Planting Citrus Trees in Louisiana
Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Citrus Trees in Lafayette, Louisiana
If you’ve been thinking about growing your own satsumas, lemons, oranges, kumquats, or other citrus, fall is one of the best times to plant citrus trees in South Louisiana.
At All Seasons Nursery in Lafayette, Louisiana, fall is one of our favorite planting seasons. Cooler temperatures make working in the garden more enjoyable, and they also give newly planted trees an opportunity to establish their roots before the intense heat of another Louisiana summer.
Whether you're planting your first fruit tree or building your own backyard orchard, now is a great time to get growing!
Why Plant Citrus Trees in the Fall in Louisiana?
If you're wondering when to plant citrus trees in Louisiana, fall is an excellent time to do it.
Our hot, humid Lafayette summers can put additional stress on newly planted trees. By planting citrus during the cooler fall months, you give the tree time to begin developing a healthy root system without immediately facing extreme summer temperatures.
The soil can remain warm even as our air temperatures begin to cool, creating favorable conditions for root establishment.
Plant this fall, care for your tree throughout winter and spring, and it can be better established by the time summer returns.
Best Citrus Trees for South Louisiana
One reason we love growing citrus in Louisiana is the variety! When choosing a tree, consider the amount of space and sunlight you have as well as the type of fruit you want to harvest.
Some popular citrus choices for Lafayette and South Louisiana gardens include:
- Satsuma Trees – A Louisiana favorite known for sweet, easy-to-peel fruit.
- Lemon Trees – A versatile backyard addition for fresh lemons for cooking, baking, drinks, and more.
- Orange Trees – A classic choice with several varieties available for home gardens.
- Kumquat Trees – Beautiful landscape trees that produce small, flavorful fruit.
- Lime Trees – Great for fresh fruit, although some varieties may require additional protection during cold weather.
- Calamondin Trees – Attractive citrus trees producing small, tart fruit and a great option to explore for patios and containers.
Availability and varieties can change throughout the season, so visit All Seasons Nursery in Lafayette to see what's currently in stock.
Where Should You Plant a Citrus Tree?
Location matters!
Citrus trees perform best with plenty of direct sunlight. Choose an area of your yard that receives good sun throughout the day and has well-draining soil.
Drainage is especially important in South Louisiana. Avoid planting citrus in low areas where water regularly collects after heavy rain. Citrus roots don't like remaining in waterlogged soil.
Not sure where to plant your tree? Take a few photos of your yard and bring them with you when you visit us. Our team can help point you in the right direction.
How to Plant a Citrus Tree in Louisiana
Once you've found the perfect location, it's time to plant.
Dig your planting hole wide enough to comfortably accommodate the root ball, but be careful not to plant your citrus tree too deeply. The top of the root ball should remain at or slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill around the tree, water it thoroughly, and add mulch around the planting area to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Just remember: don't pile mulch against the trunk. Leave some breathing room around the base of your tree.
Watering Newly Planted Citrus Trees
Even though temperatures are cooler in the fall, newly planted citrus trees still need consistent water while becoming established.
Check the soil regularly and water deeply when needed. Your watering schedule will depend on rainfall, temperatures, soil conditions, and where your tree is planted.
The goal is consistent moisture without leaving the roots sitting in saturated soil.
Protecting Citrus Trees During a Louisiana Freeze
South Louisiana winters may be mild, but freezes can happen.
Young citrus trees and more cold-sensitive citrus varieties may require protection when freezing temperatures are forecast. Keep an eye on the weather throughout winter and prepare your trees before temperatures drop.
Different citrus varieties can have different levels of cold tolerance, so ask our team about the specific variety you're purchasing and how to care for it during winter.
Start Your Own Backyard Orchard
Why stop at one fruit tree?
Fall is a great time to start planning a backyard orchard in Louisiana. Citrus can be combined with other fruit trees suited to our area to create a landscape that's both beautiful and productive.
With the right location, proper care, and a little patience, your backyard could eventually provide fresh fruit for your family season after season.
Shop Citrus Trees in Lafayette, Louisiana
Ready to start growing?
Visit All Seasons Nursery in Lafayette, LA to shop our current selection of citrus trees, fruit trees, and gardening supplies. From satsumas and lemons to oranges, kumquats, and more, our team can help you choose a tree that works for your South Louisiana landscape.
Fall is for planting—so now is the time to get your citrus in the ground!
Stop by All Seasons Nursery to explore our current selection, and visit our website to stay up to date on new arrivals, plant sales, gardening tips, classes, events, and seasonal updates.









