Many citrus trees thrive when grown in pots. If you want to reap the benefits of indoor gardening, these 4 types of trees in pots are a great place to start.
Did you know that from 2017 to 2018, the per capita consumption of fresh citrus fruits in the U.S. reached 23.9 pounds? That's a lot of oranges, limes, and lemons!
After all, citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C and many other essential nutrients. They also supply us with calcium, folate, niacin, phytochemicals, potassium, and thiamin. To top it off, they have zero cholesterol, fat, and sodium content.
What's more, you can now enjoy all of these healthy (and tasty) benefits by growing citrus trees in pots!
Ready to plant some citrus trees in containers and bring the outdoors inside your home? Then let's start this list of the best types of citrus trees to grow in pots!
1. Improved Meyer Lemon Tree
Did you know that the maximum height of the true lemon tree ranges from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters)? That makes these trees much smaller than many other fruit-bearing trees. Since they are naturally small, lemon trees are some of the best trees for pots.
Also, thanks to the dwarf varieties, you can grow a Meyer lemon tree that's only 4 feet tall in a container. This lemon variety loves indirect sunlight, so you can set your potted tree out on a patio or by the window.
There are four "keys" to growing a Meyer lemon tree. These include enough sunlight, adequate drainage, correct potting soil, and proper pruning. With these, you can get an abundant harvest of Meyer lemons you can use for lemonades and other dishes!
2. Kaffir Lime Tree
What makes the Kaffir lime tree one of the best citrus trees in pots is that it's actually best suited indoors! This citrus plant thrives in containers, so long as there is adequate drainage. Outdoors, they can grow up to 5 feet tall, but in contained environments, their maximum height is about 3 feet.
Kaffir lime has glossy, deep green leaves that look like two leaves growing on top of each other. Most often, the "lower" leaf is smaller than the one growing on its tip. This is one of the citrus plant's main distinctive feature.
Also, it's the leaves that are mostly used in cuisines, thanks to their wonderful aroma and flavor. Makrut lime leaves are a key addition to the unique flavor you may have tasted in Tom Yum, Asian soups, and curries.
3. Nagami Kumquat Tree
Another dwarf citrus tree variety, a potted Nagami kumquat tree will only grow between 4 to 6 feet tall. The growing and caring process for this kumquat species are much like the Meyer lemon tree. A Nagami kumquat tree will do best when it gets at least six hours of daily exposure to sunlight.
With proper growing practices, you'll have an abundant supply of fruits, the rind of which you can even eat! You can make marmalade and preserves out of the fruits, or you can even dry them to make snacks.
4. Valencia Orange Trees
Valencia orange trees produce smooth-skinned fruits filled with Vitamin C-packed juice. That should be enough reason to grow a Valencia orange tree in a pot, right?
The fruit being a superfood with many benefits isn't its only pro: the tree itself is also very resistant to disease and pests!
Valencia orange trees do need between six to eight hours of sunlight though. If you have a window that lets in a lot of sunlight, that’s a good spot for your potted tree. You can also use a citrus grow light to maximize the light your tree receives.
Grow these Amazing Citrus Trees in Pots Now
There you have it, four of the best and easiest citrus trees in pots that you can grow on your own. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can reap their tasty and healthy fruits!
For more insights into growing citrus trees in pots or containers, check out more of the US Citrus blog.
Growing trees is fun, but if you want to have delicious, seasonal citrus fruit right away, join the Craft Citrus Club!
Get a curated box of fresh-harvested citrus fruit from South Texas sent to your door every month!
