We grow them by the millions, so we've got some tips on how you can grow a little citrus of your own right at home!

At Florida's Natural, we are constantly on the lookout for helpful information and advice to share with you. We hope you enjoy this and future articles from our growing network of experts.

By Sue Williams , Adams County, PA. Master Gardener

Children often wonder if they can grow a tree from the seeds found inside oranges, tangerines, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Yes, as long as the seed is not damaged, the odds are good that it will produce a plant. But, you need to know that seedlings experience a very long period before they flower and bear fruit- perhaps seven years or more! Most citrus grown for indoor home use are dwarf varieties that are either cuttings grown or grafted on a dwarfing rootstock. By using cuttings or grafts from mature trees, a plant is produced that is ready to begin fruiting right away.

According to Leslie Land, garden writer for the New York Times, if you are serious about citrus, consider trees that are sold for pot culture like the Meyer lemon and other dwarf varieties. The “improved” Meyer Lemon tree is the most popular of all citrus trees, easy to grow, prolific in its blooming and fruiting, and a favorite of chefs for gourmet recipes. If you are looking for an unusual plant to give as a gift, consider a dwarf kumquat, lemon, tangerine, or a handsome calamondin orange with small white blooms that perfume the house.

Citrus Varieties That Thrive Indoors

Calamondin
The plants have wide, lush leaves and bright orange fruit that resemble small tangerines.

Kaffir Lime
A lime tree that also boasts delicious leaves used in Southeast Asian dishes.

Meiwa Kumquat
These kumquats are sweet, round, and perfect for eating fresh.

Meyer Lemon
The lemons are deep yellow and the trees will bear lots of fruit.

Caring for Indoor Citrus

Location
Make sure your plants receive five to six hours of sunlight. Set your tree in a southern exposure, if possible, or supplement the light by using 40-watt fluorescent shop lights above the plants.

Fertilizer
Use an acidic fertilizer during the plants’ active growing season in late winter, June and August. Use a high-nitrogen, low-phosphorus food (20-10-10), or one specifically for citrus every time you water.

Water
Your pot must have good drainage as you water every few days. Mist the leaves and give your tree a shower occasionally.

Humidity
In winter homes have drier air, so fill a tray with pebbles and place it under the pot. Water from the pot will drain into the tray and evaporate, increasing the humidity.

With the right care and a little luck, your own personal citrus grove will bring you great enjoyment and last for years. Just imagine strolling into your living room or kitchen to pluck a lemon for use in your favorite lemon bar recipe or limes for Tex-Mex dressing. In late winter, you can order dwarf citrus trees from mail-order nurseries or you will be able to purchase them from your local garden centers a bit later in the spring.

Article excerpt used with kind permission of "The Master Gardeners":
www.emmitsburg.net/gardens

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