If you are a first time citrus tree buyer there are several things you need to know before buying your tree.

First thing to keep in mind is climate and location. Do you want to plant the tree directly in your yard or in a container? If you will be planting outdoors you should do some research into which types of trees are most adaptable to your particular climate.

Citrus trees are hardy but they cannot survive below 20 degrees for more than a few hours and thin-skinned fruits like lemons are damaged with anything below 28 degrees.

Citrus trees thrive in the moderate temperatures of California, Florida, Texas and Arizona. However, if you live in a colder region, don’t despair. You can buy a potable citrus tree that you can bring inside during the winter. There are dwarf varieties of most citrus trees that are excellent for this.

Dwarf Meyer Lemon Fruit Tree

You should remember that all citrus trees require frequent deep watering. They also need nutrient rich soil and should be fertilized often if you want them to bear fruit.

Lemon, orange and grapefruit trees all need plenty of sunlight to grow as well as soil that drains well. Well draining soil is necessary to protect roots from rot. Observe your yard carefully before choosing where to plant.

The next important choice in buying a citrus tree is an easy one- which fruit do you most enjoy? (Or perhaps this is the hardest choice). Once you have decided on a particular fruit – lemons for example – do some research on which type will be best for you.

Some people prefer Meyer lemons, which are sweeter while others swear by Lisbons for their tart, tangy flavor. Once you have grown your first citrus tree, you will certainly want to plant others.