Companion Plants for Citrus in Pots: Enhance Growth and Flavor

Growing citrus plants in pots can be a great way to enjoy fresh fruits even if you don't have a lot of outdoor space. However, growing citrus in pots can be challenging as these plants require specific care and attention to thrive. One way to support their growth is by planting them alongside companion plants that provide nutrients, attract beneficial insects, and repel pests.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best companion plants for citrus in pots. We'll cover what each plant brings to the table, how to plant them alongside your citrus, and any special care tips you need to know.

Why Companion Planting for Citrus Works

Companion planting is an age-old practice of combining different plants to create a mutually beneficial environment. When it comes to citrus, companion planting can help in several ways:

- Nutrient cycling: Some plants are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the growth of citrus plants.
- Pest control: Certain plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can help keep common citrus pests at bay.
- Pollination: Some plants can help attract bees and other beneficial insects that are essential for citrus pollination.
- Microclimate regulation: Companion plants can help regulate temperature and humidity levels around your citrus plants, creating a microclimate that supports healthy growth.

Now let's dive into some of the best companion plants for citrus in pots!

1. Basil

Benefits of Growing Basil with Citrus

Basil is an aromatic herb that can enhance the flavor of your citrus fruits while repelling pests like aphids, flies, and mosquitoes. It's also known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any citrus pot.

How to Plant Basil with Citrus

To plant basil alongside your citrus, simply add a few seeds or seedlings around the base of your citrus tree. Make sure to leave enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Basil prefers well-draining soil, so make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Basil with Citrus

Basil requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can prune your basil regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

2. Marigold

Benefits of Growing Marigold with Citrus

Marigolds are known for their vibrant colors and strong scent, which can help repel pests like whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes. They're also easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great companion plant for novice gardeners.

How to Plant Marigold with Citrus

Plant marigolds around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between each plant to allow for healthy growth. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Marigold with Citrus

Marigolds are drought-tolerant and don't require frequent watering. However, they do benefit from occasional fertilization to support healthy growth. You can remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

3. Nasturtium

Benefits of Growing Nasturtium with Citrus

Nasturtiums are a colorful and edible companion plant that can add flavor and visual interest to your citrus pot. They're also known to attract aphids away from your citrus, making them a great pest-repelling option.

How to Plant Nasturtium with Citrus

Plant nasturtium seeds or seedlings around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space for healthy growth. Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Nasturtium with Citrus

Nasturtiums are easy to care for and don't require frequent watering. However, they do benefit from regular fertilization to support healthy growth. You can also prune them regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.

4. Chives

Benefits of Growing Chives with Citrus

Chives are an aromatic herb that can add flavor and depth to your citrus fruits. They're also known to repel pests like aphids and slugs while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Chives with Citrus

Plant chives around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Chives prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Chives with Citrus

Chives require regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your chives regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.

5. Oregano

Benefits of Growing Oregano with Citrus

Oregano is an aromatic herb that can enhance the flavor of your citrus fruits while repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any citrus pot.

How to Plant Oregano with Citrus

Plant oregano around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to allow for healthy growth. Oregano prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Oregano with Citrus

Oregano requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your oregano regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

6. Thyme

Benefits of Growing Thyme with Citrus

Thyme is an aromatic herb that can add depth and complexity to your citrus fruits while repelling pests like whiteflies, spider mites, and cabbage moths. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Thyme with Citrus

Plant thyme around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Thyme with Citrus

Thyme requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your thyme regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

7. Mint

Benefits of Growing Mint with Citrus

Mint is an aromatic herb that can add depth and flavor to your citrus fruits while repelling pests like ants, aphids, and flies. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Mint with Citrus

Plant mint around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Mint prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a shaded location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Mint with Citrus

Mint requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your mint regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

8. Garlic

Benefits of Growing Garlic with Citrus

Garlic is a pungent bulb that can enhance the flavor of your citrus fruits while repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Garlic with Citrus

Plant garlic bulbs around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between bulbs to allow for healthy growth. Garlic prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Garlic with Citrus

Garlic requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also remove any flower stalks that appear to encourage bulb development.

9. Lavender

Benefits of Growing Lavender with Citrus

Lavender is an aromatic plant that can add fragrance and visual interest to your citrus pot. It's also known to repel pests like moths, fleas, and mosquitoes while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Lavender with Citrus

Plant lavender around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Lavender prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Lavender with Citrus

Lavender requires moderate watering and good drainage to thrive. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. You can prune your lavender regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too woody.

10. Rosemary

Benefits of Growing Rosemary with Citrus

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that can enhance the flavor of your citrus fruits while repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Rosemary with Citrus

Plant rosemary around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Rosemary prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Rosemary with Citrus

Rosemary requires moderate watering and good drainage to thrive. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. You can prune your rosemary regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

11. Sage

Benefits of Growing Sage with Citrus

Sage is an aromatic herb that can add depth and flavor to your citrus fruits while repelling pests like cabbage moths, slugs, and snails. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Sage with Citrus

Plant sage around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Sage with Citrus

Sage requires moderate watering and good drainage to thrive. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. You can prune your sage regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

12. Lemongrass

Benefits of Growing Lemongrass with Citrus

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that can add fragrance and flavor to your citrus fruits while repelling pests like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Lemongrass with Citrus

Plant lemongrass around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Lemongrass prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Lemongrass with Citrus

Lemongrass requires moderate watering and good drainage to thrive. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. You can prune your lemongrass regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

13. Parsley

Benefits of Growing Parsley with Citrus

Parsley is an aromatic herb that can add flavor and visual interest to your citrus pot. It's also known to repel pests like aphids while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Parsley with Citrus

Plant parsley around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Parsley prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a shaded location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Parsley with Citrus

Parsley requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your parsley regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

14. Dill

Benefits of Growing Dill with Citrus

Dill is an aromatic herb that can add flavor and depth to your citrus fruits while repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths. It's also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great companion plant for citrus.

How to Plant Dill with Citrus

Plant dill around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Dill prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Dill with Citrus

Dill requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your dill regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

15. Chamomile

Benefits of Growing Chamomile with Citrus

Chamomile is an aromatic herb that can add fragrance and visual interest to your citrus pot. It's also known to repel pests like aphids while attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Chamomile with Citrus

Plant chamomile around the base of your citrus tree, leaving enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding. Chamomile prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot is placed in a shaded location and use a good-quality potting mix.

Care Tips for Growing Chamomile with Citrus

Chamomile requires regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can also prune your chamomile regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.



Companion planting can be a great way to enhance the growth and flavor of your citrus