‘Eureka’ lemon tree loaded with fruit

I’ve been collecting citrus trees in my garden these last few years, and I have to admit I’m hooked!

Along with fresh herbs, citrus fruit has become a staple at my house. I keep a large bowl on the table, with lemons, limes, oranges and the occasional grapefruit inevitably outnumbering the other seasonal offerings. Salads, drinks, cooking and baking can always use some fresh juice or zest, and I absolutely relish a good batch of lemon curd now and then…

You can have all kinds citrus in your garden, too. They’re fairly easy to grow, and there are so many different kinds that do well here. The flowers smell phenomenal, plus the ornamental value of glossy, evergreen leaves against the lush display of fruit is hard to beat.

Planting in containers is just fine (especially with semi-dwarf varieties, since they only top out between 8-12′). You can even graduate in container size as you go, as long as you end up in something about the size of a 1/2 wine barrel. Use Master Pride Potting Soil, or Recipe 420 Potting Soil, along with a nice starter fertilizer (like Master Start or Sure Start). In-ground plantings get started off right when you add plenty of rich Paydirt into the native soil, along with the fertilizer. For happy, productive plants, fertilize regularly (typically each month or so) with E.B Stone or Master Nursery Citrus Food .

Home grown ‘Washington Navel’ oranges

We carry lots of citrus all through the year, and we make sure to grow the unusual varieties as well as the favorites. Here are a few of the coolest:

Meyer lemons are the tastiest!

‘Meyer’ lemon– there’s a reason these are so popular; just one taste will tell you why. Full flavored, with a delightful balance between tart and sweet. Ultra productive, too, with year-round fruiting.

‘Bearss’ (or Persian) lime– Bigger, juicier, and more flavorful than the kind you’d find at the store, and I must say, this is the tastiest lime I’ve ever tried. Grows better in Sonoma County than any other lime.

young limes

‘Owari Satsuma’ mandarin- hardy and vigorous, with a bushier appearance than other citrus. Plentiful, snack-sized fruit.

For something different, try a few on the more exotic side:

‘Variegated Pink’ lemon– Clear/ pink flesh inside of green & yellow striped rind, with nice acidity. The foliage is downright gorgeous, with bold cream-colored splashes and bright pink new leaves.

variegated pink lemon leaves

‘Kieffer’ lime– the leaves are used in Asian cooking, as are the small bumpy limes. Deep purple-red new growth adds visual contrast amongst the green fruit.

Kumquat– Smaller than other citrus, Kumquats are unique in that the whole fruit is eaten; peel and all! Flavors range from tart to semi-sweet.

Nagami Kumquat

You can plant any of these (and many more) right now, so come in and see our selection- there’s a lot to choose from!