Companion planting

Citrus Companion Plants

Q: What are good companion plants for Citrus?

Common beneficial companions for Citrus include Chives, Comfrey, Lavender, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Tansy, Clover, Dill, Garlic, Yarrow.

Q: What should I avoid planting near Citrus?

Often avoided near Citrus: Black Walnut, Fennel, Grass, Pine Trees, Tomatoes, Cherry Trees, Eucalyptus, Juniper.

Beneficial and avoid companions for Citrus, aggregated from open plant-variety notes (pest deterrence, soil sharing, and flavour).

Citrus growing calendar → Companions

Adapted from Wind River Greens Plant Variety Database (CC BY 4.0) — 31 varieties in fruit-tree. Credits

Plant together

Companions often recommended near Citrus.

Chives (31)

Repels aphids and Japanese beetles, improves overall tree health Repels aphids and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Comfrey (31)

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, leaves make excellent mulch Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, leaves make excellent mulch and fertilizer
Lavender (28)

Repels moths and other flying pests while attracting pollinators Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while repelling pests
Marigolds (27)

Repel nematodes and various pests, attract pollinators Repel nematodes and various pests while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtiums (27)

Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial insects Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters codling moths
Tansy (23)

Repels ants, mice, and various flying insects that can damage apple trees Repels ants, mice, and various insects that damage apple trees
Clover (22)

Fixes nitrogen in soil, provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides living mulch to retain moisture
Dill (18)

Attracts beneficial wasps and predatory insects that control pear pests Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control apple pests
Garlic (15)

Repels aphids, borers, and other pests through strong sulfur compounds Natural fungicide properties help prevent fire blight and other diseases
Yarrow (5)

Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health through deep root system
Marigold (4)

Deters nematodes and various apple pests with strong scent Repels nematodes and various flying pests with strong scent
Nasturtium (4)

Acts as trap crop for aphids and woolly apple aphids Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters ants
Rosemary (4)

Deters fig beetles and other pests with strong aromatic oils Deters pests like spider mites and scale insects that commonly affect fig trees
Mint (3)

Deters ants and rodents that may damage figs Repels ants and rodents that may damage figs, but plant in containers
Thyme (2)

Ground cover that suppresses weeds and repels fig beetles Ground cover that suppresses weeds and repels fig-damaging insects
White Clover (2)

Fixes nitrogen in soil, provides ground cover, and attracts pollinators Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides living mulch
Daffodils (1)

Repel rodents that may damage tree bark and roots
Strawberries (1)

Ground cover that doesn't compete with shallow roots, attracts beneficial insects

Keep apart

Combinations often avoided near Citrus.

Black Walnut (31)

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits apple tree growth and can cause root damage Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill pear trees
Fennel (17)

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of apple trees and most other plants Allelopathic effects inhibit growth of fruit trees and most garden plants
Grass (10)

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, especially problematic for young trees Competes heavily for water and nutrients, especially problematic for young apple trees
Pine Trees (8)

Acidify soil and create conditions favorable to apple scab disease Acidify soil excessively and compete for nutrients, can stunt apple growth
Tomatoes (7)

Compete for similar nutrients and can harbor diseases that affect stone fruits Both susceptible to similar diseases and pests, creating concentrated disease pressure
Cherry Trees (4)

Attracts similar pests and diseases, increasing risk of bacterial canker and brown rot Share common pests like oriental fruit moth and diseases like brown rot
Eucalyptus (4)

Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby fruit trees Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of other plants
Juniper (3)

Alternate host for cedar-apple rust which severely affects pear trees Alternate host for cedar-apple rust which can spread to pear trees
Elderberry (1)

Attracts spotted wing drosophila which damages cherry fruit
Grass (tall varieties) (1)

Competes for water and nutrients, reducing apple tree vigor and yield
Grass (turf) (1)

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, especially problematic for young trees
Grass Lawn (1)

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, inhibits root development
Grass Turf (1)

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, inhibits root development
Large Pine Trees (1)

Create excessive shade and acidify soil, hindering fig growth and fruiting
Pine (1)

Acidifies soil over time and competes aggressively for nutrients and water
Potato (1)

Increases susceptibility to blight diseases that can affect apple trees

FAQ: companion planting with Citrus

What are good companion plants for Citrus?

Frequently cited companions include Chives, Comfrey, Lavender, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Tansy, Clover, Dill, Garlic, Yarrow, Marigold, Nasturtium. Reasons come from open cultivar notes (pest deterrence, soil, flavour).

What should I avoid planting near Citrus?

Often avoided: Black Walnut, Fennel, Grass, Pine Trees, Tomatoes, Cherry Trees, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Elderberry, Grass (tall varieties).

Companion effects vary by climate, soil and variety. Confirm with local extension. Data adapted from Wind River Greens Plant Variety Database (CC BY 4.0).