How to Grow a Yuzu Tree

Choose the right site for your yuzu. Like other citrus, the tree needs full sun, protection from wind and well-draining soil. The south side of your house generally offer the warmest climate.

Prepare the ground for planting. Turn over the soil with a shovel to loosen it, and remove rocks, sticks, weeds and debris. If your soil is poor quality, work in 2 inches of compost or manure to add nutrients. When you've worked the soil, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant's root ball.

Pull your yuzu tree from its container and fluff the root ball gently. Gently unwind tangled roots and trim back the ends of broken roots and place the yuzu in the prepared hole. Fill in the hole with soil.

Water the soil to saturate it, removing air bubbles. Going forward, water your yuzu tree when the soil feels lightly moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out fully between waterings, nor water when soil below the surface still holds plenty of water. If the leaves wilt, it's a sign your tree needs more regular watering; yellow leaves that do not perk up after watering indicate too frequent watering.

Mulch the soil underneath the tree using 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch. Begin the mulch 6 inches from the tree trunk and extend it out as far as the branches go. This helps the soil stay warm and retain water longer.

Fertilize your tree each spring using a slow-release citrus fertilizer. Follow the dose range recommended for your size tree on the fertilizer label.

Protect the yuzu from frost if temperatures fall below 10 degrees. Use string lights, which warm the branches, or cover the tree with burlap or a frost-protection blanket. Leave the cold protection in place until the cold spell passes.

Prune your tree to shape it if desired. Citrus trees like yuzu naturally develop a strong branch structure. Periodically removing dead, diseased or damaged wood and cutting suckers growing off the trunk marks the extent of additional pruning responsibilities.

Watch out for pests, such aphids or scales. Leaf distortion or discoloration, increased ant presence on your tree or visible pests indicate a problem. Use horticultural soap to combat insect pests.