Citrus fruits are indeed one of the tastiest and healthiest fruits available in nature. There is nothing like a glass of orange juice for breakfast to kick-start your day; a dash of lime juice on your salad can indeed perk up its taste. Citrus fruits have very good nutritive value. They are rich in Vitamin C or ascorbic acid.

Eating a whole orange fruit provides the body a good source of fiber. Citrus fruits are fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free. They also contain a host of beneficial minerals and vitamins. The aroma given out by the citrus tree leaves is extremely fragrant and has a pleasing and relaxing effect on us. What's more, according to the Chinese belief of Feng Shui, placing citrus trees such as lemon, lime and orange in front of the home is considered to be very auspicious. So isn't it reason enough to make it part of your garden?

Citrus trees can be planted any part of the year. In the colder regions it is better to avoid planting in the winters. You need a hot, sunny place in the garden, and the soil should be well drained. Choose a plant from a nursery that has been grafted onto special rootstocks. The plant should have healthy, deep green leaves and preferably with no or few fruits. Some rootstocks offer significant resistance to diseases caused by the fungus Phytophthora, viruses, and nematodes. Rootstock varieties also influence the flavor and sweetness of the fruit. The total yield of the tree and its cold-tolerance is also determined by the root-stock variety used.

To plant a citrus tree, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. This is crucial because a tree planted too low will result in the trunk stays wet and is prone to rotting. If the tree is planted too high, the root ball dries because of the exposure to air and the tree is in the danger of getting dehydrated. After planting, the hole has to be filled again with soil. Halfway through filling, pack the soil tightly, so that the tree gets a firm anchoring. Fill the rest of the soil and now a slow release fertilizer can be mixed at this stage. A well should be created around the tree, so that water percolates till the root ball. The well can refilled every three days initially and then the frequency can be increased particularly in the summer months.

The plant from the nursery may have burlap covered around its tree trunk to protect them from the sun. It is advisable to leave the covering while planting. Citrus trees normally do not require pesticide spray but can be sprayed with Cygon, Diazinon, or Malathion spray if needed. However, if blossoms are present it is better to avoid spraying. Pruning can be done during early spring or fall. Citrus fruits can be harvested from a plant in five years time after planting.

Citrus trees can also be grown in containers. Usually a dwarf variety is preferred. Place a layer of rich, fast-draining potting soil in the bottom of the pot and then place the tree in it. The top of the root ball should be 2" to 3" below the edge of the container. This should be placed in a sunny part of the garden and watered regularly. When frost sets in, the plant should be moved indoors.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas