The benefits of growing your own Citrus trees

There is nothing quite like the joy of starting your citrus tree.

Their beauty and luscious foliage are exactly what most gardens need. With rewarding benefits growing citrus trees can be a delightful experience and they hold a special place in a lot of gardeners for various reasons, such as bearing the best winter fruits.

The growth of citrus trees

The satisfaction of cultivating your tree from young to maturity surely brings joy to any gardener. Any gardener will want to marvel at the beauty these trees bring. Since they are easy to grow, they make an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, with a wide range of citrus fruits grown on them, from oranges, grapefruits, lemons limes, and even naartjies. With each variety, there is a uniqueness to the flavour, scent, and beauty of your garden making it a delightful sensory experience.

When cultivating your tree, it’s crucial to select the right version based on the province you stay in. Each province in South Africa is suited for a specific type of citrus fruit to be grown depending on the province’s climate. The Western Cape specializes in Naartjies while Mpumalanga specializes in Oranges, Lemons, or Limes. This is all due to the climate. The trees prefer proper watering with consistently moist soils, but they don’t like to be in waterlogged conditions.

Most citrus trees are designed or perfect for large garden spaces they grow taller filling up your garden with lush green leaves. Adding an elegant touch to the landscape of your garden.

When planting, don’t plant close to your walls as the root system can get extensive. As long as your trees receive the right growing conditions, such as ample sunlight, proper watering, and sufficient space, you can watch your citrus trees grow from tiny bulbs into large trees as they mature.

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Caring for your citrus tree

Any plant grown requires the right care to maintain its growth. Citrus trees are no different. Caring for your citrus tree involves several essential aspects that contribute to its overall health and productivity. One of the important vital factors is fertilization in the tree’s early stage.

As the citrus tree grows, aim to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become soggy. This will of course take trial and error as a beginner gardener. Pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the tree, promoting better air circulation so removing dead or diseased branches is key.