How to Grow Yuzu
Citrus junos
Yuzu is the hardiest of all citrus, capable of surviving temperatures down to about -9°C once established. In the UK, site it against a sheltered south-facing wall or grow in a large container that can overwinter under cover. It needs full sun, free-draining slightly acidic soil, and regular citrus feeding from spring to autumn. Be patient — grafted trees take 3–4 years to begin fruiting. The tree is very thorny; always wear gloves. Harvest the aromatic fruit in late autumn to winter when the skin turns yellow.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Use a specialist citrus fertiliser from March to September. Apply monthly during the growing season. Yellowing leaves between veins indicates magnesium deficiency — apply Epsom salts as a foliar spray.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Citrus leaf miner
- Spider mites (under cover)
- Sooty mould (secondary to scale)
Companions
Chives, Comfrey, Nasturtiums
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; sheltered south-facing position
Needs maximum sun and warmth. In the UK, best sited against a south or south-west facing wall. Avoid exposed, cold, or shaded positions.
Watering
Regular in the growing season; reduce in winter
Water regularly from spring to autumn, especially in containers. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter. Drought stress causes leaf drop and fruit drop.
Fertilizing
Monthly citrus feed March–September
Apply a specialist citrus fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Watch for interveinal chlorosis (magnesium deficiency) and treat with Epsom salt spray. Stop all feeding in winter.
Pruning
Minimal; light shaping in spring only
Prune lightly in spring before growth begins. Remove dead wood, water shoots, and crossing branches. Never prune hard into old wood. Wear thick gloves — the tree has long, sharp thorns.
Spacing
3–4 m in ground; containers can be kept much smaller
Allow 350 cm between in-ground trees. Container-grown yuzu can be maintained at 1–1.5 m with annual pruning and root management.
Support
Wall training recommended in the UK
Fan-train against a south-facing wall for extra warmth and frost protection. Use horizontal wires fixed to the wall. Containerised plants may need staking in exposed positions.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 350 cm |
| Row spacing | 400 cm |
| Mature height | 400 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
In-ground spacing for a freestanding tree. Container-grown yuzu can be maintained much smaller with regular pruning.
