| Milaegers

Have You Tried Growing Citrus?

Written by: Kevin Milaeger

April 28th, 2024

Everyone loves some kind of citrus fruit, so why not try growing it yourself? Our selection this year is the best we’ve seen in a long time. Citrus production in the USA has seen problems in recent years. During COVID, there were major production and supply chain issues. Then there was a virus that was affecting many kinds of citrus, so plants were difficult to procure. Now Milaeger’s has secured a steady supply from a grower who has been cleared of the virus and is certified to ship citrus to us. Citrus plants are leafy evergreens. They shed leaves sometimes, but they get new ones. They will need some pruning, just like any tree or shrub. Most citrus have white flowers that are sweetly fragrant, and of course fruit follows the flowers.

1gal Meyer lemon, calamondin, Persian lime

2gal Persian lime, Meyer lemon

The most popular types of citrus are lemons and limes. We offer mostly Meyer lemons and Persian limes. There are several size bushes, but not every variety in every size. We also have tree types, often called “standards.” One interesting plant we have has two kinds of citrus in one container. Meyer lemon and Key lime. Its called a “cocktail tree.” Most limes that we see in the grocery stores are Persian limes. Key limes are smaller and they have seeds. The Key lime has a distinct flavor that is tart, but not too acidic. They are more aromatic than standard limes.

5gal Meyer lemon trees

30gal Meyer lemon trees

We have citrus in many different sizes, but not all varieties are available in all sizes. For example, we have 30 gallon Meyer lemon trees, but no other citrus comes in that large size. We have many citrus in the one gallon or two gallon size, and some smaller trees. We are currently offering Meyer lemon, Persian lime, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, calamondin, Kaffir limes, and the aforementioned “cocktail tree.” Kaffir limes are grown mostly for their leaves. The fruit isn’t used often, but the plants have ornamental value. The fruits are rough and green, ripening to yellow, and are smaller than most grocery store limes. Kaffir limes are an important part of southeast Asian recipes. Calamondin is native to Indonesia. Its origins are unclear but it is believed to be a hybrid of kumquat and mandarin orange. The fruit is orange when ripe, quite small—less than an inch and a half, and smooth, with thin skin. The flesh is colored tangerine orange. It is quite sour. The other citruses we offer are no doubt more familiar to you.

5gal orange trees

5gal tangerine tree

You can grow all of these citrus plants on your patio for the summer. In the cold months, bring them indoors and put them in the sunniest place you have. We have a citrus poster that reviews the care for these wonderful plants. When you visit Milaeger’s, take a photo of it so that you can refer to it whenever you need to. Your beautiful new plant will become a great topic of conversation on your patio.

5gal grapefruit tree

10gal kumquat tree

Please email me (kevin@milaegers.com) with your questions and comments!

Have You Tried Growing Citrus?

1gal Meyer lemon, calamondin, Persian lime

2gal Persian lime, Meyer lemon

5gal Meyer lemon trees

30gal Meyer lemon trees

5gal orange trees

5gal tangerine tree

5gal grapefruit tree

10gal kumquat tree

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