All about: Citrus Plants | January Plant of the Month

Being able to pick a fresh lemon off a tree in your home or garden is not just a dream. We have outlined the best citrus plants to use for container grown plants that move outside during the summer growing season; and back indoors for the winter. It is not difficult when you understand the few requirements – mostly a source of bright light, proper watering and regular fertilizing. Pick your favorite and start the new year with a fun project.


Why Grow Citrus in Zone 5?

Benefits

  • Fresh, homegrown citrus fruit. 
  • Decorative evergreen foliage and fragrant blossoms. 
  • Suitable for indoor and container gardening.
Challenges: 
  • Cold temperatures limit outdoor planting. 
  • Requires frost protection and proper care indoors.

 

Top Citrus Cultivars for Our Area

Lemon Varieties

Lemon, Citrus limon

Meyer LemonImproved Meyer Lemon

Lime Varieties

Bearrs Seedless Lime or Persian Lime, Citrus latifolia

Key-lime, Citrus aurantifolia

Kieffer Lime, Citrus hystrix

Other Citrus Varieties

Orange, Citrus sinenesis

Tangerine, Citrus reticulata

Calamondin, Citris x citrofortunella mitis (a hybrid cross between a tangerine and a Nagami kumquat)

Kumquat, Citrus japonica or Fortunella japonica

Grapefruit, Citrus paradisio


After browsing our citrus collection and picking a citrus plant learn all about how to help your citrus plant thrive in our challenging environment

Check out our blog post that covers care tips and how to harvest citrus! 


Jennifer Brennan

Chalet Horticulturist