Choose the site before the variety
Location matters more than the nursery label. Citrus wants full sun, but on the Mediterranean coast the afternoon sun in summer punishes young leaves and bark. A lemon tree planted against a west-facing wall receives stored heat until nightfall: it grows, but suffers in heatwaves. The same tree a few metres from an east-facing wall, or with light midday shade in the harshest season, behaves in a more balanced way.
It is also worth noting the wind. In open areas of Sotogrande or on high terraces in Marbella, constant wind dries leaves and flowers and can bring down fruit. A living screen or a slatted trellis to windward solves more than any fertiliser. For anyone looking at Gardening in Estepona, a useful decision is to reserve the sheltered corner for the citrus and leave the tougher plants in exposed positions.
In a pot, the criterion changes: the plant does not compete with the soil and depends entirely on us. A small container heats up too much in summer and cools quickly in winter. As a practical guide, a young citrus in a pot needs a generous volume for its size, and it is worth thinking about future repotting before buying, not afterwards.
- Before planting, observe where the sun falls at 10 am, 2 pm and 5 pm over a week.
- Leave space so the citrus does not touch a wall that becomes hot in summer.
Rootstock and growing medium: what you cannot see
Many citrus are sold grafted. The rootstock determines tolerance to limestone, salinity and soil moisture. In very calcareous soils, choosing a suitable rootstock prevents the chlorosis that appears as yellow leaves with green veins. If you do not know your soil, a basic analysis or a simple fizz test with vinegar will guide the decision.
Drainage is another critical point. A planting hole that holds water after rain or heavy irrigation is a trap for roots. In autumn, with irregular rain, this shows: the tree loses leaves, the soil smells bad and the base of the trunk darkens. Planting on a slight mound, mixing coarse material into the hole and not burying the graft union more than necessary are simple measures that avoid problems.
In pots, the growing medium must release water easily. A mix that is too compact becomes waterlogged and the plant shows drooping leaves even when the medium is wet. Check the drainage holes before filling the container and make sure they do not become blocked.
- Do not bury the graft union: it should sit above the level of the growing medium.
- In a pot, lift the container a few centimetres and check that water comes out of the holes.
Autumn watering: less quantity, same attention
In autumn citrus reduces its consumption, but it does not stop needing regular moisture. The typical mistake is to keep the same summer programme: waterlogged soil, roots without air and yellow leaves. The opposite mistake, cutting watering abruptly, also shows: small fruit and leaf drop. The useful rule is to check moisture a hand's depth down before deciding whether to water.
In the garden, with clay soil, it is better to water less often and more deeply, letting the surface layer dry. In pots, water more frequently but moderately, checking the weight of the container. After heavy rain, check that the pot has not become waterlogged.
Leaves tell you a lot. A heavy leaf drop in autumn can be normal if it is gradual and affects the oldest leaves. If all the leaves fall and the medium is wet, suspect excess water. If they are dry and brittle with dry soil, it is the opposite.
- Water early in the morning; it avoids fungi and makes better use of the water.
- In a pot, check with a wooden stick whether the inner medium is moist before watering again.
Feeding and mulching with judgement
In autumn it is worth adjusting feeding to the plant's rhythm. Citrus in active growth benefits from a balanced supply, but excess nitrogen at this time produces tender shoots that cold can damage and encourages aphids. In pots, excessive feeding also means accumulated salts: leaves with burnt tips and a whitish crust on the surface of the medium.
Mulching is an ally. A layer of coarse plant material on the soil holds moisture, buffers temperature and reduces weeds. Do not push it against the trunk: leave a few centimetres of air so the collar does not stay damp. If autumn is rainy, a mulch that is too fine can compact; choose coarse material and check it after heavy rain.
- If leaf tips burn in a pot, review feeding before adding more.
- Renew the mulch when it is compacted or has lost colour.
Light pruning and health checks
Autumn is not the time for severe pruning of citrus. What is useful is removing dead, badly oriented or crossing branches, and opening the interior slightly so air can circulate. On a heavily laden lemon tree, moderate thinning of fruit improves size and reduces weight on the branches. By contrast, hard pruning now can stimulate new shoots that will not harden before the cold.
Also watch new shoots: aphids and scale insects find a weak point in them. In autumn it is worth checking the underside of leaves and tender stems. It is not the time for blind treatments; identify the problem first and consult a nursery technician if you are unsure. For anyone practising Gardening in Estepona, a simple routine is to check citrus once a week and remove by hand whatever is detected in time.
- Disinfect secateurs between different trees.
- Do not feed immediately after light pruning; wait to see how the plant responds.
Common autumn mistakes: concrete examples
The first mistake is planting without checking drainage. A citrus in a hole that becomes waterlogged can spend autumn with wilted leaves and die before spring. The second is moving a plant into a much larger pot in one go: the surplus medium holds moisture and the plant seems 'drowned'. It is better to increase pot size gradually.
The third mistake is confusing normal autumn leaf drop with disease. If the drop is progressive and the tree keeps healthy shoots, it is probably physiological. If the drop is heavy and the soil is wet, review watering. The fourth is feeding to compensate for any yellowing: before feeding, rule out excess water or limestone.
Finally, it is worth checking the state of the fruit. Citrus picked late can become dry or have skin damaged by cold dawns. In autumn, sample one fruit before deciding on the full harvest. This practical observation saves surprises.
- Before feeding because of yellow leaves, check soil moisture and drainage.
- Harvest ripe fruit in stages, not all at once.