Lemon trees are popular and beloved among gardeners and cooking enthusiasts, but what if you don’t have a green thumb or an outdoor space for growing? Fortunately for the not-so-smart-gardeners, there are a few easy ways to grow a lemon tree indoors, provided you have the space and energy to maintain it. Growing a lemon tree inside has some advantages, and it’s not as difficult as it may first seem.
The first thing to consider is if you have a spot in your home that receives plenty of sunlight. Lemons require at least six hours of direct sunlight for proper growth and healthy fruit production, so if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to grow your tree. If you do, great! You can start with either a seedling or with a lemon scion, which is a small branch off an established tree.
When planting your seedlings, be sure to use pots with drainage holes in the bottom. Lemons don’t need quite as much soil as other types of trees, so you can get away with a good quality potting mix. Put the potting mix in a large container and fill it to the halfway mark, then place your seedling in and cover it up to the lower leaves. Once planted, you can water it every day or two and keep the soil damp.
Now that your lemon tree is planted, you’ll need to make sure you give it proper fertilization. You can purchase citrus-specific fertilizers for best results, but an all-purpose fertilizer will work too. Lemons need a lot of nitrogen, so make sure there is a 3-1-2 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio in whatever fertilizer you use. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, fertilize every two weeks. If you choose a granular fertilizer, fertilize every two months.
When it comes to pruning, you should prune your lemon tree annually to get the best results. Pruning will help to create a strong, bushy tree and increase air circulation, which avoids disease and pests. Remove any crossed branches, weak shoots, and deadwood, and prune each branch to form a v-shape. This sharpening of the V-shape will help create a canopy that allows even distribution of sunlight.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that your lemon tree will not fruit indoors. Lemons need to be exposed to temperatures near freezing point in order to set flowers and fruit. If you are living somewhere that can provide that, then you may see some fruits from your tree. Otherwise, you will be limited to harvesting almost-ripe fruits in the summer and bringing them indoors.
What is the best soil for lemon tree indoors?
Choosing the best soil for your lemon tree is essential for healthy growth, and the best soil for growing lemon trees indoors is a sterile, well-draining potting soil or soil-less mix. Make sure you aren’t over-watering, as lemons require soil that is slightly dry between waterings. Additionally, you can add aged compost to improve the water-retention and aeration of the soil.
How often should lemon trees be fertilized?
It is advisable to fertilize lemon trees every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer, or one specifically formulated for citrus trees. Fertilizing regularly will help provide your lemon tree with the essential macro and micro nutrients it needs throughout its growth season, and help promote healthy, nutrient-rich fruit.
What type of container is best for growing lemon trees indoors?
When it comes to containers for lemon trees, the most important thing to consider is the size. Lemon trees need plenty of room to grow, and cannot be grown in a small pot. The container you choose should provide enough space for the tree to comfortably fit its roots, and should be at least two feet deep and two feet wide. You should also consider the material of the container, as terracotta and ceramic containers may be too heavy for a fully grown lemon tree.
How often should you water a lemon tree indoors?
One of the biggest challenges of growing a lemon tree indoors is adjusting to erratic watering habits. Your tree will need to be watered more frequently in the summer months to keep the soil adequately moist and less in winter when the tree is dormant. As a general rule, you should allow the top 4 inches of soil to dry out before watering again, and avoid overwatering your lemon tree.
How do you prune lemon trees later in life?
Pruning is an important part of a lemon tree’s life, even later on in its years. Pruning helps to reduce the risk of pests and diseases and also helps to increase the amount of airflow in the foliage to help boost growth. When pruning later in life, focus on removing any dead branches, crossed branches, and weak shoots. You should also remove water sprouts and sucker growth, and remove any fruit that is overcrowded or won’t ripen properly.
How do you prevent pests and diseases from affecting your lemon tree?
The key to preventing pests and disease on lemon trees is to keep them healthy and not stressed by providing adequate sun and water, proper pruning and fertilization, and a well-drained soil. Additionally, choosing a healthy cutting or seedling and avoiding any contact with insecticides or herbicides will ensure your lemon tree is healthy and happy. If pests or diseases do occur, be sure to inspect the tree for any damage or discoloration of leaves and remove any affected parts of the tree as soon as possible.
