How to Grow Citrus on Long Island

Herbs and Vegetables, Houseplants

Growing citrus on Long Island may sound unlikely, but with the right approach, lemon trees, lime trees, and calamondin citrus can thrive here. Thanks to container gardening and seasonal care, Long Island gardeners can enjoy fragrant blooms and fresh citrus fruit at home – even in a Northeast climate.

This guide covers the essentials of citrus plant care on Long Island, from choosing the right varieties to overwintering indoors.

Can Citrus Trees Grow on Long Island?

Yes, citrus trees can grow on Long Island, but they must be grown in containers. Citrus plants are tropical and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so pots allow them to be moved outdoors in summer and indoors for winter protection. Container-grown citrus is ideal for patios, decks, and sunny indoor spaces.

A potted lemon plant with green leaves sits on a table. The pot is decorated with images of lemons and the word “LEMON.” Next to it is a clear bowl containing several fresh lemons.

Lemon

A small lime tree with glossy green leaves is growing in a black pot decorated with images of limes and the word LIME. The pot sits on a wooden surface against a light wood-paneled background.

Lime

A potted calamondin orange plant with green leaves sits next to a yellow watering can on a wooden surface, against a white wooden plank background.

Calamondin

Best Citrus Plants for Long Island Gardens

  • Lemon Trees: Meyer lemon trees are a top choice for Long Island gardeners. They are more compact and slightly more cold-tolerant than other lemons, producing sweet, flavorful fruit and highly fragrant flowers regularly.
  • Lime Trees: Persian lime trees grow well in containers and love warm summer conditions. With proper sunlight and feeding, they can produce excellent fruit on Long Island.
  • Calamondin Citrus: Calamondin trees are one of the easiest citrus plants to grow. Valued for their glossy foliage, abundant fruit, and tolerance of indoor conditions, calamondins are ideal for overwintering indoors.
A small citrus tree with green leaves and round orange fruits grows in a yellow pot, placed on a windowsill with natural light coming through the window.

Calamondin growing by a window

A person wearing white gloves uses red-handled pruning shears to cut a green lime from a leafy tree branch.

Harvesting Limes

Sunlight Requirements for Citrus Plants

Citrus plants need 8 or more hours of direct sunlight daily.

  • Place containers outdoors in full sun from late spring through early fall
  • Choose a sheltered location protected from strong winds
  • Indoors, use a bright south- or west-facing window
  • Grow lights can help supplement winter light levels

Lack of sunlight is the most common cause of poor citrus growth indoors.

Soil and Container Essentials

Proper drainage is critical for healthy citrus roots.

  • Use a well-draining potting mix
  • Avoid garden soil, which retains too much moisture
  • Always choose containers with drainage holes
  • Repot every 2–3 years or when roots become crowded

Healthy soil prevents root rot and supports consistent growth.

Watering Citrus Trees Correctly

Citrus prefers evenly moist soil, but never soggy conditions.

  • Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry
  • Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot
  • Reduce watering during winter when growth slows
  • Mist periodically to retain moisture

During hot Long Island summers, container citrus may need more frequent watering.

Fertilizing Citrus Plants

Citrus trees are heavy feeders.

  • Use a citrus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients like iron and magnesium
  • Feed regularly from spring through early fall
  • Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter

Yellow leaves often indicate nutrient deficiency rather than overwatering.

Close-up of a lime tree branch with three green limes and several white flowers with yellow centers, surrounded by glossy green leaves.

Lime Fruit & Flowers

Two ripe, orange tangerines hanging from a tree branch surrounded by green leaves in bright sunlight.

Calamondin Fruit

How to Pollinate Citrus Flowers Indoors

When citrus plants flower outdoors, bees and other pollinators usually take care of fruit set. Indoors, however, hand-pollination is often necessary to get fruit. Citrus flowers are self-pollinating, meaning pollen simply needs to be transferred within the flower or between flowers on the same plant. To do this, gently use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to collect pollen from the yellow center of one flower and lightly brush it onto the center of another flower. Repeating this process every few days while the plant is in bloom can greatly increase fruit production. Good air circulation and gently shaking the plant can also help distribute pollen naturally.

Overwintering Citrus Indoors on Long Island

Bring citrus plants indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 45–50°F.

Winter care tips:

  • Inspect plants for pests before moving indoors
  • Place them in the brightest location available
  • Expect some leaf drop during adjustment
  • Keep plants away from heat vents and drafts

Calamondin citrus often continues flowering and fruiting indoors.

Growing Citrus Successfully on Long Island

With the right care, growing citrus on Long Island is both achievable and rewarding. Lemons, limes, and calamondin citrus bring beauty, fragrance, and fresh flavor to patios and indoor spaces year-round.

By providing ample sunlight, proper watering, good drainage, and seasonal care, Long Island gardeners can enjoy healthy citrus plants for years to come.

Additional Information

SHOP Indoor Plants

Houseplant Care Library