Growing Citrus Trees in Cold Climates - Ballarat Victoria and Surrounds

Pot Culture

Here is an easy practical trick - just pop some pot feet under your pots to improve drainage. Don't go straight to a huge pot, go up one size about 50mm each Spring and your citrus will do better. There is a reason for this but I will skip the details. Use a premium well draining potting mix. We really like Bio Gro Premium Potting Mix. After trying many I Lisa genuinely love their products. No affiliations just the results speak for themselves.

Planting Out

Choose a spot with free draining soil or create a raised mound with plenty of well rotted manure or quality compost (Jacks Magic Dig in Compost is da bomb). Dig it in 50:50 with your existing soil. (I know, I know, I bang on about this all the time) Organic matter is their best friend forever.

Warm Spot with Reflective Heat

Place near a north- or northwest facing wall, brick, stone, or even gravel to bounce back and reflect warmth. This creates a microclimate that protects them in winter. They love nice cool roots and a HOT HEAD!

Regular Feeding

Little and often is best. Feed every 6 to 8 weeks from spring through autumn, and ease off in winter. Use Seasol and Charlie Carp during the colder months to toughen cell walls, then switch to Harry's Citrus Food through spring, summer and autumn for strong growth and great fruit.

Consistent Watering and Mulching

Citrus hate extremes. Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy, not bone dry). Compost and mulches like pea straw, lucerne or sugar cane helps to regulate soil temperature. Apply a nice thick layer of mulch. We recommend 50-100mm deep, keeping it at least 100mm away from the trunk. We want to avoid collar rot!

Pruning

• Prune lightly in early to mid Spring (after frosts finish) when the new growth is just starting to come out
• Remove damaged, diseased, or crossing branches
• Reduce height if needed
• Maintain good airflow to prevent fungal issues in damp conditions

Common Pests in Cold Climates

Watch for these pests that often appear when trees are stressed by cold:

• Scale insects – Check regularly and treat early.  
• Aphids – More common on stressed trees
• Do your best to manage insect pests without spraying with insecticides.  Contact us for more information. 
• Maintain optimum tree health via mulching, composting and fertilizing in order to improve natural pest resistance

Expert Cold Climate Citrus Care

Located 10km southeast of Ballarat at 500m elevation, we understand the unique challenges of growing citrus in Victoria's cold climate conditions. Our experience with frost, elevation, and local soil conditions helps us provide practical advice that actually works.   

For more specific advice about growing citrus in your particular location around Ballarat, visit us at Navigators Nursery.