Though home gardeners may feel intimidated by the seemingly complex process of pollinating their lemon tree, the reality is that it’s a fairly straightforward task. However, there are certain steps gardeners will want to make sure they take in order to ensure that they successfully pollinate their lemon tree. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary in order to successfully pollinate your lemon tree.
The first step to pollinating your lemon tree is to identify the varieties of fruit you have planted. Knowing what variety of lemon tree you have is essential for successful pollination. Varieties can often be identified by the shape of leaves or fruit, though it always helps to have an expert on-hand for confirmation. This can be done by either consulting an expert at a local nursery or garden center, or by researching the variety of lemon tree planted.
Once the variety is identified, you’ll want to find out the proper time for pollinating your specific tree. Depending on the variety, trees may require different amounts of pollination. Certain trees, such as the Meyer lemon, don’t need as much assistance in terms of pollination as some other varieties, while other trees may need extra help. Consulting a local nursery or an expert will help you determine precisely when you need to be looking to pollinate your lemon tree.
After deciding when you’ll need to pollinate, the next step is to understand the process. This can be done by learning about the anatomy of the flowering parts of the lemon tree. At the center of the flower, you’ll find the stigma, the style and the ovary. The pistil is the part of the flower which will hold the pollen and needs to be dusted with the pollen. This can be done using a small paint brush, a cotton swab, or even by blowing the pollen from your hand.
Finally, in order to get the pollen to the stigma, you’ll need to find a method of transport for the pollen. If a brush or cotton swab doesn’t do the job, you may want to consider buying a bee brushing cage. This tool is used to brush bees onto the flower in order to transport the pollen from one flower to another. The bee is brushed against the flower, picking up the pollen, then brushing another flower with the same bee.
Helpful Tips When Pollinating Your Lemon Tree
When it comes to pollinating your lemon tree there are a few helpful tips that you should keep in mind. Sadly, bees are responsible for the majority of pollination and many have been lost due to habitat destruction and the use of pesticides. If you have fewer bees in your area, you may want to consider hand pollination as an option. However, if there are plenty of bees in your area, try to avoid using a brushing cage as this can damage the flowers of your lemon tree.
You may also want to consider providing supplemental food for your bees. When a bee visits a flower, it collects food for itself as well as for its colony, so anything you can do to provide supplemental food for bees is beneficial. Lastly, consider placing a shallow water source around your lemon tree as many bees require a source of hydration when they are visiting plants.
Role of Wind Pollination
Another form of pollination that takes place in nature is wind pollination. Depending on the variety of lemon tree, it’s possible that no bee visits are needed to successfully pollinate the flowers. This is because the pollen is spread by the wind and does not require the assistance of bees to be carried from flower to flower. While it is often more reliable than wind pollination, it is a good alternative to hand pollination and provides an easy way to pollinate your lemon tree.
Summary
Overall, pollinating your lemon tree is an achievable goal for home gardeners. It requires knowing what type of lemon tree you have, understanding when to pollinate, knowing the anatomy of the flower, and potentially supplementing with a brush cage or wind pollination. Being mindful of helpful tips when pollinating your lemon tree will also ensure successful pollination.
Tips for Harvesting Lemon Fruit
After pollination has been successful, the next step is harvesting the fruit. Depending on the variety of your lemon tree, the fruit will ripen at different times and will require different harvesting techniques. Meyer lemons, for example, are often picked before they are completely ripe, while some other varieties generally are left on the tree until they have turned yellow. Make sure to research the specific variety of your lemon tree to determine when it is ready to be harvested, and what tools you need for harvesting.
Once the fruit is harvested, it is a good idea to rinse them off with water and a soft brush. This will help to remove any leftover pollen and debris from the fruit, allowing for longer shelf life.
If you plan to store some of the fruit for a longer period of time, consider blanching them prior to storage. Blanching will help to prevent the fruit from oxidation and will keep it from rotting prematurely. It is also beneficial for fruit oils to remain on the lemon, as those oils contribute to the flavor of the lemon.
Tips for Ideally Storing Lemon Fruit
After harvesting and blanching, it’s time to store the lemon fruit. As with any food, it is important to store the lemons at a temperature between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, and in a humidity-controlled environment. Room temperature or refrigerator temperatures are often ideal for storing citrus fruits.
It is also important to keep the lemons away from any other fruits or vegetables, as they can all give off ethylene gas and this can shorten the shelf life of the lemons. Instead, keep the lemons in a single layer and in an area where there is plenty of air circulation to prevent spoilage.
Finally, consider wrapping the lemons in a paper towel or cheesecloth prior to storing them as this will absorb any excess moisture and will also prevent the lemons from sticking to each other. This will help to keep your lemons fresher for a longer period of time.
Tips for Ideal Use of Lemon Fruit
Now that you have stored the lemon properly, and they are ready to use, you need to consider how you will use the lemon. There are numerous ways to use lemons, including zesting them for use in recipes, squeezing them for lemon juice, or simply eating them raw. Regardless of the method you chose, it is important to ensure that the lemons are clean and that they are not overripe.
One way to ensure that the lemons are clean and safe to use is to make sure to wash them before you use them. Again, use a soft brush and some water to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the lemon. Finally, inspect the lemons for any signs of mold or discoloration, as those indicate that the lemon is overripe.
In addition to ensuring the lemons are clean and not overripe, you should also consider how you plan to use the lemon. For instance, if you plan to use them for juicing, you may want to consider buying a juicer rather than juicing the lemons by hand. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to make lemon slices for garnishing, consider using a mandoline slicer to create even slices.
Tips for Keeping Your Lemon Tree Healthy
Finally, after harvesting the lemons and storing the fruit, it is important to make sure the tree remains healthy. Though pollination is often the most important part of maintaining a healthy tree, there are various other tasks you can do to ensure the tree’s health. This includes planting in well-drained soil, mulching around the tree, pruning when necessary, watering regularly, and fertilizing occasionally.
It is also important to keep an eye out for any pests, diseases, or other problems that may be plaguing the tree. This may include looking for signs of fungus, inspecting leaves for signs of damage, or checking the trunk for signs of rot. If any of these signs are present, take action as soon as possible by either treating the tree or consulting an expert.
Overall, while it may seem daunting to take on the pollination of your own lemon tree, the reality is that it can be an achievable goal. Following the steps outlined in this article, along with taking the necessary precautions to ensure the health of your tree, can ensure a successful pollination and subsequent harvest.
