from late winter to early spring, right after harvest. Young trees should be pruned to establish a good shape, remove any sprouts or weak limbs so the plant can focus on growing a strong canopy.

As the tree grows, prune any crossing limbs, tangled branches or dead wood. Main scaffold branches should be staggered, aim to maintain eight once the plant is established. Prune subsidiary shoots off these scaffold branches. Aim to prune 20 percent of the canopy each year, focusing on longer, protruding branches that affect the desired shape of the canopy. Thinning out of branches as trees age allows light to penetrate more areas of the tree encouraging fruit production inside the canopy as well.

Get Your Tree from Citrus.com!

Wondering where you can buy a lemon tree? Look no further than Citrus.com! Whether you’re looking to buy a dwarf lemon tree, a full-size grapefruit tree or a specialty citrus tree, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. We even carry other, non-citrus varieties like apples, pears and more, so start planning your home orchard and get ready to enjoy your own, homegrown fruit!

The post What Month is Best to Plant Citrus? appeared first on Yarden.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Trees Grown Anywhere

That doesn’t mean you can’t experience the fun and fulfillment of growing your own Ruby Red grapefruit if you live in cooler climes…the dwarf Ruby Red grapefruit tree is similar to the standard-sized grapefruit tree, but can thrive in pots so you can keep it indoors part or all year round!

Like its larger cousins, dwarf Ruby Red grapefruit trees are easy to grow, have rich green leaves and handsome, well-shaped canopies that require minimal pruning. The dwarf Ruby Red grapefruit tree size can be kept to 5-7 feet tall when potted through pruning.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Trees in the Garden

Because grapefruit in general is low in calories, when people think of Ruby Red grapefruit juice, weight loss comes to mind. But it’s more than just a diet drink (or food): apart from being delicious, Ruby Red grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and contains vitamin A, potassium, dietary fiber and other nutrients, making it a great choice for your home orchard.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree Care

Before looking for a Ruby Red grapefruit tree for sale, think about where you want to keep your tree and how tall a tree you can accommodate (you may prefer browsing dwarf Ruby Red grapefruit trees for sale instead). Ruby Red grapefruit trees are fairly easy care, but it’s best to be prepared before you buy.

1. If you plant your tree outdoors, be sure to remove any grass, weeds and debris from around the tree to reduce nutrient and moisture competition. Create a circle around the tree 12 inches from the canopy drip line.
2. Water the dwarf Ruby Red grapefruit tree each week, soaking the soil with water (twice a week when the weather is hot). If you’re growing the tree in a container, don’t let the soil completely dry out – water the container whenever the top of the soil feels dry.
3. Feed the dwarf grapefruit with general-purpose fertilizer or fertilizer designed for citrus. Use the recommended amount on the package. If only feeding a tree once a year, feed in the spring before new growth begins. The best strategy is to break the annual amount up into three portions; apply the fertilizer in March, May and June. Do not feed the tree after August.
4. Protect the dwarf grapefruit tree from freezing spells in the winter. Cover the canopy with a blanket and tuck a light bulb plugged into a power cord under the blanket. The heat from the light will keep the fruit from freezing. If growing the tree in a container, move the tree to a protected area.
5. Prune dead and rubbing branches away with pruners in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Remove any suckers, branches growing below the graft; and waterspouts, upright branches growing from the roots.

Ready to start browsing Ruby Red Grapefruit Trees for sale? Check out our selection of dwarf citrus trees on Citrus.com!

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Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about kumquats:

What types of kumquats are available?

Kumquats are native to south Asia. The two most common varieties in the US are the Meiwa kumquat tree (also known as the sweet kumquat tree, as it produces sweet kumquats) and the Nagami or sour kumquat tree, which is the most common.

Also known as the Japanese kumquat tree, the Nagami sour kumquat is one of the most frost-tolerant citrus plants available. It will survive temperatures down to 19ºF with loss of fruit. The trees are thorn-less, with a sweet peel and a sour pulp. The fruit is best when eaten whole, peel and all, because the sweetness of the peel balances out the sourness of the flesh.

If you’ve considered growing your own kumquats indoors, consider looking for a Meiwa kumquat plant for sale. The Meiwa (or sweet kumquat) is considered the best for eating fresh as it has a lower acidity, and the tree does well in containers. To increase your harvest, you could easily keep a number of sweet kumquat trees in sunny spots in your home. You can find a Meiwa kumquat tree for sale on Citrus.com, as well as a dwarf sweet kumquat tree for sale.

Do kumquat trees attract pests in the garden?

Kumquats are susceptible to most citrus pests and diseases but are generally resistant to citrus canker. The most common pest of kumquats in the home garden are aphids, scale and whitefly.

Is it difficult to care for a dwarf kumquat tree?

