Atlanta isn’t just known for its vibrant neighborhoods and southern charm, it’s also becoming a hotspot for backyard citrus growers. From Midtown patios to Brookhaven backyards, more homeowners are discovering the joy of growing their own lemons, limes, and oranges, right here in the city.
Thanks to Atlanta’s mild winters (USDA zones 7b–8a) and long growing season, citrus trees can thrive when planted in containers or near sunny walls. Whether you're after the zing of a Meyer lemon or the tangy punch of a Key lime, there’s never been a better time to start your own citrus garden — and it’s easier than ever with help from Via Citrus.
🍋 Why Citrus Makes Sense for Atlanta Gardens
Citrus trees aren’t just for Florida anymore — they’re perfectly suited to Atlanta’s unique microclimates, especially when grown in pots that can be moved indoors during cold snaps. Here’s why more locals are planting them:
- Fresh, Organic Fruit: Skip the grocery store and enjoy pesticide-free citrus picked straight from your porch.
- Year-Round Beauty: Citrus trees are evergreen, with glossy leaves, fragrant blossoms, and colorful fruit that brighten any outdoor space.
- Sustainable Living: Reduce packaging waste and food miles by growing your own citrus at home.
- Easy to Maintain: With proper sunlight and care, these trees are surprisingly low-maintenance — even for urban gardeners.
🌿 Top Citrus Trees for Atlanta Gardeners
Here are three varieties that do especially well in Atlanta’s climate — and are available through Via Citrus:
Meyer Lemon Tree
A hybrid between a lemon and an orange, the Meyer lemon tree is compact and resilient. Its thin-skinned, sweet-tart fruit is perfect for everything from lemonade to dessert glazes. Thrives in full sun and can be brought indoors during frost.
Calamondin Orange Tree
This small but mighty tree produces tart mini-oranges great for jams, marinades, or as a decorative plant. Its fragrant white flowers and glossy green leaves make it a favorite for Atlanta porches and patios.
Key Lime Tree
Yes, you can grow Key limes in Atlanta! This tropical beauty brings flavor and fragrance to your garden. In areas like Sandy Springs or Roswell, a sunny patio or greenhouse setup keeps it thriving year-round.
Via Citrus bringing Florida-grown trees to Atlanta
One Atlanta-favorite source for high-quality citrus trees is Via Citrus, recently featured in Simply Buckheadmagazine. Rooted in Central Florida and connected to Atlanta native Danny Trejo, Via Citrus specializes in delivering healthy, Florida-grown trees directly to homes across metro Atlanta.
Their trees arrive ready to grow — whether you live in Decatur, Buckhead, or Alpharetta. And because they’re container-ready, they fit beautifully on patios, balconies, or sunny corners of your yard.
💡 Tips for Growing Citrus in Atlanta
- Sunlight is key: Citrus trees need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Use well-draining soil: Avoid waterlogged roots by using potting mix designed for citrus or cacti.
- Bring them inside during frost: Most citrus trees should come indoors when temps drop below 30°F.
- Fertilize regularly: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season (spring through early fall).
- Prune for shape and airflow: Regular trimming keeps your tree healthy and productive.
Where to Buy Citrus Trees in Atlanta
Ready to bring fresh citrus into your Atlanta home?
👉 Visit viacitrus.comto browse their selection of citrus trees, all hand-selected and Florida-grown. You can also find them on Etsy and Amazon for easy delivery straight to your doorstep.
Whether you're gardening in Candler Park, Edgewood, or Sandy Springs — you're just one tree away from fresh lemons, limes, and oranges grown in your own backyard.
Final thoughts
Growing citrus in Atlanta isn't just possible, it's practical, beautiful, and rewarding. With the right tree and a little care, you can enjoy homegrown flavor and fragrance all year long.
And with Via Citrusmaking it easy to get started, there's no reason not to bring a touch of Florida sunshine into your Atlanta home.
Start your citrus journey today and let your garden flourish with flavor.
