Lemon trees require a large quantity of water in order to thrive. The amount can vary depending on the climate, soil quality and age of the tree. Generally, a healthy lemon tree needs somewhere between 10 to 15 gallons of water a week. While this can seem like a lot of water, it’s important for creating an optimal growing environment for the tree.
Watering frequency can also depend on the type of tree; a new or small tree will need to be watered more frequently and in shorter intervals than a mature tree. Newly planted trees should be watered up to three times a week and established trees twice a week. Lemon trees benefit from deep watering and need the water to reach their root system in order to grow strong and healthy.
If you’re new to growing lemon trees, consider using a soaker hose to properly water your tree. Soaker hoses are slow and gradual which spreads the water out more evenly, allowing more of the water to seep down into the tree roots. It’s also important to note that over-watering is just as damaging as underwatering; it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
In order to tell if your lemon tree is getting enough water, pay close attention to the leaves. Wilted or discolored leaves are a sign that the tree is not getting enough water, whereas yellowing or spotted leaves may be a sign of root rot from too much water. Once you’ve figured out whether the tree is getting enough or too much water, make sure to keep a close eye and adjust the watering frequency as needed.
It’s also important to remember that there are other factors that affect the wellbeing of your lemon tree, such as correct soil pH levels, adequate sunlight and fertilizer. Lemon trees are useful and productive plants to have in your garden, and with proper care, you’ll soon be enjoying a plentiful supply of juicy lemons.
Nutrient Needs
There are a number of essential nutrients that lemon trees need in order to grow, like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. The best way to ensure these are getting to the tree’s root system is to use garden fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on fertilizer packaging, as fertilizing too often can have a negative effect on the tree.
A lack of sufficient nitrogen will cause yellowing between leaf veins and a lack of leaf growth. However, too much nitrogen can cause the tree to overly focus on leaf growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting, underwatering will result in leaf wilting, puckering and yellowing, and underwatering can cause leaf spots and marginal scorching.
To ascertain the best method of fertilization for your lemon tree, it’s best to consult with a local nursery or gardening expert, as they’ll usually be best placed to advise you on your specific soil and climate type. That said, generally speaking, established citrus trees should be fertilized twice a year.
Pest and Diseases
Lemon trees are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your tree. These include things like scale, mealybugs, whitefly, mites, root rot, fungal disease and foot rot. Here are some tips for keeping your tree pest and disease-free:
- Treat regularly with organic pest controls, and keep the tree clean.
- Inspect new plants prior to bringing them home and separate infected plants.
- Discard any fallen fruit or other debris around the tree.
- Regularly inspect the lemon tree, paying close attention to the leaves, stems and fruit.
- Pruning to improve air circulation and reduce fungal issues.
Frost Protection
Due to their relatively sensitive nature, lemon trees need some protection from frost. The simplest form of protection is to cover the trees with a sheet or blanket when temperatures are expected to dip. For more serious or prolonged spells of frost, it might be necessary to construct a temporary greenhouse around the tree.
In colder climates, it may also be beneficial to use a frost spreader. This is a large, shallow tray containing a solution of potassium/salt and water that is placed around the tree. As the night temperatures fall, the solution in the tray warms up and radiates heat around the tree, providing it with some extra warmth.
Harvesting
Harvesting the fruit of a lemon tree can be a rewarding and exciting experience. The correct time to harvest depends on the type of lemon tree; Meyer lemons can be harvested when they are yellow/green, while Eureka lemons should be left to fully ripen before they’re picked. Once harvested, the fruit can be used in cooking or squeezed to extract the juice.
Fruit that has fallen from the tree can also be used, but take care to check for any signs of rot before you start cooking. Generally speaking, the fruit should last for up to one week if stored properly.
Pruning
Regular pruning of lemon trees is incredibly important for maintaining their health. Pruning helps to keep it an ideal size, removes any dead or infected branches, and creates good air circulation which can help to prevent fungal issues. It’s best to prune in spring when the tree is still in its dormant state.
In most cases, pruning should be restricted to no more than one-third of the tree, although this may need to be adjusted slightly depending on your tree’s specific needs. Pruning citrus trees can be a delicate procedure, so it might be best to seek advice from a local gardening specialist or nursery if you’re unsure.
