edible GARDENS
Growing Indoor Citrus by SARAH J. NIELSEN / photography by JENNA NORTHCUTT AND BROOKE LARK
T
exas citrus rakes in more than $200 million for the
When will you get to see the fruits of your labor? Well, orang-
Texas economy every year. Though the bulk of the har-
es are traditional Christmas gifts because most varieties ripen
vest comes from ruby red grapefruit and sweet orange
beginning in October. Some varieties fruit nearly all year, in-
orchards, did you know there are almost endless modern variet-
cluding the beautiful but sour calamondin, a miniature orange
ies of citrus that can be grown indoors in containers? Whether
variety traditionally used in Asian cuisines. Lemons and limes
classic or modern hybrid, between the multitude of lemons, man-
also produce often, with four to five “flushes” of growth annu-
darin oranges, makrut limes, tangelos, clementine, and lemon or
ally, each capable of flowering and setting fruit. These stop in
lime-kumquat crosses, there’s a citrus tree suited for every style.
spring and lay dormant until the heat of summer recedes. Mey-
Growing citrus indoors isn’t hard, but there are a few important things to consider. These plants need specially formulated, slightly acidic potting soil, and they do best in an environment free from drafts with at least eight hours of sunlight during winter and tem-
er lemons produce from August through March, and the Eureka variety of lemon produces from July to March. During growth, all citrus plants have phases of fruit drop, where they normally shed flowers and fruit.
peratures kept between 65° and 85°. Citrus plants need higher nitro-
You can probably find citrus plants for sale year-round, but
gen levels during the flowering stage and lower levels of fertilizer
they’re more likely to be available during the flowering/fruiting
during dormant season in late spring and summer; check with your
seasons (March through September) and on sale during dorman-
local nursery to find the proper fertilizer. Choose a plant that’s at
cy (after Christmas).
least 2 or 3 years old if you want it to fruit immediately, and make sure that the leaves are dark, well-formed and glossy, and that the major branches are balanced. Citrus can be planted in any kind of pot or planter that’s big enough — just be sure the pot has several drainage holes in the bottom, because citrus plants don’t like wet feet. Consider adding a water meter to make sure the plant is ade-
In addition to the visual beauty of your new indoor fruit plants, they’ll help clean your air and provide an intoxicating fragrance. You’ll enjoy fresh fruit and fruit juice, and you can even make use of the whole fruit by candying the citrus peels for delicious snacks, garnishes and gifts.
quately hydrated without being overwatered. EdibleAustin.com / 43
