When Heather Rhoades bought her first indoor orange tree nearly 20 years ago, she had to order it from a specialty online retailer. Now, it's not uncommon to find citrus trees at local gardening centers or big box stores, said Rhoades, owner of Gardening Know How , an online resource based in Bedford, Ohio.

Interest in growing edibles and diverse plants has helped make citrus trees more popular and available, Rhoades said. Would-be growers can find a variety of lemon, lime and orange trees from which to choose.

"It's easier for people to get a hold of citrus trees and they're more willing to t...