Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Citrus with Confidence:

Growing citrus in New Zealand can be deeply rewarding—if you get the basics right. Climate, soil quality, and care practices play key roles in ensuring healthy trees and bountiful harvests.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to planting citrus with confidence:

Best Time to Plant
Plant citrus trees in spring or autumn to avoid frost risks. Summer planting is possible, but you’ll need to water every 1–2 days to prevent the tree from drying out.

Choose Your Citrus
New Zealand’s varied climate means choosing a variety that suits your region is vital.

• Lemons are the most cold-hardy
• Limes are frost-sensitive
• Mandarins and oranges prefer warmth and shelter

Think about how you’ll use the fruit—do you prefer the sharp tang of a lemon or the sweet burst of a mandarin?

Select the Right Site
Citrus trees thrive in full sun. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct light per day.

• Soil must be well-draining to avoid root rot
• Improve clay soils with gypsum and compost, or plant in raised beds
• Shelter your tree from strong winds by placing it near a fence or wall

Frost Protection
If you're in a frost-prone region:

• Use frost cloth, straw mulch, or even string outdoor lights over the tree lights for cold nights
• Grow citrus in large pots that can be moved inside during extreme weather
• Try our patio citrus range, ideal for chilly conditions

Preparing the Soil
Dig a hole twice the width and slightly deeper than the tree’s root ball. Loosen compacted soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure for improved fertility and drainage.

Planting the Tree

• Gently remove the tree from its pot, keeping roots intact
• Position the root ball level with the ground surface
• Backfill with soil and press lightly to remove air pockets

Watering Tips
Give a deep soak after planting, and maintain consistent moisture—especially during the first year. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root growth over shallow surface roots.

Mulching
Place one of our weed mats or spread organic mulch like bark chips or straw around the tree to:

• Retain soil moisture
• Suppress weeds
• Regulate soil temperature

Leave space between mulch and the trunk to avoid rot.

Fertilizing
Use a balanced citrus fertilizer in spring and autumn. Follow the instructions and avoid overfeeding, which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Pruning
Prune lightly to remove damaged or diseased wood and shape the canopy. Avoid heavy pruning in the first few years—fruit grows on second-year wood, so cutting too much can delay harvest.

Pest and Disease Management: 

Keep an eye out for:

• Pests such as aphids, scale insects, or citrus leaf miners
• Diseases

Use cultural practices, beneficial insects, or organic sprays to manage outbreaks.  See: How to protect your citrus trees from insects and disease for more information.