We have over 40 citrus trees here at Tullamore Farm including traditionals like oranges, mandarins and grapefruit.
Citrus does well in this region and they are fairly low work once established. They can have problems with leaf miner and deficiencies, yet because they are so popular there is a lot of information online and a lot of great short videos on YouTube.
Because citrus are so popular most nurseries or sales outlets have good knowledge and good ranges of options. The best time to plant citrus trees in South East Queensland is during the cooler months, from April to August, to avoid the heat stress of summer.
Citrus trees prefer well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Sandy loam soils are ideal, but they can also adapt to clay soils provided there is good drainage. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other diseases, so if the natural drainage is inadequate, consider planting on raised beds or ridges.
Select a sunny spot with good air circulation.
Prepare the planting site by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and structure. We are on very heavy clay and the larger and deeper the hole the better. They take a little longer to establish but do well once they are established.
Water the tree thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base, keeping the mulch away from the trunk to prevent collar rot.
Citrus can be pruned at any time and respond well to pruning.
This allows them to be maintained at a manageable size and gives the tree a healthy flush of new growth. When pruning use the healthy pruning’s as mulch in other parts of the garden. Anything diseased or with Leaf miner should not be used as mulch.
Citrus fruits in South East Queensland can be harvested almost year-round, depending on the variety.
Oranges and mandarins are typically ready in winter, while lemons and limes can be harvested throughout the year. The best way to determine ripeness is by taste and colour.
