Yuzu care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Yuzu

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 2 days

Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, about every one to two days in summer; an established garden tree needs it only in a long dry spell.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 3 days

As the fruit starts to color, water about every two to four days once the surface is dry.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 7 days

About once a week, a few days after the soil dries, in the morning of a mild day.

Light and placement for Yuzu

As a guide, a sunny spot, though it is generally more tolerant of some shade and cold than other citrus; keep it out of direct north wind and give it good airflow.

Overwintering Yuzu

Overwintering guide: −7°C (19°F) or above

Among the hardiest citrus, it generally winters outdoors on the Kanto and Kansai plains; a young tree may drop leaves in cold wind, so as a guide wrap it loosely in fleece.

Fertilizing and repotting Yuzu

Fertilizer

As a guide, slow-release organic fertilizer in March and June, with a small thank-you feed after harvest in November or December; a pot generally takes smaller, split doses.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Yuzu

• Grown from seed, it goes many years without fruiting.
• A heavy crop is followed by a year with no fruit.
• The thorns scar the fruit and leaves and prick the hands.

Tips for growing Yuzu

• A grafted sapling usually starts fruiting in three to five years.
• Harvest in November or December once yellow; green summer fruit is also prized for its aroma.
• Snipping off thorns when pruning makes care and picking easier.

More fruit tree care guides

• AvocadoPersea americana
• BlueberryVaccinium
• Common figFicus carica
• Dragon fruitSelenicereus undatus
• FeijoaAcca sellowiana
• KumquatCitrus japonica