Water requirements are high, particularly during the flowering period. Frequent irrigation is then necessary. At the end of a cycle, less frequent irrigation is recommended as citrus trees are less sensitive to water deficit.
The irrigation timetable must be established carefully. Citrus trees require good aeration of the soil and excessive irrigation is very harmful, especially for young trees. Irrigation which is too frequent and heavy may affect root development, hinder yield and wash out nutritional elements. In countries with mild winters, irrigation may be interrupted for 2 or 3 months.