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How to grow dwarf citrus trees

By Bunnings magazine / Winter 2024

Dwarf citrus tree in a terracotta coloured pot, surrounded by greenery.
For citrus success in a small space, try a dwarf variety in a pot or garden bed.

A guide to growing and caring for dwarf citrus trees

Anyone can learn how to grow dwarf citrus trees. A great solution for small spaces, they produce full-sized fruit on a compact base. They are hardy specimens, but prefer to be grown in warm areas, with plenty of sunlight. Start your own mini citrus orchard with these four dwarf trees.

1. Dwarf lemon (Citrus x limon)

A prolific fruiting lemon tree, dwarf ‘Meyer’ grows up to 1.8m tall and is best grown in warm, sheltered areas, but tolerates cooler climates if protected from winds and frost. Keep well watered during drier periods and prune and feed in spring. With lower acidity and reduced bitterness, the fruit is great for juicing. Dwarf ‘Lisbon’ produces a heavy crop from late winter to spring. It also grows up to 1.8m, and has excellent pest resistance.

A dwarf lemon, fruit and leaves.

2. Dwarf orange (Citrus sinensis)

Seedless medium-to-large ‘Powell Navel Dwarf’ fruit are ready to harvest from late spring. They are perfect for juicing and become sweeter with time, so leave these on the tree for a bit. Tangy ‘Harwood Late Dwarf’ is ready to pick over summer into late autumn. Grow both of these varieties for a long season of fruit.

A dwarf orange branch, with fruit and leaves.

3. Dwarf mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Dwarf ‘Encore’ fruit is firm-fleshed and easy to peel with a super-sweet flavour. A prolific producer from December to March, it’s also known for being resistant to pests, diseases and cold. Growing up to 1.5m tall and wide, it’s excellent for containers or small gardens. The seedless, sweet and popular dwarf ‘Satsuma’ is a hardy tree that’s easy to look after and fruits from May to July.

A dwarf mandarin branch, heavy with fruit.

4. Dwarf Tahitian lime (Citrus x latifolia)

This evergreen tree grows up to 2m and has medium, round, juicy fruit on near thornless branches. It prefers warm areas and full sun but tolerates colder climes with frost protection. ‘Sublime’ (Citrus aurantifolia, also known as ‘Key Lime’) grows into a dense shrub to 3m high, and has juicy fruit with a tart flavour.

A dwarf Tahitian lime, close up shot of fruit and leaves.

Citrus success!

For more tips on growing citrus trees, check out this guide to growing lemons.

 

Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo, Getty Images.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. 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.