Some years ago, during the interminable waiting for my apple trees to start fruiting (they're all on seedling), I thought it would be fun to grow citrus inside. I went to great lengths getting the right pot, soil mix, good quality plants, moisture tester, and so on. After a while the plants died, in part because of being wind whipped and taking too much water and damage during a thunderstorm.
The next year, I tried again, being more careful about storms. Same result, they just never thrived and finally got some kind of root disease.
I have tentatively come to the conclusion that it's just too cold even if we keep the plants inside, and there isn't enough sun in the winter months. They seem to need a lengthy, hot, sunny summer.
I do note that we've been successful keeping seedling grapefruit trees, which are OK for their foliage but never bear fruit if limited to 8' or so. I think the vigor helps.
Has anyone else been able to get citrus to fruit inside in northern climates?
Frozen:
Most citrus does require a long, hot summer and winters with warm days and nights just above freezing to do well (our climate is perfect). However, you might want to try Kumquats as the tree stays naturally smaller and takes well to pots, and the smaller fruit hangs on well in the wind. You'll still get a nice sweet/tart fruit with lots of vitamin C.
Seems unfair that apples will grow so well here while citrus has a tough time up there...
Many people grow container-grown citrus up North. I grow Satsuma Mandarin oranges, and they fruit every year. I also grow Meyer lemon, calamondin, key limes and I have tried to grow kumquats. Most people are most successful growing them on flying dragon dwarfing rootstock so the plant remains small.
Try this citrus growing forum:
http://citrus.forumup.org/inde.....rum=citrus
John S
PDX OR