Citrus

Citrus Trees – Best In New Zealand!

Growing fruit such as Citrus in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste.
• Lower grocery costs.
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Convenience.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

Lemons, Mandarins, Oranges, Grapefruit, and more, we’ll help you find the right fruit tree for your space. Our vast range of citrus have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Citrus trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Citrus Tree Questions

1. When is the best time to plant citrus?

Citrus are best planted any time from mid-autumn until late spring. During this time, they can cope with the stresses associated with planting (root damage mainly) more easily than if they have to also cope with heat and moisture stress as well. They can be planted in summer provided they are well-watered and the roots have plenty of growing media attached when planted. If watering is a challenge, The Plant Company advises planting any time from late-autumn through

2. Which lemon tree is best NZ?

Meyer Lemons are certainly the most popular of the lemon varieties, however, are they the best? The answer to this question is how acidic you like your lemon to be as most of their other characteristics are very similar. The Plant Company ranks them as follows: Highly acidic, Lemon "Meyer", medium acidity, Lemon "Yen Ben" and Lemon "Eureka", and low acidity, Lemon "Lemonade".

The Plant Company has produced a suite of articles that covers everything you need to know about growing Lemons. Our goal is for you to grow a fantastic tree that rewards you with fabulous fruit. At the same time, we have the best lemon trees in NZ that are both competitively priced and of fantastic quality. Further, we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations with amazing service. Our impressive Google Rating shows we are good at what we do!

3. What is the best citrus tree?

The best citrus tree depends on what fruit you like. Certainly the most popular for the home garden where you have children are mandarins. If you are after a more manicured and aesthetic tree then limes are a great option. The options are vast for citrus so I invite you to check out The Plant Company’s range of citrus. We not only have the best trees but also detailed information and expert advice to help you get an amazing result.

4. What are the easiest citrus trees to grow?

The easiest citrus trees to grow are Meyer lemons. These are the traditional, acidic lemon with high acidity. They are relatively cold-tolerant and easy to grow, hence their popularity.

5. Are lemons easier to grow than oranges?

Some might say that lemons are easier to grow than oranges, only because lemons can tolerate colder climates. However, they both require the same conditions to grow, they both need feeding and watering the same, and they both suffer from the same pest and disease issues.

Here are some tips for growing lemons and oranges:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Feed them with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer.
• Mulch around the trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Protect from heavy frost, especially while they are establishing.

With proper care, your lemon or orange tree will thrive and produce delicious fruit for many years to come.

6. What is the fastest growing citrus tree?

Determining the absolute "fastest-growing" citrus tree is tricky, as growth rates can vary depending on multiple factors like:

• Variety: Different citrus varieties naturally have different growth rates. Some quick-growing contenders include:
  • Nagami kumquat: Known for its compact size and abundant early fruiting, reaching maturity in 3-5 years.
  • Meyer lemon: A fast-growing and prolific producer, reaching maturity in 3-4 years.
  • Valencia orange: A vigorous grower with heavy fruit production, maturing in 5-7 years.
  • Flying Dragon citrus: Grafted onto dwarf rootstock, these trees stay compact but fruit quickly, often within 2-3 years.
• Growing conditions: Ideal conditions like full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering, and proper fertilization can significantly boost growth compared to subpar conditions.
• Rootstock: Grafting citrus onto certain dwarfing rootstocks, like Flying Dragon, can promote faster growth and smaller tree size.
• Climate: Warm climates with long growing seasons tend to favor faster growth compared to colder regions.

Therefore, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the fastest-growing citrus tree. However, considering the points above, several varieties stand out for their potential speed:

• Nagami kumquat and Meyer lemon: Both known for early fruiting and rapid growth, suitable for smaller spaces.
• Valencia orange: A vigorous grower with heavy yields, but requires plenty of space and sun.
• Flying Dragon citrus: Ideal for limited space due to their compact size while still delivering early fruit.

Ultimately, choosing the "fastest" citrus tree for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like desired fruit, available space, climate, and care commitment before making your decision.

7. Where is the best place to plant citrus trees?

The best place to plant your citrus trees depends on a few key factors:

• Citrus loves sunshine! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is especially beneficial as it helps dry leaves and prevent fungal diseases. Avoid planting in deep shade as it will inhibit growth and fruit production.
• Citrus thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 6-6.5). Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture, and amend sandy soils with organic matter to improve drainage and moisture retention.
• Most citrus varieties prefer warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost. In Napier, you have some flexibility, but ideally choose a planting location that is sheltered from cold winds and late autumn frosts.
• Consider the mature size of the citrus tree you choose and ensure it has enough space to grow without crowding other plants or structures. Dwarf varieties are a good option for smaller spaces.
• Make sure the location is easily accessible for watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
• Protecting your trees from strong winds can reduce stress and fruit damage.
• Avoid planting too close to buildings, fences, or power lines to prevent future conflicts with root growth.