Citrus in Seattle

Moving Indoors for Winter

Citrus enjoys being outside in the Seattle summer just like we do. But to keep your citrus healthy, move them inside when nighttime temperatures drop below 40°F, usually by the end of October. A bright, sunny window or an enclosed porch that doesn’t drop below freezing is ideal. Supplement with a full-spectrum light bulb if needed. Before bringing your plants indoors, spray them with an organic insecticide like Neem Oil to prevent pests, and mist the leaves with water to keep bugs at bay.

Watering Wisely

Consistency is key when it comes to watering citrus. They prefer soil that is moist but never soggy. Check the root level to see if the soil has dried before watering. A wilting tree that perks up within 24 hours after watering indicates it got too dry. Aim for deep watering once or twice a week, adjusting based on weather conditions.

 

Feeding Your Citrus

Citrus trees are heavy feeders and thrive on nitrogen-rich fertilizers. We recommend fertilizing every 8 weeks with a fertilizer that has at least a 2:1:1 ratio of N:P:K. Our favorites are an organic 7:3:3 Citrus fertilizer or Miracle Gro® Miracid® 30:10:10. 

 

Repotting for Success

To keep your citrus healthy, repot them with fresh soil every year or two. Use a high-quality potting soil with good drainage, like a Cactus/Citrus mix. When repotting, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil and press the soil lightly around it for stability.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ask for a copy of our citrus-growing flier packed with tips on dealing with wilted, yellowing, or sticky leaves, spider mites and white or grayish leaves. 

 

Ready to start your citrus journey? Visit us at Magnolia Garden Center to shop our selection of citrus trees and repotting and fertilizing supplies.