Growing citrus in today’s Florida landscape

Citrus and Florida are practically synonymous, and a dooryard orange, lemon, or lime tree remains one of the most rewarding things you can grow. But growing citrus today is not quite what it was a generation ago, thanks largely to a disease called citrus greening that has reshaped how we approach these trees.

The honest picture is that backyard citrus is still very much worth growing — you simply need to go in informed. Here is a current, realistic guide to growing citrus in Palm Beach County.

Understand citrus greening

Citrus greening, also called HLB, is a bacterial disease spread by a tiny insect, the Asian citrus psyllid, and it has affected citrus across Florida. It causes blotchy leaves, misshapen and bitter fruit, and gradual decline, and there is currently no cure.

This is not a reason to give up on citrus, but it is a reality to understand. Knowing what greening is and how it spreads helps you make smart choices and keep a tree productive longer.

Start with a healthy, certified tree

The most important step is to buy a healthy tree from a reputable source. In Florida, citrus is sold as certified, disease-free nursery stock grown under protective conditions, and starting with a clean tree gives you the best possible head start.

Avoid bringing in citrus from out of state or planting trees of unknown origin, which can introduce disease. A certified, locally appropriate tree is the foundation of dooryard citrus success today.

Give it great care

A well-cared-for citrus tree is far better able to remain productive despite disease pressure. That means full sun, good drainage, proper citrus fertilizer applied on schedule, consistent water, and attention to keeping the tree vigorous.

Healthy, well-nourished trees tolerate greening far better than neglected ones, often producing good fruit for years. Good husbandry is now one of your most powerful tools.

Manage the psyllid

Since the psyllid spreads the disease, keeping its numbers down helps protect your tree, particularly on tender new growth where it feeds. Monitoring for the insect and managing it with appropriate, careful methods is part of modern citrus care.

Encouraging beneficial insects and inspecting new flushes of growth helps you stay ahead. Reducing psyllid pressure slows the disease's spread in your yard.

Consider container citrus

Growing citrus in large containers is increasingly popular and has real advantages: you can use fresh soil, move trees to shelter from cold, and keep a closer eye on their health. Dwarf citrus varieties are well suited to pots.

Container growing brings citrus to patios and small yards and makes intensive care easier. For many gardeners today, it is an appealing and practical approach.

Pick the right types

Some citrus types and rootstocks tolerate current conditions better than others, and limes, lemons, and certain mandarins are popular dooryard choices. We can steer you toward the varieties performing best right now for backyard growers.

Choosing wisely from the start stacks the odds in your favor. The right tree, well cared for, can still give you years of homegrown citrus.

Grow citrus with confidence

Citrus growing has changed, but the dream of picking fruit from your own tree is still alive in Florida. Start with a certified healthy tree, care for it well, manage pests sensibly, and you can enjoy real success.

We carry certified citrus suited to our area and will give you honest, current advice on growing it. Come talk citrus with us at the nursery.

Frequently asked questions