Why We No Longer Offer Citrus Trees At Pepe’s Fruit Trees
We have decided to focus on tropical and subtropical fruit trees that are better suited for low-maintenance home growing. Citrus trees require intensive care, including regular applications of pesticides and precise management to address common pests and diseases such as the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Citrus Leaf Miner, citrus greening (HLB), and canker. These challenges make citrus less ideal for many home gardeners. We prefer to offer easier-to-grow options such as cacao, jaboticaba, and other tropical varieties that typically need less chemical intervention. For those interested in learning more about citrus cultivation, we have provided the detailed care information below. Citrus Tree Care Guide Growing citrus trees successfully requires consistent attention to soil conditions, watering, nutrition, and pest management. This guide outlines best practices based on experience growing citrus in Florida. Planting Citrus Trees Citrus trees require deep, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Choose a location where water does not collect around the roots. Test drainage by digging a 3–4 foot hole and filling it with water. The water should drain within 24 hours. If drainage is poor, consider building a raised bed. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. Soils with high alkalinity (above 8.0) or high lime content can cause chlorosis and nutrient deficiencies. Clear a 3-foot area around the planting site to reduce competition from grass and weeds. Avoid using mulch directly against the trunk, as it can retain excess moisture and promote fungal issues. Dig a hole 4–6 inches wider than the root ball and 4 inches deeper. For container-grown trees, gently remove the root ball and carefully spread any circling roots. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits 1 inch above ground level. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets, and create a temporary watering basin around the trunk. Root Development Support Incorporating mycorrhizal fungi at planting time helps establish a strong root system by improving nutrient and water uptake. Watering Guidelines Newly planted citrus trees should be watered three times per week for the first two weeks, then twice per week. Mature trees generally need a deep watering every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Adjust based on rainfall, as Florida’s summer rains often reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. Avoid overwatering, especially during cooler months. Fertilization Begin fertilizing one month after planting. Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer containing micronutrients monthly during spring and summer around the drip line. Recommended options include: - Vigoro 6-4-6 granular fertilizer - Espoma Citrus Tone (organic) - Cottonseed meal or Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus For younger trees (under 3 years), use a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season. For mature trees, shift toward lower-nitrogen formulas (such as 10-15-10) to support flowering and fruiting. Apply citrus nutritional sprays monthly during fall and winter. Container-grown trees benefit from rinsing the pots twice a year to remove salt buildup. Additional Care - Prune to maintain an open canopy and remove dead or crossing branches. - Monitor regularly for pests and diseases common to citrus. - Use appropriate rootstocks suited to Florida conditions, as many modern varieties offer better disease resistance than older sour orange rootstock. Citrus trees can be rewarding but demand ongoing commitment. For visual guidance, please refer to our upcoming planting video. Thank you for choosing Pepe’s Fruit Trees. We focus on providing reliable, lower-maintenance fruit trees for backyard growers and gardeners.