Looking for a dwarf kumquat tree for sale? Good choice – dwarf kumquats do well in containers. An ideal container should have at least a 15-gallon capacity. The container should have multiple holes for drainage and be raised to allow adequate drainage and air circulation. Like any container-grown plant, soil moisture should be checked often. Regular watering should maintain damp (not wet) soil. Container grown kumquats should be fertilized regularly since the frequent watering required will leach nutrients out of the soil.

When do kumquat trees bloom?

When do kumquats bloom? Compared to other citrus trees, it takes them longer to initiate flowering when warmer weather arrives. You can expect your kumquat tree to begin flowering by summer and the next crop of fruit to be ready to eat by late autumn/early winter.

When do kumquat trees bear fruit?

How long do kumquats take to grow? Ninety days is usually how long does it take for a kumquat tree to produce fruit. The fruit turns fully orange before it’s fully ripe, and the best way to determine full ripeness is through taste tasting. Since citrus fruit does not ripen well off the tree, kumquat fruit should be left on the tree until harvested. Tree-stored fruit will gradually become darker orange and sweeter over time.

What can kumquats be used for besides eating out of hand?

Kumquats can be eaten fresh although they can be tart. Kumquats can be used to make preserves, marmalade and jelly. Thinly sliced kumquats can be used as a colorful garnish or to add zest to a salad.

Fun fact about kumquats:

Kumquats often used as a decoration for the Lunar New Year! Twigs bearing multiple fruits are used as decorations for gifts or a table centerpiece. Containerized kumquat trees often given as Lunar New Years gifts, especially in Vietnam (where the fruit plays a special role in celebrations).

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The lemon truly is a fascinating fruit with a compelling history, many different uses, and strange quirks. Here are just five fun facts:

1. There are basically two types of lemons.

There are acidic lemons and there are sweet lemons, but contrary to what you might think, it’s the acidic type that’s grown commercially (sweet lemons are mostly used as ornamental plants by home gardeners).

Although there are some specialty lemons that are called out as such in the marketplace (like the Meyer lemon and the Ponderosa lemon, which are both hybrids), the most common varieties will just be labeled as “lemons” in your local grocery store. These are generally going to be the Eureka lemon or the Lisbon lemon, and while they may look slightly different, their flavor is virtually the same.

2. Lemons are useful for more than just cooking and eating.

Is lemon a fruit? Yes – but it’s also a very effective cleaning agent! Thanks to the lemon’s high acidity, lemons can be used to:

• Eliminate unwanted smells. Has your cutting board absorbed too much of the garlic you’ve chopped on it? Rub half a lemon over its surface to get rid of the smell.
• Get grime off your windows. Lemon juice will soon have you seeing clearly again!
• Remove stains. Did you spill some red wine? Whip up a paste made from lemon juice, salt and baking soda to get it out.
• Leave your dishes streak-free. Next time you run the dishwasher, put in a half a lemon to guarantee a streak-free rinse.
• Polish metal. Dip half a lemon in salt and use it to scrub your chrome fixtures to leave their surfaces gleaming.

3. You don’t have to live in a warm climate to grow lemons.

Lemon trees don’t do well in freezing temps, but you can grow your own indoor lemon tree! There are many varieties of dwarf lemon tree to choose from, and a lemon tree in a pot can be a lovely addition to your décor as well as a source of fresh fruit.

Lemon tree care isn’t as difficult as you might think, either…a sunny spot is the first order of business, and making sure you water well and wisely is also very important (in a lemon tree, yellow leaves or dried out leaves are a good indicator of poor watering habits). Provide humidity (a tray with gravel and water will do), fertilize and prune occasionally, and you’ll soon be enjoying a picturesque tree with fragrant lemon flowers and, eventually, homegrown lemons. (Shop Citrus.com to find your ideal lemon tree for sale – our Dwarf Meyer lemon tree is a popular choice, as well as more exotic varieties like the dwarf pink lemon tree).

4. You can grow lemons and limes on the same plant.

Did you know a growing lemon tree could produce more than just lemons? It’s true – a lemon lime cocktail tree has been grafted to produce both fruits on the same lemon plant. It’s a great space-saving option if you would like to grow more than one fruit but don’t have the room!

Before getting even one lemon tree, however, you might be wondering – can dogs eat lemons? Most pet owners won’t have to worry – cats, dogs and other pets are usually turned off by the smell of citrus, so it’s generally not a problem. If you do have the type of pet that just has to sample everything, however, you may want to think about keeping your indoor lemon tree out of reach – while citrus isn’t poisonous to your pooch, it might cause him to have a tummy upset.

5. Lemons produce electricity.

Well, not by themselves…what actually happens is that the electrolytes (which can carry electricity) can allow two different metals to react with one another. Building an electro-chemical battery with a lemon is a classic science fair experiment – all you need (apart from a lemon, of course) is a galvanized nail and a copper penny. Insert the nail in one side of the lemon, and the penny in the other (make sure they don’t touch inside the lemon), connect them to a complete circuit, and you have a lemon battery!

