US SunDragon Citrus Tree

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply at least once a week, adjusting frequency during dry spells.

3. Pruning: Light pruning can be done after harvest to remove any dead or crossing branches. This helps maintain an open canopy for sunlight penetration.

4. Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding in fall and winter to allow the tree to rest.

5. Container Growth: In zones that experience frost/freeze, citrus can be grown in containers and brought indoors for winter. Choose a container with drainage holes that is 2” larger in diameter than it’s nursery pot. Be sure not to over pot, as this can result in root rot. Use a citrus potting mix or mix a 1:1 ratio of potting mix and perlite. Place in 6 hours of sun, moving the plant into afternoon shade in the hottest parts of the summer. Once the temperatures hit 50 F in fall, move plants indoors by a sunny window or supplement with a full spectrum grow light. Reduce watering in winter and check regularly for spider mites. Fertilize spring-early fall with a citrus specific fertilizer and stop fertilizing in winter while the plant slows its growth. Prune after harvest to reduce height. Expect plants to get up to 6 feet in a container.