What to Expect From Your Citrus in May
Last updated: Apr 26 2023
Key takeaways
Move container-grown citrus trees outdoors into full sun in May after the risk of frost has passed, helping encourage vigorous growth, flowering, and fruit development.
Some young fruit may naturally drop during May as the tree redirects its energy toward developing a healthier, more manageable crop.
Continue fertilizing citrus trees throughout the growing season and water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil become dry to support healthy growth.
What are your citrus plants doing right now?
The good news for May is that flowers are waking up and growth is everywhere! The not-so-good-news? So are pests. May calls for preparedness as your plants continue to grow and flower, but don’t fret over battling bugs—as long as you arm yourself with these tips and tricks, you’ll be growing with success all month long! Here’s what to expect from your citrus trees in May:
Health Check
- Don't panic if you see fruit drop prematurely. This is very common in trees that are younger or new to an area. On average, it takes around three years for a tree to become fully established. Your tree is simply saying it can’t support all of the fruit, so it will drop a few to maintain enough energy to grow the rest. Just clear the fallen fruit away—less fruit should drop with time.
- Producing tasty fruit takes a lot of energy, so it's not uncommon to see a few of your leaves start to fall or turn yellow. To fix this, focus on supplying the proper amount of water to your plants, and supplement with fertilizer.
- Citrus plants are evergreen, which means they show signs of stress differently than other fruits like apples or peaches. The best way to avoid issues is to reduce stress and stay consistent with your care. This means checking soil moisture levels to make sure you’re watering at the appropriate times and sticking to a fertilizing schedule.
Fruit prematurely dropping
Patience is Key
- All of your small, fragrant flowers should be showing signs of starting to fruit. After pollination takes place, your citrus will drop its petals and stamens (the part of the flower that contains the pollen) since they’re no longer needed. So, if you’re growing your citrus indoors, prepare for clean-up duty, or set something underneath your tree to catch the falling flowers.
- Citrus fruits take time (we’re talking months!) to fully develop their fruit. Resist the temptation to pick fruit early, as citrus will not continue to ripen once off the tree. Trust us - your fresh, flavorful fruit will be worth the wait!
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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.
