Intro
The citrus group of plants is a large family consisting of lemons, limes and grape fruit and kumquats to name a few. These for the most part are a tropical group with a few exceptions that we may be able to grow here on the West Coast with some protection. For most of these, growing as a potted plant outside during the warmer months of spring, summer and fall and then inside during the cold is a happy compromise. Flowers can be used in teas, the leaves of some as flavouring and the fruits and rinds can be used fresh, juiced and in baking and jams and chutneys.
History
Citrus are native to Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia where they grow wild. They were introduced in Rome around the 1st Century. There are now a dizzying array of varieties available from mouth puckeringly sour to sweet. To gardeners in colder climates, they are often though of as the impossible. The Orangerys of the 17th and 18th Century England and France were dreams that only the most wealthy of people could dream of. Now there are a number of hardier varieties that can be grown with a little bit of help during very cold winters, right here in the Pacific Northwest, many others can be grown right in your living room and, with the advent of more affordable greenhouses, the dream of having an Orangery of your own is within reach!
Growing and Containers
For most of our Citrus fruit, we grow them in containers so we can bring them inside in the winter. If you are lucky enough to have a micro climate warm enough for you to attempt to grow outside year- round, I am deeply jealous! Citrus appreciate a full sun position with a fertile, slightly acidic soil and plenty of humidity (a pebble dish will help) and ample water. A large enough container that you are not cramping the roots but still able to carry inside in the winter is a must. I find the plastic and double walled plastic containers to be fantastic. These are hungry plants so a well-balanced, water soluble fertilizer should be applied every 3 weeks during spring and summer. You can grow citrus true to variety by grafting and by cuttings. Citrus seeds are fairly easy to grow but they will not come true to seed.
Pruning
The best time to prune your Citrus is right before they bloom in the spring, though you can remove any damaged or dead branches at any time. Prune for balanced shape and to keep smaller so that your tree is manageable, and fairly open in habit. Most varieties have rather wicked thorns so do take care when pruning!
Pollination
Citrus are self fruitful and you can increase pollination by tapping the flowers to distribute the pollen. Bees do love these simple flowers as well and if your citrus is outside you will see the blossoms covered with many different species of bees!