Growing fresh citrus, such as satsumas, oranges, and lemons, is popular in Louisiana, a region whose subtropical climate is uniquely suited for these crops. This environment presents challenges, including high humidity, heavy soils, and unpredictable winter freezes. Success begins with timing, as planting during the correct period is the most important factor for a young tree’s long-term survival. Proper timing allows the tree to establish its root system before facing extreme summer heat or winter cold snaps.
Optimal Timing for Planting Citrus in Louisiana
The best planting time for citrus in Louisiana is late winter, specifically January or February. Planting during this cooler period allows the root system to slowly establish itself in cool soil before the tree begins rapid top growth in late spring.
In coastal South Louisiana, planting can begin as early as November and continue through March, provided the tree is protected from cold. Gardeners in Central and North Louisiana, which experience colder temperatures, should wait until the danger of the last frost has passed. This usually means delaying planting until mid-March or early April. Planting citrus during peak summer or deep winter is detrimental, as extreme heat or cold severely limits a young tree’s ability to establish roots and survive.
Preparing the Planting Site and Tree
Successful citrus establishment requires a site that receives full, direct sunlight throughout the day. Good soil drainage is mandatory for citrus health due to Louisiana’s high water table and heavy clay. If the site has poor internal drainage, the tree should be planted on a prepared mound or row raised 8 to 12 inches above the surrounding grade to prevent root rot.
The planting hole should be dug wide, about one and a half to two times the diameter of the container, but no deeper than the tree was growing in its nursery pot. Planting the tree slightly higher than the surrounding soil level is recommended, as this prevents the tree from sinking too deep after watering and soil settlement. Use only the native soil removed from the hole for backfilling and avoid adding commercial fertilizers or amendments.
Before placing the tree, the root system must be inspected and prepared. If the tree is container-grown, any taproot that is curled at the bottom of the pot should be cut off. Roots that are tightly bound or circling the root ball should be gently separated and trimmed. Spreading the roots naturally in the hole encourages vigorous lateral growth necessary for anchoring and nutrient uptake.
Essential Care Immediately Following Planting
The first few weeks after a citrus tree is planted require consistent attention to moisture management. Immediately after the tree is set, water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. A ridge or basin should be constructed around the perimeter of the planting area to contain water and direct it toward the root zone during subsequent irrigation.
The tree may require daily watering during the first week, which can then be reduced to once every few days for the next few months until roots are established. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but the root ball must never completely dry out.
For freeze protection in the mild Louisiana climate, the LSU AgCenter advises against mulching young citrus trees. Instead, maintain bare soil around the trunk. This bare soil helps absorb and radiate residual heat during an unexpected cold snap, protecting the vulnerable graft union at the base of the tree.
Young trees must be protected if the temperature is forecast to drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, which is especially important for less cold-hardy varieties like lemons and limes. The entire tree should be covered with a blanket or frost cloth that extends to the ground to trap the soil’s warmth. New citrus trees should not receive heavy fertilization until they show definite signs of new growth, typically about six weeks after a spring planting.