So You Want to Grow Citrus...

Having grown up in the Bay Area, one of my favorite memories of my childhood home was our massive orange tree in the backyard. With its beautiful deep green foliage, fragrant blooms, and large succulent winter fruits, orange trees hold a special place in my heart. 

There really isn't anything quite like a healthy citrus tree. They are particularly beautiful and produce tart fruits unlike anything else. How could anyone possibly say no to a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice or lemonade? There are many types to choose from, but the most commonly requested citrus types are lemons, limes, and oranges. They are wonderful to grow, but can you grow them here in Sonora? The answer is a little bit nuanced. 

Can you grow citrus in Sonora?

Citrus trees are generally known to thrive in hardiness zones 9-11. While Sonora is technically listed as zone 9a, we do have several days during the year where our nights can reach low temperatures that reflect zone 7 (USDA hardiness zones are based on average minimum temperatures recorded over a 30 year period). This presents some problems for citrus tree growers.

Many people do successfully grow citrus in our climate, but they need very intentional care. The biggest concern with citrus in this area is the cold. Typically fruiting in the winter, our nighttime temperatures simply drop too low for these trees to produce any meaningful amount of fruit. That is, of course, unless you are willing to take protective measures. 

So what can I do?

One way to protect your citrus is to keep it covered with a frost cloth. This is a high maintenance option, as you have to constantly keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare your tree whenever the night temperatures drop below freezing. Another option is to keep it underneath an overhang. Some people will keep their dwarf citrus trees in a pot that they can move into a greenhouse, garage, or covered area during the wintertime. You will need to make sure that your tree receives enough sunlight during the day when it is not directly outside. 

A creative approach that some people (depending on elevation) have found success with is wrapping your citrus tree with incandescent string lights! The small amount of heat produced by these lights can sometimes be enough to protect your tree from the cold.

Are there any other considerations when growing citrus trees?

I have noticed that some citrus varieties can be difficult to procure in California due to heightened quarantine restrictions. First detected in 2012, a citrus disease called Huanglongbing (also referred to as “citrus greening” or “HLB”) started wiping out entire crops of citrus trees and triggered the implementation of citrus quarantine zones in California and other states. Sonora is not inside a quarantine zone, but these zones have caused some disruption in nursery production and distribution. Our local nurseries do still typically carry citrus in stock, just give them a call to see what they have available if you are interested. 

Conclusion

When asked if citrus is a good option for growing in Sonora, my answer is always “yes, but…”. If it’s something you really want to grow there are definitely ways to make it happen, it may just take a little extra time and attention.