For many gardeners in Missouri, growing a lemon tree is an appealing prospect. However, the environment of the ‘Show Me’ state isn’t conducive for growing the majority of lemon varieties, leaving some feeling disappointed that their dreams of mason jars filled with lemon wedges won’t come to fruition. But, like all dreams, you don’t have to give up on them completely.
Truth is, growing a lemon tree in Missouri is possible, with certain caveats. Being a cooler climate, there are certain steps you must take to ensure the tree’s health. One is to locate a sheltered site – an area sheltered from the wind and shielded from any frost. Secondly, if you aren’t placing your tree in a greenhouse, you’ll need to provide it with protection if the temperatures drops below 15℉.
When it comes to deciding which type of lemon tree to grow, there are two varieties commonly recommended to Missourians. One is the ‘Meyer Lemon’, which produces small, fragrant lemons that are juicy and sweet, with a slight orange color to them. The ‘Eureka Lemon’ is a bit more challenging to grow, requiring more sunlight and heat, but can also grow to a large size, producing large yellow fruits.
A few other species to consider are the ‘Imperial’, which is a hybrid between a lemon and a lime, the ‘Femminello’, which is a small and compact lemon tree producing tart lemons, and the ‘Lisbon’, which produces small, smooth lemons which make excellent lemonade. On occasion, you may still see ‘Setchell’s’ sold in some nurseries, which produces extremely hardy and delicious fruit.
When planting your lemon tree, it’s best to plant it in mid-March when the danger of frost has passed. You’ll want to mix lots of organic material into the soil, such as aged compost, peat moss, and aged manure. You’ll also want to add soil amendments such as Epsom salt, which is a great source for magnesium. If your lemon tree is subjected to a freeze, you’ll want to prune back the foliage by up to half to remove any winter burn.
Lemon trees also require plenty of warmth and light, so you should make sure you place it in a site which gets direct sunlight for at least six hours per day; ideally the tree should be placed in a spot that gets morning sunlight only. If possible, create a wind barrier and make sure there’s plenty of compost around the roots to keep moisture in soil.
When it comes to watering, use rain water if you can, but if not, then tap water is fine. Excessive watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and can also lead to fruit drop and tree die back. Especially in times of extreme heat, your lemon tree will need regular watering and misting to provide it with the moisture it needs.
How to Care for a Lemon Tree in Missouri
Once established, caring for your lemon tree in Missouri isn’t much different than caring for any other type of tree. It’s important that you keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the warmer months when the trees are heavy with fruit. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every five to six weeks to ensure the tree gets all the nutrients it needs, making sure to keep it away from the trunk. Additionally, prune all dead branches and remove weeds from around the base of the tree.
When growing lemons in Missouri, you’ll also need to be aware of pests and disease, as there are many that could be destructive to your tree. As with any garden, you should use safe and organic solutions to keep your tree healthy. Try to use natural pest deterrents and nematodes, as well as horticultural oils and soaps. Additionally, the use of neem oil is also beneficial for controlling any insects.
When it comes to disease, you should look for any signs of infection such as spots on the foliage and yellow discolorations. Consult a horticulture professional for help in identifying and treating the problem.
Harvesting Lemons in Missouri
Harvesting lemons in Missouri is fairly straightforward, as you’ll just need to keep an eye on the fruit as it begins to mature. Generally, you’ll want to wait until the lemons turn yellow, or until they were soft enough to be picked with no resistance. It’s important to note that lemons don’t ripen on the tree after they’ve been picked, so it’s not advised to pick them until they’ve fully ripened.
Once harvested, don’t forget to pick off any lemons that may be on the ground or any that are starting to over-ripen. After that, you’ll be ready to enjoy your lemons in any number of recipes, from salsa to curds and drinks. Missouri lemon trees have the potential to surprise and delight you with a variety of colors and flavors.
Pressing On
Finally, it’s worth noting that lemon trees aren’t just a plant to have in Missouri for decoration; they offer a lot of tiny challenges for the gardener interested in trying their hand at it. As long as the gardener is prepared to protect the tree from frost and cold, and is willing to put in a bit of effort to keep their tress healthy, growing lemon trees in Missouri is a rewarding experience.
Despite its many challenges, the ‘Show Me’ state is full of gardeners undeterred by the prospects of growing lemons outdoors. Whether they simply wish to treat themselves to a taste of summer or are looking to bring something truly remarkable to their tables, they know enough to press on despite the cold battle.
Wrap Up
Growing a lemon tree in Missouri presents gardeners with a unique set of challenges, but with such a unique reward for those willing to take up the challenge, it is well worth the effort. Providing it with the warmth, shelter and nutrients it needs is key, and if one takes the necessary precautions, the ability to grow delicious lemons that can used for cooking and drinks is within reach.
Every experienced gardener knows that practice makes perfect, and growing a lemon tree in a cool climate such as Missouri is no exception. It’s a unique take on the traditional story of lemon-growing, but with a bit of effort, gardeners in Missouri can make their dreams of homemade lemonade come true.
