Citrus Plants: Fresh Flavor and Fragrance, Even in Winter

Very frost tender and not grown for juice, this lime is valued for its intensely aromatic leaves, widely used in Southeast Asian cooking. It is also known as Makrut or Indonesian lime.

Oranges fall into four main groups: Navel, Common, Pigmented (blood oranges), and Sugar or acidless oranges. Navel oranges—such as ‘Washington’ and ‘Cara Cara’—are early ripening, seedless, sweet, and easy to peel, making them the best choice for containers. Common oranges are generally grown for juice and tend to be too seedy for home use.

Tangerines are a type of mandarin orange and are sweeter, less tart, and easier to peel. ‘Clementine’ is an excellent container choice, producing juicy, sweet fruit that ripens from late fall into winter and is usually seedless.

A hybrid of tangerine and kumquat, calamondin produces small, very tart fruit that is both edible and decorative. It tolerates cooler indoor conditions better than many citrus and excels as an ornamental with culinary potential.

Kumquats are among the hardiest citrus for container growing. Their unique fruit features a sweet edible peel and a sour, juicy center. They require slightly less water than other citrus and adapt well to indoor life.

Grapefruit trees are not recommended for container culture due to their large size and vigorous growth habit.

Successful fruiting depends on meeting a few critical environmental needs.

Light
Citrus requires 8–12 hours of bright, direct light daily. During winter, supplemental grow lights are often essential. Rotate containers weekly to ensure even light exposure and balanced growth.

Temperature
Ideal temperatures range from 65–85°F. Avoid placing plants near cold drafts or heating vents. During winter, maintaining a minimum temperature around 50°F allows plants to rest while still supporting fruit development.

Pollination
While many citrus plants are self-pollinating, indoor trees benefit from a little assistance. Use a soft brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen between flowers. Making a buzzing sound like a bee is optional—but encouraged for fun.

Choose containers with excellent drainage and always empty saucers after watering—never allow pots to sit in water for more than ten minutes. Lightweight containers such as plastic or fiberglass make seasonal moving easier.

Use a well-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite. The soil must be able to re-wet easily after drying out. Chalet’s custom-labeled Potting Soil is a soil-less mix treated with yucca extract, allowing it to absorb water efficiently straight out of the bag.

Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer at planting, then supplement with a liquid fertilizer such as SuperThrive GROW (7-9-5 plus 11 micronutrients) applied weekly with watering.

Repot citrus every two to three years, or when roots outgrow the container. Trim overly long roots, refresh the potting mix, and remember: roots grow down and out, never up. Always place new soil beneath and around the rootball—not on top.

Citrus are heavy feeders and require balanced nutrition.

Use citrus-specific or fruit tree fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio near 6-4-6, along with essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese. Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer or Bud & Bloom Booster work well outdoors during the growing season. 

Citrus grown indoors are susceptible to common pests, but effective solutions are available.

Earth-Friendly Options include cold-extracted neem oil, insecticidal soap, and yellow sticky traps for monitoring flying insects.

Synthetic Controls such as systemic imidacloprid, pyrethroid sprays, and horticultural oil provide stronger intervention when infestations are severe. Always follow label instructions carefully, especially for indoor use.

In winter, gradually acclimate plants indoors to prevent shock. Reduce watering to match slower growth—daily watering outdoors often becomes once weekly indoors—and increase humidity with trays or humidifiers.

From spring through early fall, transition plants outdoors slowly after frost danger has passed. Choose a sheltered, sunny location and monitor carefully during rainy periods.

Prune to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain shape, always disinfecting tools. Be mindful of timing: citrus flowers form primarily on new growth, so avoid heavy pruning at the end of summer.

Harvest fruit when it is fully colored and slightly firm. Taste testing is the best indicator of ripeness. Cut fruit carefully to avoid damaging branches.

Store harvested citrus in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for up to a month. Avoid stacking fruit to prevent bruising.

Enjoy citrus fresh, zested, or juiced. Use it in syrups, marmalades, and preserves, or incorporate whole fruits into decorative centerpieces for a fragrant, seasonal touch.

Growing citrus in Zone 5 is a satisfying blend of gardening skill and everyday joy. With the right varieties and care, your citrus plants can brighten January days—and reward you with fresh flavor all year long.