Citrus trees are fruit-bearing saplings grown by budding or grafting in homes. They flourish in full sun, wet and well-drained grounds, preferably sandy soil and loams with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and wind-protected areas in their abode. Citrus trees are vulnerable in cold climates since they are dormant at temperatures between 35°F to 55°F and sustain damage at 26°F to 30°F.
The right soil mix should be light for easy drainage and not contain chemical-wetting agents or fertilizers. Poorly drained soils such as clay will cause root rot, resulting in the sapling’s death. Blending equal proportions of perlite, sand, and peat will improve your earth’s drainage. This article discusses;
- The five best potting soils for citrus trees
- The soil pH and moisture level for potted citrus saplings
- Factors to consider when purchasing citrus soil
- How long the potting soil blend lasts
- How to know your potting dirt’s viability
Best Potting Soil for Citrus Trees
| Parameter | Espoma Organic Cactus Mix | FoxFarm Happy Frog | FoxFarm Ocean Forest | Pro Mix HP | Coast of Maine Potting Soil |
| Mass in lbs | 2.51 | 8 | 8.49 | 1 | 32 |
| Naturality | Organic | Organic | Organic | Inorganic | Organic |
| When to use | Anytime planting | Seeding and top-dressing | Seeding and top-dressing | Potting and repotting | When planting |
| Contents in the soil | Peat moss, limestone, yucca, humus | Bat guano, earthworm castings, composted forest products | Crab meal, sandy loam, bat guano, earthworm castings, fish emulsion | Sphagnum peat moss, limestone, perlite | Perlite, old dark bark, compost seaweed, peat, crab shells |
| Manufacturer | Espoma | FoxFarm | FoxFarm | Premier Horticulture | Coast of Maine |
Espoma Organic Cactus Mix – Best Soil for Citrus Trees
Espoma Organic Cactus Mix has peat moss and perlite, which contribute to the clod’s elevated drainage. Its compost and humus innards manifest their mineral availability. Its limestone content aids in adjusting the soil’s pH to better the welfare of the citrus plant.
The citrus shrubs need repotting every year into the next larger vessel to accommodate rhizome growth. Insert the plant in the shade for two weeks after potting or repotting. Afterward, expose it to daylight. Souse thoroughly, allowing clod to dry in between waterings.
Pros
- Helps retain moisture
- Elevates aeration
- Enables prime drainage
Cons
- May compact if watered excessively
FoxFarm Happy Frog – Best Potting Soil for Citrus Trees
FoxFarm Happy Frog is purely natural, with its innards influencing microbial activity in the clod. These components expand the rhizome system. Its pH also has alterations to meet the sapling’s needs, and the perlite in the blend propels drainage.
When utilizing this mix, fill your vessel with dirt 2.5cm below the edge of the container. Plant your citrus and souse thoroughly after seeding. For established pot gardens, top-dress 7.5cm layer of potting clod around the existing citrus plants and carefully incorporate into the soil. Hose thoroughly afterward. Poor mixing may lead to mushroom and fungus growth.
Pros
- Enhancement in fruit production
- Excellent moisture retention
- Good drainage and aeration
Cons
- Susceptible to Fungus growth
FoxFarm Ocean Forest – Best Soil for Young Citrus Trees
FoxFarm Ocean Forest avails the conducive soil conditions for young citrus saplings as they mature. This blend elevates the clod’s drainage due to its sandy loam content and peat innards. Its organic content also contributes to the dramatic mineral intake by the sapling, manifesting outstanding progress.
When seeding, consider a vessel thrice the diameter of the rhizome mass and 4.5 inches deeper. Add the clod mix inside, so the rhizome mass is at the right height. Secure the sapling in place as you add the dirt surrounding the root mass until the container is nearly full. Press lightly at the outside of the shrub and moisturize adequately.
Pros
- A pH of 6.5 appropriate for the saplings
- Propelled aeration
- Habitable drainage
Cons
- Dampness may attract bugs
Pro Mix HP – Best Citrus Tree Soil
Pro Mix HP offers high drainage properties availed by the 75% sphagnum peat moss content and perlite in its make up, minimizing the occurrence of sapling ailments such as rhizome decay and fungus. It makes it impossible to overwater greenery since it dries quicker than other peat blends. Its low light intensity makes it perfect for cold conditions.
This blend is the number one option for water sensitive greenery, making it suitable for citrus shrubs. While utilizing this blend, mix it into the dirt evenly. This clod incorporation is detrimental to the user in that inhalation may risk lung injury. Store away from children for cautionary purposes.
Pros
- Good aeration
- Improved drainage
- Minimizes root rot
Cons
- Risk of causing lung illness if inhaled
Coast of Maine Potting Soil – Best Citrus Soil Mix
This rich clod mix promotes disease resistance by your citrus saplings. Its formulation balances the earth’s drainage, texture, and aeration due to its perlite innards. Its organic contents act as a source of minerals in the clod for your trees, enhancing maturation and rhizome development.
When sowing, fill the vessel with dirt and lightly tamp downwards to reduce the volume occupied. Scoop a pit in the earth enough for the top rootball to be an inch beneath the vessel’s edge. Insert saplings in the gaps and add more potting clod until it is level around your trees. Tamp the clod down and carefully souse to avoid disturbing the topsoil.
Pros
- 100% guarantee upon correct utilization
- Excellent water retention
- Enables disease resistance
Cons
- Results may not manifest if incorrectly used
Buyer’s Guide
What Is the Best Soil for Citrus Trees?
Citrus saplings flourish under excellent drainage conditions, making sandy and loamy grounds the number one clod favorable for citrus’ development. Clay is an impracticable option for its water-logging properties, causing the plant’s ailment from the rhizome decay and eventually death.
What Should Be the Soil pH and Moisture Level for Potted Citrus Plants?
Citrus shrubs thrive in slightly acidic clods with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. To balance soil pH, use limestone as a remedy to very acidic soils. Also, moisturize the saplings once a week thoroughly until the water comes through the vessel’s drainage gaps to maintain the required moisture levels.
What to Pay Attention to When Buying Citrus Soil?
It is prudent to consider its drainage properties to ensure its conduciveness to the sapling. Its organic innards should also be present to provide minerals. The clod’s pH should indicate slight acidity as well, guaranteeing habitable conditions for your sapling.
How Long Does Potting Soil Last?
The viability of potting clod is the foremost determinant of its application. Contemporary potting earth lasts up to around half a year before its degradation. Utilized potting soil needs annual replacement.
How Do You Know if Potting Clod Is Bad?
Potting soil goes bad if the peat content in it has decomposed. One can notice this if the clod mix has become damp and is therefore not applicable for use. Only clod mix that is still dry is viable for application.
Conclusion
Citrus trees require sandy and loamy grounds with slightly acidic pH levels and good drainage properties. To elevate your yard clod’s drainage properties, blend with perlite or peat. Avert from administering dressings. Expose your citrus saplings to the full sun every day and souse as instructed.