The Best Time to Plant Citrus Trees in Florida

Safety

Thinking about growing your own citrus in Florida? Planting season begins this month. Make sure to choose the right tree for your yard, prepare the space correctly, and carefully plant your tree. Citrus tree care includes proper watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest and disease control.

Drive through the state of Florida and you’re bound to see orange groves and roadside grapefruit stands. If you are a Florida homeowner and you aren’t growing your own citrus, what are you waiting for?

Citrus planting season is upon us, so buckle up and soak in our tips to start cultivating your own private grove.

Plant Citrus Trees Starting Now

Planting recommendations vary based on several factors, including type of tree selected and location in Florida. Generally speaking, the best time to plant citrus trees in Florida is July through October, according to the University of Florida IFAS extension.

However, consider your area’s high summer and low winter temperatures, knowing that a tree does best through heat waves and freezes when it’s already established in the ground. Some sources recommend planting in late winter or early spring to ensure your citrus is fully established ahead of these seasonal changes, such as the blazing summer of south Florida or later frosts and freezes of north Florida.

Choose the Right Tree for Your Yard

Before you jump into planting, take a little time for planning. Citrus commonly grown in Florida includes oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits, and there are multiple varieties of each fruit available.

Did you know that different orange varieties ripen in different months? You can have oranges ripening almost throughout the year if you plant the right kinds.

Choose the type(s) you’d like to grow, then look at their mature size. Consider a dwarf variety if you don’t have enough space for a large tree.

Prepare the Space

Choose your planting site, knowing that citrus trees do best in full to partial sunlight and sandy soil. If you live in an area with thick clay, add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Make sure your tree is planted at least six feet from nearby plants and trees.

Plant Citrus Trees Correctly

  • Dig a hole 1.5 to 2 times the size of your tree’s root ball. The top of the root ball should be even with the ground.
  • Gently fill the hole in with soil using your hands.
  • Use your hands to form a berm around the trunk
  • Water deeply, and fill in any new air holes with more soil.
  • Apply mulch around the berm.

Of course, temperature, soil type, and susceptibility to flooding varies by area across the state. Planting recommendations may differ depending on where you are located.

Care for Your Citrus Trees

Watering

Keep your citrus well watered by watering deeply about once a week. Adjust accordingly based on rainfall, temperature, and soil drainage.

Fertilizing

During the growing season, fertilize citrus trees every six to eight weeks. Make sure to research specific fertilization recommendations for your citrus type and tree size and variety.

Pruning

Late winter or early spring is the time to prune. Remove unhealthy or dead branches, and thin out the canopy if needed. Pruning promotes air circulation, encourages new growth and fruit production, and keep the tree healthy.

Pest and Disease Control

Watch out for common pests such as citrus scale or citrus aphids. In the case of these pests or others, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as your first defense. Keep an eye out for citrus canker, citrus greening, and other diseases. Make sure to correctly identify any disease or pest before tackling it to ensure effective control and to avoid additional harm.