What to Expect From Your Citrus in April
Last updated: Mar 31 2023
Key takeaways
Move container-grown citrus trees outdoors in April after the risk of frost has passed, gradually introducing them to direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Inspect citrus trees for winter damage, remove dead or damaged branches, and begin fertilizing as new spring growth starts to encourage healthy development.
Water citrus trees deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry, increasing watering as temperatures rise and active growth resumes.
What are your citrus plants doing right now?
Rain, rain, go away! April is a big month for transitioning plants. In some areas, you’ll be planting, while in other areas, you’ll be battling fungal issues from wet conditions. Focusing on water and how it flows through your soil is key right now. Here’s what to expect from your citrus in April:
Prepare Yourself for Blooms!
- Citrus blooms are not very big, but they should be fragrant, especially on more established trees.
- Indoor and potted citrus plants should bloom at the same frequency as those planted outside, but might be delayed due to the differing conditions inside and outside of your house.
- Hand pollination is key for indoor plants if you want fruits. To do this, simply swirl a tiny paintbrush, cotton swab, or even your finger from flower to flower to spread the pollen. Be sure to do this while the flowers are open.
Hand pollination
Tips for In-ground Growing
- If you transitioned your plant inside to protect it from winter weather and haven’t yet transitioned it back outside, you can do so now, as long as the threat of frost is gone in your area.
- For in-ground plants, monitor the soil to make sure it stays on the slightly moist side. Citrus plants won’t tolerate sitting in excess water. If you notice that spring rainfall is causing excess water to collect around your plants, try to divert the water or add substrate to the soil to increase drainage.
Keep Growing
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Written by
Sarah Logie
As Content Strategist at Trees.com, Sarah is smitten with words and a fanatic for flowers, particularly cut florals and house plants. With a love for curating compelling content, she also enjoys furthering her plant knowledge along the way! A few of her favorite flowers include hibiscus, hydrangeas, peonies and dahlias.
Sarah’s fondness for plants was cultivated through many childhood trips to Longwood Gardens in southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as through her first job out of college at a floral event design company. In her free time, catch her snapping photos of anything and everything, day-dreaming about interior decor, and enjoying the outdoors any chance she gets.
