Guide to growing citrus

Citrus trees grow so well in most parts of Australia that it’s easy to treat them with benign neglect. But by giving your citrus good care from the beginning, they’ll develop into healthy trees that will crop abundantly and, with their fragrant flowers and glossy foliage, add beauty to your garden.

In temperate and subtropical climates, most citrus grow happily. Cumquat, Meyer lemon and calamondin are good for cold areas, while lemon, pomelo and lime do well in the tropics. In recent years more exotic varieties such as native Australian finger lime, makrut lime, pomelo and yuzu have become readily available. No matter the variety, make sure you buy citrus that are grafted onto a hardy rootstock.

Citrus do best in a sunny position with good drainage. If drainage is doubtful, build a raised bed, adding a 3-5cm layer of gravel to the base of the planting hole, or grow your citrus in planters or pots. In frosty climates, a position next to a north-facing wall will hold heat and provide wind protection.