Growing a lemon tree can produce amazing results; with a little patience and lots of TLC, you can enjoy the amazing taste of freshly picked lemons! But, how do you get fruit from your lemon tree? In this article, I’ll tell you how. Firstly, it’s important to ensure your lemon tree isn’t diseased, as this will affect the number of lemons you get and the overall quality. Check for signs of disease such as wilting leaves or pests. If you experience any of these, be sure to take immediate action. Secondly, make sure your lemon tree is getting sufficient nutrients. For trees grown in pots, they’ll require potting mix specifically designed for citrus trees, with regular fertilising. For trees grown in the ground, check the soil to make sure it’s well drained, and use mulch to maintain moisture. Thirdly, encourage your lemon tree to flower by reducing the amount of nitrogen in your fertiliser, and using a special citrus fertiliser. You should also prune or ‘shape’ your lemon tree to allow for easy access to the fruit and reduce the amount of shade. Finally, the most important step is pollination. Without pollination, your lemon tree won’t produce fruit. To ensure pollination occurs, brush the flowers with a soft brush, or shake the branches vigorously. This will promote pollination and ensure a bountiful harvest.
How to Pick Lemons from Lemon Trees
When it’s time to pick the lemons from your lemon tree, you must ensure that you pick them carefully and use protective gloves. Avoid leaving lemons on the tree for too long, as they can develop a bad taste over time. Also, make sure you cut the stem, instead of pulling it off the tree, as this can damage the tree’s branches. When the lemons are ripe, they should come off the tree easily. If you encounter any difficulty, then that means they are still unripe.
How to Preserve Lemons from Lemon Trees
Once you’ve harvested your lemons, it’s important to preserve them in order to maintain optimum flavour and texture. Firstly, wash them thoroughly in lukewarm water and leave them to dry. Once this is done, store them in an airtight container or fridge. For optimal results, separate out the lemons that are more ripe, as this will prevent them from spoiling faster than the others. Secondly, for longer-term storage, freeze the peeled lemons in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. This will ensure that freshly-picked lemons are always available when needed.
What to Do with Lemons from Lemon Trees
Now that you have a full basket of lemons, the possibilities are endless! Lemons are a great addition to a variety of dishes, including salads, marinades, dressings and deserts. Or, try adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice to your favourite tea or smoothie. