corn

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits (Citrus spp.) are a group of plants belonging to the family Rutaceae and include oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit, and others. They are essential commercially grown plants due to the high nutritional value of their fruits, their use in the food and beverage industry, and the multiple products derived from them.

Botanical characteristics

They belong to the family Rutaceae and the genus Citrus. People grow many varieties and hybrids worldwide. The main species include orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), and lime (Citrus aurantiifolia).

Physiological characteristics

Citrus trees thrive best in warm, well-lit conditions. They require well-drained soil and regular irrigation to thrive. They require an adequate supply of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Morphological characteristics

The root system of citrus trees is typically superficial yet extensive, enabling the absorption of water and nutrients from the upper layers of the soil. Grafted trees usually have a more developed root system. Citrus shoots are woody and complex, with many branches. The height of the trees varies according to the variety and growing conditions. The leaves are large, leathery, glossy, and bright green. They are evergreens and remain on the tree for 2–3 years before falling off.

Reproductive characteristics

Citrus flowers are fragrant, typically white or pink, and they usually appear in the spring. They are monoecious or hermaphroditic and are mainly pollinated by insects. The fruits are generally round or elliptical, with juicy flesh containing many juice bubbles. The color of the skin varies from green to yellow, orange, or red, depending on the species and variety. The seeds of citrus fruits are tiny and usually multi-seeded, meaning that they can produce more than one plant per seed.

Climate requirements

Citrus cultivation requires specific climatic conditions to achieve high yields and quality fruit. We must meet the following climatic requirements:

Temperature

Citrus trees thrive at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Seeds and young plants are sensitive to temperatures below 0°C, while mature fruits can withstand short-term low temperatures as low as -2°C. Temperatures below 5°C can damage flowers and young fruits, while temperatures above 35°C can adversely affect flowering and fruit sets.

Rainfall

Citrus trees require moderate rainfall, approximately 600–800 mm annually, to grow properly. Rain should fall evenly throughout the year. Irrigation is critical for preserving sufficient soil moisture in areas with limited rainfall.

Sunlight

Citrus trees require full sunlight for optimal growth and development. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Good sunlight exposure enhances photosynthesis, contributing to the production of healthy and tasty fruit. Support systems can help ensure uniform light exposure.

Wind

Mild wind can help reduce leaf moisture and the risk of fungal diseases. Strong winds can cause physical damage to plants, such as broken shoots and the shedding of flowers and fruit. Windbreaks can protect plants from damage.

Moisture

The relative humidity should be between 50% and 70%. A moisture content that is too high can lead to fungal diseases, while a moisture content that is too low can cause dehydration and stress in plants.

Soil requirements

Citrus trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soils. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are ideal for this purpose. The soil must have good aeration and allow free water drainage to avoid problems of excessive moisture and root rot. Heavy clay soils with poor drainage are unsuitable due to the drainage problems and water accumulation they cause, which can lead to root rot and the development of diseases. Citrus trees prefer soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. You can add lime to raise the pH in cases where it is too low (acidic). Conversely, you can add sulfur to lower a pH that is too high (alkaline).

Soil preparation

Cultivation and tillage: To loosen and aerate the soil, it should be cultivated to a depth of 20-30 cm. Tillage helps break up clods and smooth the soil’s surface.

Fertilization: Basic fertilization before planting includes applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The quantities of nutrients must be determined based on soil diagnostic analyses. Fertilizers can be applied through drip irrigation or by incorporating granular fertilizers into the soil prior to planting.

Basic Fertilization

Proper basic fertilization is critical for the healthy growth and high yield of citrus trees. Plants require different amounts of nutrients, as each one plays a specific role in their development.

  • Nitrogen (N)

    Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll synthesis, leaf growth, and plant germination. It is typically applied in dosages throughout the growing season, with emphasis on periods of vigorous germination and fruiting.

  • Phosphorus (P)

    Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting. It is mainly applied before planting and at the beginning of the growing season.

  • Potassium (K)

    Potassium helps regulate plant water, enhances disease resistance, and improves fruit quality. It is mainly applied during fruit growth to improve quality and yield.

  • Calcium (Ca)

    Calcium is essential for cell wall growth and preventing blossom end rot and fruit rot. Usually, we apply it as calcium sulfate or calcium nitrate, either in the soil or for foliar fertilization.

  • Magnesium (Mg)

    Magnesium is typically applied as magnesium sulfate and can be added to the soil or applied through foliar sprays.

  • Sulfur (S)

    Sulfur is vital for synthesizing amino acids and proteins. It can be applied as ammonium sulfate or potassium sulfate.

  • Micronutrients

    Zinc (Zn) is essential for enzyme synthesis and growth regulation. Cell wall development and flowering depend on boron (B). Iron (Fe) is necessary for chlorophyll synthesis and respiration. Copper (Cu) is vital for cell wall growth and defense against disease.

Recommended nutrition products

HaifaStim Calmaster

HaifaStim Calmaster

haifastim humic agrisc 2

HaifaStim Humik

haifastim wallup agrisc 2

HaifaStim™ Wall Up

haifastim vim agrisc 2

HaifaStim Vim

haifastim energy agrisc 2

HaifaStim eNergy

haifastim promo agrisc 1

HaifaStim Promo

Haifa Stim Vital Cream 1Lt 1000x1000

HaifaStim Vital Cream

haifastim booster agrisc

HaifaStim Booster

BeautyMary package

Beauty Mary Stim 20-20-20

Foliar Applications

Foliar fertilization is a method that delivers nutrients directly to the leaves of plants through spraying. This method is beneficial for quickly correcting nutrient deficiencies and enhancing plant growth at critical stages. The advantages of foliar fertilization in citrus trees are the direct absorption of nutrients and improved plant resistance.

The elements for foliar applications (with emphasis on orange cultivation) are

  • Nitrogen (N) is essential during active leaf and shoot growth.
  • Phosphorus (P) enhances the fruit set during flowering.
  • Potassium (K) is essential during fruit development.
  • Magnesium (Mg) is essential during the period of intense photosynthesis.
  • Micronutrients (Zn, Mn, B, Fe) are essential during active leaf development and flowering.

The best times for foliar application are early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is lower and the humidity is higher, avoiding times of intense sunshine.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient practice in citrus nutrition, as it combines irrigation with the application of nutrients. In this way, nutrients are delivered directly to the rhizosphere in an immediately available form, ensuring better fertilizer use efficiency, uniform plant growth, and improved fruit quality.

The primary nutrients supplied through fertigation in citrus are

  • Nitrogen (N): essential throughout the cultivation cycle, especially during intensive leaf growth and fruit set.
  • Phosphorus (P) is essential for the development of flowering and root systems.
  • Potassium (K) is critical for fruit development and ripening; it enhances fruit size, color, and quality.
  • Calcium (Ca) contributes to the structure of cells and helps reduce physiological disorders.
  • Magnesium (Mg) supports both photosynthesis and the growth of leaves and fruits.
  • Micronutrients (B, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Mo) are necessary for flower fertility and proper metabolic function.

Drip irrigation offers significant benefits in citrus cultivation. It ensures targeted and immediate nutrient supply at the moment the plant needs it, leading to improved fertilizer and water use efficiency. This practice contributes to better fruit quality and storability while also reducing the incidence of nutrient deficiencies and physiological disorders. In addition, it allows for quick adjustment of the nutrition program according to crop needs, making it a highly flexible and efficient fertilization method.

gardeners people checking organic fresh salad farming season greenhouse agricultural grower woman typing plantation production tablet concept agronomy hydroponic farm scaled
Download Plan

Download the complete Cultivation Plan!

The doses and growth stages mentioned are indicative and are always adjusted according to the recommendations of the agricultural consultant. Because rational fertilization is always assessed in relation to:

  • Expected yield
  • Soil characteristics
  • Planting density
  • Environmental conditions
  • Growth stage
  • Plant vigor
  • Cultivation duration
  • Hybrid

Start typing and press enter to search

Scroll to Top