Because of the nearly constant sunshine and minimal risk of frost in the winter, Arizona has an ideal climate for growing citrus fruit, which can be a welcome addition to your backyard landscape. If you are considering planting a citrus tree in your yard, take a look at the following list of trees that thrive in Southern Arizona as well as some tips on when to plant and harvest your fruit.
Types of Trees
Almost any citrus tree will grow in Arizona’s high desert climate, with the exception of some tangerine varieties and blood oranges that do better in cooler weather.
- Orange – Naval and juice oranges are favorites in Arizona yards, and established trees will produce large yields each year and be resistant to those cooler winter nights.
- Grapefruit – Large pink and yellow grapefruits are also right at home in Arizona’s sunny climate, and there are many sub-varieties to choose from, so consider taking a trip to a local nursery to explore the one that best suits your tastes.
- Lemon and Lime – Lemon and lime trees are also popular, but you do have to remember that these are more sensitive to frost, so they might sustain more damage on nights that dip below freezing.
Planting Season
You can plant citrus trees year-round, but ideally, you would do so in March, April, or October. These times will offer the best protection from extremely high temperatures that can damage plants establishing their roots, while minimizing the risk of frost. You’ll know when it’s time to harvest, because your fruit will be plump and colorful, as well as aromatic. However, you may not get an initial yield after you plant a young tree. It can take a few seasons for the fruit to become plentiful.
Beautiful citrus trees need exceptional tree care, which you will find with Complete Landscaping. Our team of certified arborists can ensure that your trees are properly planted, fertilized, and trimmed to keep your fruit bounty high year after year. To learn more, give us a call at (520) 323-8918.