Growing a lemon tree can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Lemon trees are relatively easy to care for and can produce fragrant blooms, tart fruits, and striking foliage. To have a healthy lemon tree, you must start by planting the right type of seed, caring for the soil and seedling, and providing ongoing upkeep.
To get started, it’s important to choose the right seed. Lemon seeds germinate best when they’re planted in a rich, well-drained soil. When selecting a soil, a lightweight soil mix with a pH of around 6.0 works best. Having the right soil is essential for helping the seedling to survive.
Once the soil is prepared, plant the seed several inches below the surface, making sure not to plant it too deep. Water the soil lightly and keep the temperature at around sixty-five to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll likely see sprouts start to appear in a few weeks. Then, be sure to provide plenty of light and water to encourage growth.
Once the seedling has grown to about six inches, you can repot it into a larger container. Be sure to use a container with adequate drainage and give your lemon tree lots of direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. You’ll also want to provide your tree with a balanced fertilizer at least once a month. As the tree matures, allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering.
Keep your lemon tree healthy by monitoring your lemon tree’s leaves for any signs of damage or disease. If a leaf looks yellow or discolored, remove it. Additionally, it’s important to regularly prune your lemon tree to keep it looking healthy and encourage new growth. Lastly, make sure to wipe the leaves off regularly to get rid of any pests or debris.
Temperature Requirements
Lemon trees thrive in warm environments and do best when temperatureshover in the upper sixty to lower seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Lemon trees will not withstand freezing temperatures and need to be taken inside for winter or otherwise protected. Make sure to ensure your lemon tree is kept dry as wet soil can leak into the tree, causing root rot.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvesting your lemon tree’s fruit is an exciting part of having the tree. Lemons take roughly six months to ripen and can be left on the tree for a few extra days after reaching maturity. For storage, lemons should be refrigerated for up to a week for optimal flavor and texture.
Preventing Diseases
Lemon trees can sometimes fall victim to a few diseases, so it’s important to take preventive measures to keep your lemon tree healthy. Keep an eye out for signs of rotting or discoloured leaves, as this could be indicative of a fungal infection or other ailment. You should also make sure to keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs, which can damage the tree’s leaves and fruit.
Transplanting
When your lemon tree has grown to over a foot in height, it may be time to transfer it to a larger container or outdoor garden area. When transplanting, take special care to dig the hole slightly wider than the current pot to give the lemon tree’s roots plenty of room to spread out. Not only will this help the tree to grow better and stronger, but it will also give it more support. When filling in the hole, don’t forget to water it until it is slightly damp.
Soil Drainage
Having a well-draining soil is essential for growing a healthy lemon tree. Make sure to check your soil for drainage by pressing a finger into the ground. If it stays dry, then it is adequately draining. If it feels other wet or soggy, then you likely need to add a little more material to your soil to help facilitate drainage. Asoil booster such as sand or bark can help.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your lemon tree can help give it a boost and keep it healthy. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is best, as it will provide the tree all the nutrients it needs without overdoing it. Feed your lemon tree a teaspoon of fertilizer around the base of the tree every few months. If you notice any signs of discolored leaves, a foliar spray might also be necessary.
