Time to try citrus

Is it possible to grow your own lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit in the UK? Of course it is, says Graham Rice, so long as they are given a little warmth

- Graham Rice

IS the idea of relaxing on the summer patio, reaching out and picking a lemon to slice for your end-of-the-day G&T or a lime for your Mexican beer, a myth or a reality? Trust me, if it were a myth I wouldn’t be settling down to explain how to grow your own lemons. And limes, oranges and grapefruit, too.

Of course, citrus fruits are not as tough as apples and plums, so you can’t just plant them in the garden or leave them outside all the year round. But they’re very happy to grow in containers so, as winter approaches, you can move them into a porch, a conservatory or a greenhouse. Some will flower and fruit all the year round and their scent is amazing.

The right temperature

Although they dislike frost, citrus don’t need tropical temperatures and most will be happy just a little above freezing.

• Calamondin – needs a minimum of 13°C (55°F).

• Grapefruit – needs winter frost protection.

• Kumquat – can take an occasional light frost.

• Lemon – needs a minimum of 41°F (5°C).

• Lime – needs winter frost protection.

• Orange – needs a minimum of 41°F (5°C).

Let there be light

Warmer temperatures suit these plants well, so they’re happy in the house, and small plants can even go on the windowsill. But they like good light so make sure you clean the greenhouse or conservatory glass as the nights draw in.