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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have specialty varieties?

Yes! We are located at 30232 FM493, Hargill, TX 78549
Please give us a call at (956) 845-6128 so we can be prepared for your visit!
 

Are US Citrus trees disease free? 

Yes. All US Citrus trees are grown in TDA certified nursery facilities. Furthermore, the facilities are routinely inspected and trees are tested for diseases by the USDA. 
 

What is micro-budding?

Micro-budding is an all-natural grafting method developed by our founder and CEO, Dr. Mani Skaria, a retired university citrus scientist. It is a process which involves hand grafting done at a young age, combining the best qualities of a hearty root stock with the delicious qualities of the chosen graft. 
 

What root stock does US Citrus use?

Brazilian Sour Orange or Trifoliate. 
 

Can I grow citrus with organic methods?

Yes you can quite easily, by using organic insecticides and fertilizes which we have listed in our care guide.
 

How often and how much should I water?

We have created a watering schedule to give a guide to watering, but like humans, water needs can be highly variable depending on conditions. At the end of the day looking at your tree and its leaves is very important. They can become withered if the soil is overly dry or waterlogged. 
Conditions that necessitate increased water requirements are: new trees transplanted within the last month and dry, windy and hot environments. 
It is difficult to overwater your potted tree, unless you are using a garden saucer that doesn’t allow for proper drainage. These are very useful when keeping indoors and when going away on vacation, but use caution to not water-log the plant if it is indoors and you are using a saucer. 
If you have just transplanted the tree and it is indoors with a saucer, we recommend watering daily for one month, but apply a small amount each day, ~1/4 of a gallon right to the trunk of the tree.
 

When and what do I use for fertilizer?

Follow our fertilizer schedule on our citrus tree care guide We have timings and fertilizer options listed.
 

When do I harvest citrus?

Depending on the variety, some varieties bear fruit multiple times a year, while others fruit only in the winter-spring time. Each variety will have its distinctive characteristics indicating when it is ripe. 
 

Will you help me during the growing process?

Checkout our complete care guide.
 

How long does citrus last on a tree?

Unlike other fruit, citrus has a thick rind, allowing to stay on the tree for a longer amount of time. So during its ripe season, the fruit will stay on the tree without having to be harvested for a few weeks. This allows you to harvest the fruit as needed. 
 

What are some common pitfalls that cause citrus trees to die?

Poor transplanting into a pot, insufficient water in the few months, insufficient water during dry/hot/windy climates, insect and diseases (especially in humid areas), and exposure to weather below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours (or even a few hours in weather below 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rarely, over-watering occurs when keeping the tree indoors, in a saucer and watering too much daily. 
 

What do I do about freezing weather?

Bring the plants indoors for freezing weather. You can either bring them in for the season with the first expected freeze, or you can take them back outdoors if the weather allows and there is a break in the freezing weather. Either method is acceptable.  
 

What sort of sunlight and heat is best for my tree?

Maximize sunshine until about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then citrus trees enjoy partial shade. In high temperatures with direct sunlight, there may be leaf burn and leaf wilting during the day, but the tree will do well as long as its getting enough water. 
 

If I do have a citrus tree planted outdoors, how do I protect it during freezing weather?

You can wrap the tree with a burlap sack, and water along the base to create ice, which will have an igloo-effect and possibly protect your tree from extreme cold.
Also, one can wrap the tree with strings of incandescent (non-LED) Christmas lights for heat and then wrap the tree with plastic. Be careful to adjust the covering during the day as needed as to not burn your tree!
 

Should I use gro-lights in the winter?

You certainly can use a safe grow-light during the winter months. 
 

How do I keep citrus indoors for the winter?

Keep a garden saucer underneath your tree if kept indoors to prevent water damage to your flooring and adjust your watering accordingly. Water around the saucer base will give a bit of local humidity around your tree which it will enjoy. You can place rocks in the saucer in order to take up some of the surface area and volume of the saucer and fill with water.  Keep the plant near a windowsill for sunlight if possible, and away from drafts of dry air and any curious pets or children!
 

How do I keep my citrus in a garage for the winter?

Keep in mind that a garage will keep the plants in temperatures about 20 degrees or so above the outside ambient temperatures, and protect from wind. But in the northern states, this still may be too cold for citrus trees. An easy, inexpensive solution is to use the low setting for a small space heater a few feet away from the plants. Be careful not to overheat or blow too much dry air onto your plants!
You may keep your trees in the garage in total darkness, intermittent darkness by opening your garage when weather permits or you may use grow lights to keep stimulating growth. 
The advantage of grow-lights is continued growth during the winter time. Keep in mind that plants which are actively growing are more susceptible to cold damage. 
Keeping your tree in darkness will induce hibernation. There will not be active growth during this time, but the tree’s bark will undergo physiological changes, including hardening which will be beneficial in the future. 
 

Regulations Concerning the Movement of Citrus

USDA regulations prevent us to transport citrus or to ship outside of the following counties: Webb, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Brooks, Starr, Kenedy, Jim Hogg, Kleberg, and Nueces.