Citrus Fruit farming in Kenya: What you should Know

Growing citrus is a long-term investment, so it’s a good idea to be informed before undertaking this type of farming. These plants are large shrubs or small to moderate-sized trees, reaching 5–15 m tall, with spiny shoots and alternately arranged evergreen leaves. They Include;

Limes,
Sour & sweet oranges,
Lemons,
Grapefruits,
Tangarines

Ecological Requirements

The growth, development and production of citrus plant depends on the physical characteristics of the soil such as drainage, water-holding capacity, structure, soil depth, and the degree to which water can infiltrate the soil, among others. These characteristics however differ in the various soil types.

Citrus can be grown in a wide range of soil types. However, for best results, they should be grown in well-drained soils, which are fertile, well-aerated and with a pH of between 6-6.5.
Citrus trees should be planted in a sunny and wind-protected area, and in frost-free regions because they cannot tolerate severe frosts.
They can tolerate high temperatures provided the trees are well supplied with soil moisture.
Well-distributed annual rainfall of not less than 1000 mm is needed for fair crop.

Planting

Clear the field and dig planting holes 60 x 60 x 60 cm well before the onset of rains.
At transplanting use well-rotted manure with topsoil.
Spacing varies widely, depending on elevation, rootstock and variety. Generally, trees need a wider spacing at sea level than those transplanted at higher altitudes. Usually the plant density varies from 150 to 500 trees per ha, which means distances of 4 x 5 m (limes and lemons), 5 x 6 m (oranges, grapefruits and mandarins) or 7 x 8 m (oranges, grapefruits and mandarins). In some countries citrus is planted in hedge rows.
It is very important to ensure that seedlings are not transplanted too deep.
After transplanting, the seedlings ought to be at the same height or preferably, somewhat higher than in the nursery.
Under no circumstances must the graft union ever be in contact with the soil or with mulching material if used.

Maturity/Harvest

Upon Planting, Citrus matures and starts producing fruits after 3 years.
Depending on the climate, citrus fruits may take 6 to 8 months to ripen.
Citrus fruits will not ripen off the tree, so refrain from picking them too early.
The best indicator of ripeness is taste.
Harvest the fruit by cutting them off with pruning shears or by pulling the fruit stalk from the tree