Joe White: Citrus trees are becoming more common in this area
February 23, 2008
When we think of citrus orchards, we usually think of Florida, California, south Texas or south Louisiana. It's true we are located in the Deep South, but that doesn't mean we have enough of a tropical climate here in the north part of our state to grow popular varieties of citrus trees. Yet, there are those who dare to plant some kind of citrus and expect to be successful in producing fruit.
Numerous "monuments" exist in the form of wild orange trees that served as the rootstock for satsumas, oranges, grapefruit, etc. After a few brutal winters, the named citrus was killed and only the hardy rootstocks remained. These in time became sizable plants that were thorny and bore inedible fruits.
It seems that in the last few years our winters have not been quite as cold nor have the cold spells lasted for days on end. This situation, based on the success of a few homeowners and gardeners, has prompted local nurseries and garden centers to handle a small variety of citrus species for planting in area landscapes. (The LSU AgCenter doesn't recommend planting citrus trees north of Baton Rouge.)
This said, if you want to try your luck at growing some variety of citrus, you have about three choices. The first and perhaps easiest choice is to expect to be satisfied with a small specimen and grow your tree in a pot. Although large pots with trees planted in them are heavy, they can be placed on a wheeled platform and easily moved to a protected environment during periods of winter weather that could kill your prized tree. Keeping a "standard" tree that typically grows to a 30-foot height and spread (or better) in a pot for a prolonged time may require considerable pruning by the owner.
Another choice is planting your citrus trees in the ground in an existing greenhouse of good size or in an atrium where there is sufficient room. If you don't have any such structures, the expense of building one of these to grow citrus cannot be justified, cost-wise, so you'll be better served to continue buying your citrus at the grocery store.
The third and most risky possibility is planting your citrus tree in the ground outdoors. Without any form of protection, your tree will be at high risk to perish when a brutal winter comes along. However, either a permanent or temporary frame over the tree will serve as the structural skeleton for enclosing the plant in a clear plastic cover that can be heated whenever low temperatures are expected. Small electric heaters that are controlled by a thermostat or large wattage incandescent light bulbs may be used to supply the required heat.
Some provision must be made for ventilating the tree on clear days, even if temperatures are relatively cold. Otherwise, your tree can be cooked by sun-generated temperatures. And don't baby your tree. Only supply heat when temperatures are expected to drop below 30 degrees F. Otherwise, you can make your tree more susceptible to cold damage.
With adequate protection, you can succeed with a number of different kinds of citrus. Satsumas (a type of mandarin orange) are perhaps the best choice. Meyeri lemon is also a very good choice. And there are those who have had some success with oranges, grapefruit, kumquats, poncans, etc. Like any other kind of fruit tree that we may choose to grow, appropriate fertilization is needed and pests must be controlled.
If after reading the above you are still interested in trying your hand at growing some kind of citrus tree or trees, check out your local suppliers and plan to get your tree planted sometime in the next few weeks, preferably before the end of March.
Joe W. White is a retired Extension horticulturist with the LSU Agricultural Center. Write to him in care of The Times, P.O. Box 30222, Shreveport, LA 71130-0222 or send e-mail to
jo2bar@comcast.net. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for written replies.
Source:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/LIVING0402/802230312/1004/LIVING 
