How to Plant Calamansi in a Pot

Calamansi is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the citrus family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is a common ingredient in many Filipino and Southeast Asian dishes. It grows up to 3 meters tall and has small, round, green fruits that are sour and juicy. Calamansi is easy to grow and can be grown in pots. Here’s how to plant calamansi in a pot:

Choosing a Pot

The first step in planting calamansi in a pot is choosing the right pot. Calamansi trees grow best in well-draining soil and require pots that are at least 18 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Choose a pot that has good drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot. You can use plastic, clay, or ceramic pots for planting calamansi.

Preparing the Soil

Calamansi trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can prepare the soil by mixing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts. Calamansi trees also prefer acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. You can add some sulfur or aluminum sulfate to lower the soil pH if necessary. Fill the pot with the prepared soil, leaving about an inch of space from the rim of the pot.

Planting the Calamansi Tree

Choose a healthy calamansi sapling with a well-developed root system. Remove the sapling from its container and gently loosen the soil around the roots. Place the sapling in the center of the pot and fill the pot with soil, patting it down gently to remove any air pockets. Make sure that the soil level around the sapling is at the same height as it was in its previous container. Water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the roots.

Caring for the Calamansi Tree

Calamansi trees require regular watering and fertilization to grow healthy and produce fruit. Water the tree once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Fertilize the tree every 2 months with a balanced fertilize that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Prune the tree regularly to remove any dead or diseased branches and to promote healthy growth. Calamansi trees also prefer full sun, so place the pot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Pests and Diseases

Calamansi trees are prone to pests and diseases such as spider mites, scale insects, and citrus canker. Look out for any signs of pest infestation such as yellowing leaves, stippling, and webbing. Treat the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests. Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing of the leaves and fruit drop. There is no cure for citrus canker, so it’s best to remove any infected trees to prevent the disease from spreading.

Harvesting the Calamansi Fruit

Calamansi fruit takes about 6 to 9 months to mature. The fruit is ready to be harvested when it turns yellowish-orange in color and is soft to the touch. Gently twist the fruit to remove it from the tree. Calamansi fruit can be used in a variety of ways such as in marinades, sauces, and drinks. It’s a versatile fruit that adds a sour and citrusy flavor to any dish.

Conclusion

Planting calamansi in a pot is easy and rewarding. Just make sure to choose the right pot and soil, water and fertilize the tree regularly, and protect it from pests and diseases. With the right care, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh calamansi fruit right from your own garden.