Which citrus trees are good for growing in the UK?

Have you ever thought about growing your own citrus fruits? The idea might seem far-fetched for UK gardeners considering our climate, but it's very possible. With the right tree varieties and care, you can grow citrus trees both indoors and outdoors and enjoy delicious fruits all year round. This MyTree™ guide takes you through a step-by-step approach to choosing the best citrus trees for the UK and how to help them thrive.

Step 1: Choose the right citrus tree

Not all citrus trees are suited to cooler climates, but these varieties do well with care in UK conditions:

  • Meyer lemon: hardy down to -6°C, perfect for indoor growing and conservatories.
  • Orange: a sweet fruiting tree that rewards with fragrant blossom each year.
  • Kumquat: compact and productive, ideal for indoor spaces with bright light.
  • Calamondin: a tart little fruit that’s part mandarin, part kumquat – and a UK indoor favourite.
Orange tree
Orange trees can produce fragrant blossoms and sweet fruits under the right conditions.
Kumquat tree gift
Calamondin tree gift

Step 2: Provide the right environment

Citrus trees love warmth and light. Outdoors, choose a south-facing wall or sheltered patio spot. Indoors, place your tree near a sunny window (conservatories are ideal). Keep temperatures between 10–25°C, and use slightly acidic, well-drained compost with added grit or sand.

Step 3: Water and feed regularly

During the growing season, water weekly or when the topsoil is dry. Avoid soggy roots. Feed fortnightly with a citrus-specific fertiliser from spring to late summer. Pause feeding over winter to let your tree rest naturally.

Step 4: Prune and protect

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged or crowded branches. For outdoor citrus trees, wrap them in fleece during frost. Indoors, check regularly for pests such as scale or spider mites and treat early with a gentle insecticidal spray if needed.

Growing citrus trees in the UK is entirely achievable with the right variety, environment and seasonal care. With a little patience and regular attention, you can enjoy homegrown lemons, oranges and more – even on a windowsill.

Support from MyTree™

When you receive a citrus tree from Tree2mydoor, you also gain access to our MyTree™ care system. We’ll send you monthly guidance tailored to your tree type, plus seasonal tips to help you grow with confidence. Each tree is backed by our MyTree™ warranty, offering year-round support and peace of mind.

Tree2mydoor is here to help your gift grow, from your home to theirs. That’s gifting rooted in nature and grounded in care.