Planting a lemon tree in a pot is a phenomenal way to bring a bit of nature and its sweet fruits closer to your house. It is not as difficult as planting a tree in the ground and the results tend to be more enduring. Firstly, you’ll need a good spot. Choose a sunny place where your tree will be exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight everyday. Then, you’ll need a container. A pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches and a depth of 18 to 24 inches is ideal for a lemon tree.
The next step is to pick a potting soil. When shopping for soil, look for a blend specifically tailored to acidic potting plants. When it comes to daily care, the most important think to keep in mind is watering the soil. To avoid overwatering, use only the amount of water that’s needed to keep the soil slightly moist. Between watering sessions, allow the top soil to dry before adding more water. Lastly, fertilize your plant every couple of weeks for it to thrive.
Your lemon tree not only enjoys sunny days, but it can also benefit from a bit of shade as well. During the hottest days of the summer, try to place the pot in a protected area where the tree won’t get burnt by the sun. In any case, it may be necessary to place the pot on rollers to make it easier to move it around the garden. A good rule of thumb is to keep its roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Proper pruning will help your tree keep a steady shape. Start pruning in the late spring as the tree starts to form buds. Keep in mind that you don’t need to prune every branch as new ones will appear. However, pruning off dried flowering stalks, water shoots and weak branches is recommended. These should be cut as close to the main trunk as possible.
Can Containers Effect Lemon Tree Growth?
The size of the container does have an effect on growth. In the wild, a lemon tree can spread its roots far and wide in search for water and nutrients. However, in a pot, it has a limited space to do so. Therefore, it is important to get a pot that’s large enough as to allow the roots to spread out as much as possible. In this sense, bigger is better. Another thing you should keep in mind is the material. Clay is an excellent choice as its porous walls help with good drainage.
Do Lemon Trees Need Pruning?
Pruning is essential for producing and maintaining healthy lemons. The process of pruning is all about maintaining the right shape and removing dead or excess growing branches. During the harvest season, often in the late fall, branches and immature fruit should be cut off in order to give more focus to the mature ones and promote overall health. When pruning, use sharp tools and cut branches flush to the trunk for a clean, even look.
How Much Water Does A Lemon Tree Need?
A lemon tree, even in a contained environment, can suffer from over watering. Therefore, it’s important to carefully monitor and adjust the amount of soil moisture, depending on where you live and the current season. For example, during the summer, the tree may need more water while in the winter it would require less. As a general rule, the soil should be moist at all times during the growing season but lightly dry during the winter season.
Can Climate Affect A Lemon Tree?
Yes, climate plays a major role in how healthy your lemon tree is going to be. Lemon trees don’t fare well in extremes, specially when it comes to temperature. They prefer mild climates and, when the temperature drops below freezing, the tree may suffer from frost damage or even die. It’s important to keep your tree away from freezing temperatures even when it is in a contained environment. For that, you may need to move the pot or bring it indoors during the colder months.
When Is The Best Time To Plant A Lemon Tree?
When planting a lemon tree in a container, it’s important to plan ahead. To ensure the lemon tree develops healthy and produces tasty fruits, you’ll need to select the right varieties and a good container. Additionally, seasonality matters as well. Planting a lemon tree during the winter season, when temperatures are mild and it’s usually less wet, is ideal. Furthermore, if you decide to prepare the soil in the winter, it will be ready for the tree to be planted come the spring season.
What Are The Best Varieties Of Lemons To Plant In A Container?
When it comes to container-friendly lemons, Meyer lemon is one of the most popular varieties. It is a citron-lemon hybrid that is slightly less acidic than average lemon, making for a sweeter flavor. Another well-known lemon variety is the Key lime. It is the smallest of the limes, making it well-suited for potting. Lastly, the Eureka lemon is a good option. It produces large fruits with a good sourness, making it a very good choice for beverages, jams and sauces.
