Lemon trees can be a great addition to your garden and home. They are easy to care for and provide a lovely fragrance as well as produce lemons that can be used in a variety of recipes. The cost of a lemon tree will depend on the variety, size and where you purchase it. On average, lemon trees can cost anywhere from $15 to $60.
One of the most popular and widely available varieties of lemon tree is the ‘Meyer’ lemon. This tree produces an abundance of lemons that can be harvested within a year or two, and it is also drought tolerant and disease resistant. The cost for a two year old Meyer Lemon Tree is between $25 and $30.
Another popular variety is the ‘Eureka’ lemon tree, which produces medium-sized acidic lemons with a thin rind. This tree is especially suited to warmer climates and requires occasional pruning to keep it in good health. You can expect to pay about $35 to $40 for a two year old Eureka Lemon Tree.
A larger variety of lemon tree is the ‘Lisbon’ lemon tree, which produces large acidic lemons with a thick rind. This variety is especially popular in more tropical climates and is also disease and drought resistant. A three year old Lisbon Lemon Tree can cost anywhere between $50 and $60.
Lemon trees can usually be purchased in garden centers, nurseries and online. If you are purchasing online, you should consider the shipping fees, which can be quite expensive. There may also be additional costs such as taxes and delivery fees that you should be aware of.
When it comes to purchasing a lemon tree, it is important to take into consideration not only the cost but also the variety and size of the tree that you want. It is also advisable to purchase a tree from a reputable dealer in order to ensure that you get a healthy and thriving plant.
Pruning
Pruning a lemon tree is an important part of keeping the tree healthy and productive. Pruning helps shape the tree, encourages flowering and fruiting, and reduces the chance of disease. Pruning can be done by hand or with the help of pruning shears. It is important to use the right tools and technique when pruning, such as cut away dead and diseased branches, thin out crowded branches and trim away any shoots that are growing in the wrong direction.
Pruning can also be used to keep the tree a manageable size. If the tree gets too large, it can be difficult to harvest the lemons and move the tree if it needs to be relocated. Pruning can keep the tree small enough to be easily harvested and cared for.
Finally, pruning can help keep the tree looking attractive. Properly pruned trees have an aesthetically pleasing shape, and many people like to prune their lemon trees in a specific style or shape.
Fertilization
Fertilizing a lemon tree helps ensure that it stays healthy and productive. Lemon trees need just the right balance of nutrients in order to thrive. The most important macronutrients for a lemon tree are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and these should be applied in a balanced ratio specific to the type of soil in which the tree is planted.
Organic fertilizers can provide a steady supply of nutrients to lemon trees, and these are the best option for long-term nutrient requirements. Inorganic fertilizers should be used only for short term needs, as their contents are quickly depleted by leaching and evaporation. It is also important to check the soil pH and adjust as needed.
When fertilizing a lemon tree, it is best to fertilize lightly, especially when the tree is young. Too much fertilizer can cause salt build-up and burn the roots of the tree. It is best to fertilize before the hottest part of the summer, as high temperatures can cause fertilizer to burn the roots of the tree.
It is also important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully in order to provide the correct amount of nutrients. Fertilizer should be applied to the root zone of the tree, which is usually a few inches below the surface of the soil.
Watering
Watering a lemon tree is essential in order to keep it healthy and productive. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the climate, the age of the tree, and the type of soil it is planted in. Generally, lemon trees should be watered deeply at least once or twice a week during the growing season.
It is best to water a lemon tree early in the morning or late in the evening so that it has time to absorb the water before being exposed to the hot afternoon sun. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated, and it is important to check the soil moisture before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can stunt or even kill your lemon tree.
It is also important to remove any weeds that are growing around the base of the tree, as they will compete with the lemon tree for water and nutrients. Mulching can also help keep the moisture in the soil and reduce the amount of watering needed.
Pest Prevention
In order to keep your lemon tree healthy and produce fruit, it is important to control any pests or diseases that might affect it. The main pests that can affect lemon trees are aphids, mites, scales, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, fruit, and flowers of the lemon tree.
The most effective way to prevent pest infestations is by regularly inspecting your lemon tree for the tell-tale signs of pests, such as discolored or damaged leaves. There are a number of chemical and organic pest control products that can be used to control pests, but these should be used with caution and as a last resort.
Cultural practices can also help keep pests away from your lemon tree. This includes removing any dead or dying branches or leaves, keeping the area clean and free of debris, and planting companion plants that have pest-deterring properties.
Disease Prevention
Disease can be a serious problem for lemon trees, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent and control disease. The most important thing is to keep the tree healthy by providing adequate water, nutrients, and pruning as needed. Inspecting the tree regularly for signs of disease is also important.
Keeping the area clean and free of debris is also important, as this can help prevent disease-causing organisms from taking hold. Disinfecting pruning tools between uses can also help reduce the spread of disease. There are also a number of chemical fungicides that can be used to control diseases such as rust, anthracnose, and scab.
It is also important to choose disease-resistant varieties of lemon trees if possible. There are a number of varieties of lemon trees that are known to be particularly resistant to disease, including the ‘Meyer’, ‘Eureka’, and ‘Lisbon’ varieties.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvesting and storing your lemons is an important part of caring for your lemon tree. On average, a lemon tree will produce between 100 and 200 lemons per season. The best time to harvest lemons is when they are still green and very sour in flavor.
Once harvested, you can store the lemons in a cool, dry place for up to a few weeks. If you want to keep the lemons for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use them. If you want to dry the lemons, you can slice them and leave them to dry in the sun.
If you are using the lemons for cooking or baking, it is best to zest them before using them. To zest a lemon, use a zester or a sharp knife and make sure to only remove the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Finally, the juice of the lemons can be stored by freezing them in ice cube trays or bottled in jars. If you bottle the juice, make sure to sterilize the jars before using them.
