How Far Apart to Plant Citrus Trees in Australia

Citrus trees are a popular choice for backyard gardens in Australia. They provide fresh, delicious fruit and add beauty to any garden. To ensure that your citrus trees grow healthy and produce a good crop, it is important to plant them at the right distance from each other.

Factors to Consider

Before planting citrus trees, there are several factors that you need to consider. Firstly, the size of the tree at maturity is a crucial factor. Citrus trees can vary in height and width, with some reaching up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. You need to make sure that you have enough space in your garden to accommodate the tree’s mature size.

The second factor to consider is the type of rootstock that the tree has. Rootstocks can affect the tree’s growth and overall size. Some rootstocks are dwarf or semi-dwarf, which means that the mature tree will be smaller in size compared to those that are grown on standard rootstocks.

Spacing for Citrus Trees

The recommended spacing for planting citrus trees is approximately 10 to 15 feet apart. This spacing is for trees that are grown on standard rootstocks and will allow the trees to grow to their maximum size while still allowing enough space for sunlight and air circulation.

For dwarf or semi-dwarf trees, the spacing should be between 6 to 10 feet apart. These trees grow smaller in size, so they do not require as much space as those grown on standard rootstocks.

Considerations for Small Gardens

If you have a small garden and still want to grow citrus trees, you can opt for multi-grafted trees. These trees have more than one variety of citrus grafted onto a single rootstock. This means that you can have multiple types of citrus fruit growing on one tree, which saves space in your garden.

Another option is to use container gardening. Citrus trees can be grown in containers, which makes it easier to control their size and allows for flexibility in placement. This is a great option for those with limited garden space or those who want to move their trees around for optimal sunlight exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the spacing for planting citrus trees in Australia depends on the tree’s size at maturity and the type of rootstock it has. Standard rootstock trees require a spacing of 10 to 15 feet, while dwarf or semi-dwarf trees require a spacing of 6 to 10 feet apart. For those with limited garden space, multi-grafted trees and container gardening are great options to consider.

When you have chosen the right spacing for your citrus trees and planted them correctly, you will be rewarded with fresh and juicy fruit year after year.