How to Acclimate Your New Citrus Tree
Q: What is acclimation?
A: Acclimation in the context of gardening refers to the process of gradually exposing plants to a new environment or conditions, allowing them to adapt and thrive. It's a crucial step, especially when introducing young plants or seedlings to different light, temperature, or humidity levels.
When you're cultivating fruit trees, including citrus varieties, acclimation becomes essential to ensure their successful transition from one environment to another. Whether you're moving them from indoors to outdoors, adjusting light exposure, or changing the potting soil, the gradual acclimation process helps prevent shock and stress on the plants.
The 2-week process of acclimation allows your citrus tree's growth to harden off in its new environment. This gives you the best chances of success with your new tree. Many of our fruit trees are greenhouse-grown, and it will shock the tree if you place it in direct sunlight immediately after receiving it.
Here are some tips on how to properly acclimate your new citrus trees to your home:
First, remove the plastic bag used to keep the soil in place during transit.
After that, place your tree in a spot in your yard or patio with indirect sunlight that gets an hour or two of direct light throughout the day.
After two weeks, you can move your adjusted tree into its final location. Note: If you are planning on transplanting your tree into a container, you can do this first and proceed with the acclimation instructions above.
Please note: It is common for citrus trees to drop some of their leaves during this transition. Monitor the weather and don’t hesitate to protect your tree if you see that the temperatures are going below 40°F or above 85°F during the adjustment period.
Acclimation during the summer months may require the use of some extra tools like shade cloth, tree paint, and foliar spray to ensure your tree is not scorched by the summer sun.
If you have any questions on how to acclimate your new citrus tree, don’t hesitate to email cs@fourwindsgrowers.com for more information.
Click here for a printable/ PDF version of "How to Acclimate Your New Citrus Tree"
Also read: How to Grow Citrus in Containers
Also read: What is the Difference Between Deep Watering and Overwatering?
Feed your fruit tree with Romeo Plant Food. This water-soluble fertilizer is great for in-ground or container growing.
