Anything citrus is unparalleled when you need a natural and refreshing burst of flavor. If you’re like to enjoy it more often, you can even grow it at home.
Better yet, it’s entirely possible to grow it in a container if you don’t have room in your yard for it or need to keep it inside out of the cold.
You’ll need to start with a suitable planter, and we’ve found a few of the greatest options. We’ll discuss them in this post and why we like each one.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
| Product Name | Grade |
| Novelty Classic Urn Planter | A |
| Southern Patio Metro Poly-Resin Planter | A+ |
| Classic Home and Garden Whiskey Barrel | A+ |
| Sonora Resin Pot Planter Set | A+ |
Best Planters for Citrus
Novelty Classic Urn Planter
Your citrus plant will grow large in time, and you’ll need a little extra legroom for it. This Novelty Classic Urn Planter has that room.
It comes in two different sizes, and each one is quite large. While it might not be big enough to hold a completely mature citrus tree, you will find that it can accommodate younger ones quite handily.
The material it’s comprised of is plastic. This means it’s lightweight, and you won’t ever struggle to lift it.
However, it’s important to mention that it doesn’t come with drainage holes in it already. Instead, it has spots marked for you to drill into to add the drainage holes yourself.
Pros
- Available in a couple of sizes and colors.
- Large enough to hold growing citrus plants.
- Resistant to fading
- Have places marked to add a drainage hole
- Classic aesthetic.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- You need to add the drainage holes.
- A few customers have noted that it’s so light it needs to be weighed down.
Southern Patio Metro Poly-Resin Planter
The Southern Patio Metro Poly-Resin Planter is another great option for those who don’t like the look of plastic. With a speckled texture, this one looks as if it was skillfully sculpted from stone.
However, despite its looks, it’s made from tough poly-resin. You’ll get all the cool looks of a stone pot, but with none of the tiring heaviness.
And if you dislike the look of one color, it has two others to choose from. That makes it possible to blend it into a variety of settings, no matter what kind of color scheme you are going with.
Pros
- The speckled pattern looks like stone.
- It comes in three colors and two sizes.
- Have a drainage hole in the bottom.
- Light enough to lift.
- Durable.
Cons
- It only has one drainage hole, so you may want to add more.
- Some customers reported that the colors were slightly different from the pictures.
Classic Home and Garden Whiskey Barrel
Wood is undoubtedly a pretty material, but it can become warped in time after holding soil and water for so long. Fortunately, planters like the Classic Home and Garden Whiskey Barrel resemble wood without any drawbacks.
The wide barrel shape is perfect for citrus, which requires so much space. This planter can definitely provide that space.
The resin is sturdy and perfect for use outdoors, as well. It can withstand the fading that direct sunlight can cause in others.
Pros
- Two-color combinations.
- Tough construction.
- Have drainage holes.
- It comes in a few sizes.
- Attractive wood design.
Cons
- A few customers felt the material is on the thin side.
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Sonora Resin Pot Planter Set
Maybe instead of stone or terracotta, you prefer the appearance of wicker or other woven materials. In that case, the Sonora Resin Pot Planter Set is a feast for the eyes.
The plastic of this planter is carved into a texture that looks as if it has been woven. It adds up to an overall delightful effect.
You’re getting a two-for-one deal with this planter set because it includes a pair of planters. You can get two small planters or two large planters.
You can match them in your garden and home with a pair of them. If you’re trying to create a cohesive atmosphere, having more than one of the same planter can be helpful.
Pros
- This set comes with a pair of planters instead of just one.
- They’re easy to clean.
- Attractive wicker design.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Only available in one color.
- The description says there are drainage holes in the bottom, but a few customers said there weren’t any, and they had to add holes.
Also Read: Best Planters for Clematis
Dekland Resin Pot Planter
This spacious Dekland Resin Pot Planter is perfect for housing citrus plants of a range of ages. It comes in a group of sizes, each one pretty generous.
Furthermore, it’s ideal if you love the look of terracotta but are worried about its porous nature absorbing water too quickly. This planter mimics that same look, but because it’s made from plastic, it won’t suck up moisture.
It has other colors that look like other textures, as well. These include terracotta, rust, and concrete for all your weathered-look needs.
Instead of having to drill in a drainage hole yourself, you’ll find drainage holes already on the bottom of these planters. This system will ensure your citrus plant’s roots are safe from getting waterlogged.
Pros
- It comes in three colors and a bunch of sizes to choose from.
- Has drainage holes built-in.
- Resistant to rust, weather, and UV light.
- It has a raised floral pattern on the sides.
- It is recommended for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Easy to carry.
Cons
- A few customers felt it looked too much like plastic.
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What to Consider When Buying a Planter for Citrus
Drainage System
Too much water in your citrus plant’s soil leads to waterlogged roots. Believe it or not, this is a huge problem for citrus trees that are grown in containers because it can turn into root rot.
To protect your citrus, you’ll want a planter with a robust drainage system. This means drainage holes – and likely more than one.
Additionally, some strongly recommend not using a self-watering planter. Although they are convenient, they can lead to your citrus tree getting more than it needs.
Also See: Best Planters for Elephant Ears
Material
The material used in the construction of your planter is worth some thought. Some materials absorb moisture quickly and leave your citrus tree too dry.
Clay, terracotta, and ceramic can all have this effect if they’re not glazed. That’s because they’re naturally porous materials, so they can drink moisture in much as a plant can.
Plastic, on the flip side, does the opposite. Since it’s not porous, it won’t absorb your citrus tree’s water.
Because it comes in a huge amount of sizes, designs, and colors, it’s also flexible material. You’re likely to find the perfect planter in plastic for your citrus tree.
Size
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: your citrus tree needs room to stretch out. This means you can’t confine it to a tiny planter and expect it to be healthy.
That being said, depending on the age of your tree, you can’t exactly put it in a planter that’s too large, either. These can result in too much soil around the citrus tree, which can then remain too damp for too long.
If you’re starting with a young tree, look for a planter that’s at least a foot in diameter. As your tree matures, consider moving it to a larger one that’s wider and deeper.
An older citrus tree will do better in planters that are maybe two feet wide and at least a foot and a half deep.
Wrap Up
To grow a citrus tree in a container, you’re going to need to guarantee your planter is big. With larger dimensions, your tree will have the room to breathe and grow that it desperately needs.
Paired with a good drainage system, you’ll have found the perfect planter. Keep these two things in the forefront of your mind while you look at different options.
We’d recommend the Sonora Resin Pot Planter Set this time because of their appealing, wicker design and the fact you’ll get two of them in the set. Even if you do end up having to pierce holes into the bottom, we think their benefits outweigh the inconvenience.
Did you know you can grow other types of trees in planters? You can read our guide to planters for avocado trees here and banana trees here.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
