The short answer: Yes—and no.
Despite the challenges facing the citrus industry, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to encourage homeowners to grow citrus in their own landscapes. From oranges and lemons to grapefruits, kumquats, tangelos and limes, backyard citrus trees are possible with the right approach.
What Happened to All the Orange Groves?
Citrus has long been a cornerstone of Florida agriculture, generating nearly $9 billion annually. Just a few decades ago, driving through central and south Florida in spring meant seeing acres of fragrant orange groves for as far as the eye could see, their jasmine like blossoms filling the air with their sweet perfume.
By early winter, the sight of bright colored fruit hanging against dark green foliage looked like Christmas ornaments on orchards that went on for miles.
Unfortunately, this changed in the early 2000s with the arrival of citrus greening disease (HLB). Once a tree becomes infected, there is currently no cure.
Are Any Citrus Varieties Resistant?
While no variety is completely immune, some Citrus exhibit degrees of tolerance to the disease. Key limes are considered more tolerant of citrus greening. That’s good news for fans of Key lime pie and fresh Key lime juice.
- Key Limes vs. Persian Limes: Key limes are smaller, thinner-skinned, yellow-green in color and contain more seeds. They are traditionally grown in the Florida Keys, from Miami down to Key West.
- Some new Mandarin varieties-new tolerant varieties are being developed
Another unusual citrus variety gaining attention is the Australian Finger Lime.
- What Are Finger Limes?
Finger limes produce small, 3-inch, cylindrical and finger sized fruits filled with tiny “lime caviar” pearls. These pearls burst with tangy, effervescent flavor—sought after for garnishes and in marmalades. The dried rinds can be ground into spice. Fruit colors range from green to red to pink, adding ornamental appeal to their culinary uses.
What Is Citrus Greening (HLB)?
Citrus greening disease, also known as HLB, is caused by a bacterium spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny sap-sucking insect.
- Symptoms: Reduced fruit production, bitter or misshapen fruit, and eventual tree death.
- Origin: First documented in China in the 1950s.
What Are Psyllids?
Asian citrus psyllids are small, winged insects that feed on citrus sap which transmits the greening bacterium.
- Control Options: While there’s no cure, insecticides such as imidacloprid, horticultural oils, or insecticidal soaps provide some limited control with diligent applications. Biological controls, like beneficial wasps that prey on psyllids, also help. Currently IPCs are the most effective psyllid protection and require no pesticides.
- Hope for the Future: Scientists are studying the release of sterile psyllids into the population which shows promise as a means for control. Also, Scientists are using modern breeding techniques to make the trees more resistant and to boost their natural defenses.
What About Citrus Canker?
In addition to greening, Florida citrus faces citrus canker, another bacterial disease. Canker causes lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit, and is spread by wind, rain, and contaminated tools.
What Are Those White Mesh Tents on Citrus Trees?
If you’ve driven around Florida and spotted young citrus trees covered with white mesh bags, you’ve seen IPCs—Individual Protective Covers.
- How They Work: IPCs block psyllids from infecting young citrus trees.
- How Long They Stay On: Typically, up to three years, until the tree outgrows the cover, though homeowners can prune trees to control their size to remain under protection longer.
- What Happens Afterward: Once uncovered, trees eventually become infected, but often continue producing good fruit for 2–3 years before declining.
Can I Still Grow Citrus in My Backyard?
Yes—with proper management and realistic expectations. To give your trees the best chance of survival and productivity:
- Start with certified disease-free trees.
- Use IPCs to protect young trees.
- Incorporate biological controls (like psyllid-eating wasps).
- Supplement with organic or chemical treatments as a temporary deterrent.
- Stay updated with UF/IFAS recommendations and research.
For example, I’m currently growing a Persian lime tree in a container on my patio—protected under an IPC. I’ll be sharing updates on its progress in future posts.
Where Is Citrus Greening Found?
Citrus greening isn’t just a Florida issue. It’s now found across the Southeast U.S., from South Carolina to Louisiana, and as far west as Texas and California.
Worldwide, agricultural scientists are working tirelessly to find a long-term solution.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can still grow citrus in Florida, but it requires a new mindset. With protective covers, resistant varieties like Key limes and Finger limes, and integrated pest management, backyard citrus remains possible. While the days of endless orange groves may be behind us for now, homeowners can still enjoy the beauty and taste of fresh Florida citrus—right from their own yards.