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Expert tips for planting and growing citrus in pots

By Bunnings magazine /

A woman planting a citrus tree into a large clay planter with an open bag of Osmocote
Learn how to grow citrus in pots, with these tips from horticulturist Melissa King.

Balcony bounty

You don’t need a big backyard to enjoy zesty citrus straight from the tree. Today’s pint-sized trees are perfect for pots and help bring a Mediterranean look and feel to your patio or balcony.

Sun seekers

Citrus trees like to bask in the sun, so pick the sunniest spot on your patio or balcony and make a feature of them by planting the trees in large decorative pots. Fill the pots with Scotts Osmocote Citrus & Fruit Premium Potting Mix, which has been specifically formulated to bring out the best in your citrus trees. This mix is boosted with iron, magnesium and calcium, ensuring your plants produce lush, deep green leaves all year long.

Tree needs

Choose a pot that is at least 45-55cm wide and deep to allow for good root depth. Also check to make sure it has an adequate number of drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Pick traditional terracotta for a classic, timeless look, or add colour with brightly glazed containers. It’s a good idea to position each pot in its final spot before filling it with potting mix; if you’re planning on moving it around, invest in lightweight containers. Plant your citrus tree so that it’s at the same depth as it was in the original container.

A selection of citrus plants in plant pots and wicker baskets, accompanied by a wicker lounge chair

Regular feeding

Citrus are hungry plants. Experienced citrus growers will tell you that plants – especially ones grown in pots – need to be fed regularly to replace lost nutrients. Add Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser for Citrus & Fruit when planting, and again each season. Controlled release fertiliser ensures that your citrus is only fed when it needs it most, with nutrients released when the soil moisture and temperature is optimal. Water your newly potted citrus thoroughly after planting - at least twice a week and daily in very hot weather.

Top potters

Compact citrus trees are tailor-made for pots and have the same wonderful attributes as full-sized citrus: lush green foliage, scented flowers and flavoursome fruit. Here are our top picks:

  • Dwarf lemons like "Lots a Lemons" and "Lemonicious" grow to just 1.5 metres tall and are perfect for pots; they are also prolific fruiters. 
  • Plant the dwarf lime "Sublime" and harvest full-sized limes all season long. 
  • A great space saver is the double-grafted "Citrus Splitzers". They combine two fruits in one tree, including lemon and lime, or orange and lime, and are perfect for large pots.
  • Mandarins, cumquats and calamondins also make productive potted plants.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

For all other fruit and vegetables

Browse our extensive range of Scotts Osmocote and Osmocote Plus Organics essentials.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.