How to Manage Pests

Site selection

Most citrus are adapted to warmer, tropical or subtropical climates. Choose a site with well-drained soil that receives full sun most of the day and is protected from strong winds. Do not plant citrus in a lawn or with other plants that require frequent irrigation.

Depending upon the variety, citrus trees are generally damaged at temperatures below about 24° F and fruit, depending upon the stage of ripening, can be damaged at temperatures below 26° F. Cold-temperature sensitivity depends on many factors such as how long it stays cold, the weather prior to the cold, the position or exposure of your tree, the variety, and fruit maturity.

Some citrus also need warm summer climates for the fruit to ripen properly. If the location is too cool, the fruit quality will be poor with little sugar production in the fruit. In cooler summer areas it may take months longer for the fruit to reach an adequate sugar percentage to be harvestable. If you are in a cool summer area, try to plant on the south side of a dark wall to increase the heat units and improve fruit quality.