When is the best time of year to plant citrus trees?

Question

When is the best time of year to plant citrus trees?

Answer 1

Since we live in lower Florida, we have many citrus groves in our area (oranges, grapefruit, etc.). It really seems that the grove owners plant just about anytime. Citrus trees need adequate water for proper growth. A grove owner suggested to me that for my several citrus trees, place a hose at the trunk of the tree, turn on the water and adjust to just a bare trickle, and leave this on all night for 2 days a week (I've been doing this on Wednesdays and Sundays) and so far, it's been working great.  

Answer 2

The best time to plant most any tree is fall that way it has the entire winter months to develope it's root system before the hot of summer arrives.

Answer 3

Since citrus trees are evergreen, it makes no real difference when you plant them. However, the fall would be the worst time, since the cooler temperatures would only slow their growth and reestablishment. Probably the best time would be spring, but as mentioned, for evergreen trees, timing is not particularily important.

Answer 4

If you are in Zone 9 or higher, wait until the early fall, after the heat of summer has passed.

If you are in Zone 8 or lower, plant them in containers and take inside before first frost.