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With so much going for it, it makes sense to have more citrus on hand, and when you grow you own it’s even more satisfying (as well as more convenient). Don’t live in a tropical climate? Never fear – it is possible to grow citrus plants indoors in pots!

Choosing an Indoor Citrus Tree

For indoor growing, you will want to choose a dwarf variety, as standard citrus trees will be much too large to contain in most indoor spaces. You can find a wide variety of citrus trees for sale at Citrus.com, including dwarf citrus trees. Here are some of the most popular varieties for container growing:

• Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree. This classic dwarf lemon is easy to grow indoors. It is a self-pollinating cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. It can flower and produce fruit throughout the year, increasing the likelihood that it will provide you with homegrown lemons that you can use in cooking or to make fresh squeezed lemonade. It can also remain outside in temperatures over 40°F.
• Dwarf Persian (Bearss) Lime Tree. This variety produces large quantities of juicy, seedless fruit. The green skins will turn yellow if left on the plant to fully ripen. This is the most cold hardy of limes.
• Dwarf Washington Navel Orange Tree. One of the most popular citrus trees available because they are easy to grow. The white flowers of this orange tree emit a citrus, sweet-smelling aroma that is wonderful in spring, and has pretty foliage all year long. The fruit is sweet, juicy and mostly seedless.
• Dwarf Rio Red Grapefruit. This heavy-yielding plant produces large pink grapefruit with an incredibly sweet flavor.

Finding the Right Pot – and Soil – For Your Citrus Tree

You will need a large pot with sufficient drainage holes. Terra cotta, unglazed ceramic, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or resin containers are all good choices – just don’t use a dark-colored plastic pot, as it will absorb and retain heat from the sun, and can cook the roots.

Fill the pot with a well-draining citrus soil blend, or use regular potting soil mixed with perlite, small gravel, pumice, or expanded shale, which will help to ensure adequate drainage. Use two-thirds potting soil to one-third inorganic material. You can also make your own using equal parts peat, sand, perlite, and bark.

Caring for Your Indoor Citrus Tree

Citrus trees are tropical plants that require lots of light, warmth, and adequate moisture in order to thrive and produce fruit.

• Light. Look for a spot in your home where the plant will get as much bright light as possible, such as a south or southwest facing window. If your plants don’t get at least 6 hours of direct light a day (which they likely won’t in more northern climates) you’ll need to provide a supplemental light source. A tall LED grow light will replicate sunshine and also provide a little heat. Position it about 18 inches above the canopy, and don’t put it to close or it might burn the leaves.
• Temperature. Citrus does best when grown in air temperatures between 55 and 80°F. In order to flower, you tree will need about 5-10  degrees of difference between day and nighttime temperatures, so turn your thermostat down a few degrees before bed. When the weather warms up, you can move plants outdoors during the growing season to give them access to natural light.
• Water. It is important that your potted tree’s soil should remain moist without becoming waterlogged. Infrequent deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering – allow the soil dry to a couple of inches deep, then water thoroughly until water seeps out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot. With citrus, yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, as can citrus leaf curl.
• Citrus tree fertilizer. Since regular watering can leach nutrients, it is important to provide a source of citrus fertilizer for indoor plants (you can find products labeled specifically for use on citrus plants on Citrus.com). Apply fertilizer just as new growth is beginning to appear in the late winter or early spring, and continue through the summer until growth slows down in fall.
• Pruning. While pruning is not necessary for healthy growth and fruit production, it is useful to keep indoor trees compact and mobile. Trees can be pruned at any time during the year except when blooming and developing fruit, as this diverts energy away from fruit production and into new foliar growth.

Managing Pests & Citrus Tree Diseases

Contrary to what you might expect, pests can become especially troublesome with indoor growing. Since there are not many natural predators indoors to keep pests in check, populations can grow rapidly and cause significant damage.

If you can and can move your citrus plant into the bathtub or onto the porch, a strong spray of water can often be enough to remove pests, including any honeydew and accompanying mold (make sure to spray the undersides of leaves).

You can also make a homemade insecticidal soap by filling a spray bottle with water, a couple of teaspoons of mild biodegradable soap, and a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil. Spray the foliage every few days, as long as the infestation persists.

When growing citrus in containers indoors, the trees aren’t as prone to citrus disease as they are outdoors. Keeping trees healthy by watering them well and providing adequate sunlight will help to avoid stressing your plants, making them even more resistant to citrus diseases.

Enjoy Your Slice of Paradise Year-Round!

Growing citrus indoors is very rewarding and with a little extra care and attention, your plants will be provide you with fresh fruit for years to come. Enjoy!

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