Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
How to Grow Citrus Trees in Containers in Arizona
Love the idea of growing your own citrus but don't have room for a full-size tree? Growing citrus in a container can be a great option for patios, courtyards and other smaller outdoor spaces.
With the right citrus variety, container, potting mix and care, you can enjoy fragrant blossoms, attractive foliage and fresh citrus—even when garden space is limited.
Choose the Right Citrus Tree for a Container
When choosing citrus for a container, start by considering the mature size of the tree. Dwarf and semi-dwarf citrus varieties are generally the best choices because their smaller size makes them easier to maintain in a container.
Some citrus varieties to consider include:
- Australian Finger Lime
- Buddha's Hand Lemon
- Kieffer/Kaffir (Thai) Lime
- Fukushu Kumquat
- Limequat
- Mandarinquat
- Mexican Key Lime
- Owari Satsuma Mandarin
- Variegated Calamondin Orange
Not sure which one to choose? Our Trusted Garden Advisors can help you find a citrus tree that fits your space and what you'd like to grow.
Choose the Right Container
Your citrus tree's container needs to provide enough room for its roots while allowing excess water to drain freely.
Look for a sturdy container with adequate drainage holes. Terra cotta, ceramic, plastic and other outdoor containers can all work well as long as they provide good drainage.
Avoid starting a young tree in a container that's much larger than its existing root ball. Too much potting mix surrounding a small root system can make it more difficult to manage soil moisture.
For a young citrus tree growing in approximately a 10-inch nursery pot, consider moving up to a 16- to 18-inch container. As the tree grows, you can gradually move it into a larger container, such as a 20- to 24-inch pot.
Keep in mind that larger containers filled with potting mix and a mature citrus tree can become very heavy. If you think you'll need to move your tree seasonally, consider the container's weight and location before planting.
Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Good drainage is especially important when growing citrus in containers. Unlike citrus planted in the ground, container-grown trees have a limited amount of soil surrounding their roots, making the right potting mix especially important.
Choose a quality potting mix that drains well while still holding enough moisture for the roots.
We recommend E.B. Stone Organics Citrus & Palm Planting Mix, which is formulated for citrus, palms and other tropical plants.
Avoid filling containers with native garden soil. In a pot, heavier soil can compact and drain poorly.
Plant Your Citrus Tree
When you're ready to plant:
- Add enough potting mix to the bottom of the container so the tree will sit at the proper height.
- Carefully remove the citrus tree from its nursery pot and place it in the new container.
- Fill around the root ball with potting mix, gently firming it into place.
- Keep the top of the root ball near the same level it was growing in its nursery container rather than burying it deeply.
- Make sure the graft union—the slightly raised or scarred area where the citrus variety was grafted onto its rootstock—remains above the soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the container.
If new shoots begin growing from below the graft union, remove them. These shoots grow from the rootstock rather than the citrus variety you selected.
Find the Right Location
Citrus trees need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit, but Arizona's intense summer sun and reflected heat can make container placement especially important.
Choose a location that provides plenty of sunlight while considering the conditions around the container. Areas next to west-facing walls, windows, block walls, pavement and other heat-reflecting surfaces can become significantly hotter during summer.
Young or newly planted citrus trees may need additional protection while becoming established, particularly from intense afternoon sun and reflected heat.
One advantage of growing citrus in a container is flexibility. Depending on the size and weight of your container, you may be able to adjust its location as conditions change throughout the year.
Water Container Citrus Thoroughly
Container-grown citrus needs consistent moisture, but it also needs good drainage.
When you water, apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the potting mix and allow water to drain from the bottom of the container. Then check the soil before watering again rather than relying on the same schedule year-round.
A moisture meter can be a helpful tool for checking moisture below the soil surface and helping you determine when it's time to water again.
How frequently your citrus needs water will depend on several factors, including:
- Time of year and temperature
- Size and type of container
- Size and maturity of the tree
- Amount of sunlight and reflected heat
- Wind
- Type of potting mix
During Arizona's hottest months, containers can dry out quickly and may need to be checked frequently. Watering needs will decrease as temperatures cool.
The goal is to keep the root zone adequately moist without keeping the potting mix continuously saturated.
Fertilize Your Container Citrus
Citrus trees need regular nutrients to support healthy growth and fruit production.
Fertilizing: Container-grown trees have a smaller root zone than citrus planted in the ground. Generally, fertilize container-grown citrus every month or two from late winter through early fall (approximately February through September), or as recommended on the fertilizer label. Always follow label directions for application rates appropriate for container plants.
Some citrus fertilizers available at SummerWinds include:
- E.B. Stone Organics Citrus & Fruit Tree Food
- Grow More Citrus Grower Blend
- Osmocote Plus Outdoor & Indoor
Protect Container Citrus from Extreme Temperatures
One benefit of growing citrus in a container is that you may have more options for protecting your tree when Arizona temperatures become extreme.
During Hot Weather
Container-grown plants can be more vulnerable to heat because their roots are surrounded by a relatively small volume of soil. Monitor soil moisture closely during hot weather and watch for excessive heat from nearby pavement, walls and other reflective surfaces.
If needed, move smaller containers to a location with protection from the most intense afternoon sun or use shade cloth to provide temporary protection.
Learn More About Gardening with Reflected Heat in Mind
During Cold Weather
Citrus varieties differ in their cold tolerance, with some types more sensitive to freezing temperatures than others.
When freezing temperatures are forecast, move smaller containers to a protected location when possible. For containers that can't easily be moved, frost cloth can help protect the tree. Placing the container near a wall or other protected area can also provide additional warmth.
Learn More About Protecting Plants from Frost
Prune Only as Needed
Citrus trees generally don't require extensive pruning.
Remove dead or damaged growth as needed, along with any shoots that emerge from below the graft union. Avoid excessive pruning, since the tree's foliage and lower branches can help protect the trunk and branches from Arizona's intense sun.
For a container-grown tree, occasional selective pruning can also help keep its size manageable while maintaining its natural shape.
Keep an Eye Out for Citrus Pests
Like citrus growing in the ground, container citrus can occasionally experience pest problems. Check your tree periodically, paying attention to new growth, leaves, stems and fruit. Catching a potential problem early can make it easier to determine what's happening and find an appropriate solution.
For help identifying common citrus pests and other citrus concerns, visit our Citrus Care page or bring photos of your tree to your local SummerWinds Nursery.
Grow Your Own Citrus
Whether you're hoping for homegrown lemons and limes, sweet mandarins or something a little more unusual, growing citrus in a container can bring fresh fruit, fragrant blossoms and year-round interest to your outdoor space.
Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore our selection of semi-dwarf citrus trees, containers, potting mixes, fertilizers and seasonal citrus-care products. Our Trusted Garden Advisors can help you choose the right combination for your space and answer your questions along the way.
