Lemon is one type of citrus tree grown in Tucson.
Tucson is a city of approximately 1 million people in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Tucson does not have a citrus industry, but residents do grow citrus trees for their own personal use.
Types of Citrus
Several types of citrus are grown in Tucson, including sour and sweet oranges, grapefruits, lemons and kumquats. Limes are more susceptible to frost damage and are not suitable for Tucson's winter climate.
Summer Care of Citrus
Summer temperatures in Tucson average 101 degrees F in the warmest months and the highest temperature ever recorded in Tucson is 117 degrees F. Caring for citrus trees in extreme heat requires deep watering twice a week. Exposed bark on citrus trees can sunburn in summer heat, so the trees should not be pruned to the point of exposing the bark or the trunk should be protected with a coat of white latex paint.
Winter Care of Citrus
The average minimum temperature in the winter in Tucson is approximately 40 degrees F. Protecting citrus trees from a freeze can be very difficult, although freezes rarely occur in Tucson. Frosts can occur and steps to protect citrus include putting a strand of Christmas lights in the tree to provide a heat source, keeping the soil near the tree moist and free from leaves or debris and, for smaller trees, covering the tree with a blanket or a burlap sack.
Tags: citrus trees, Care Citrus, grown Tucson
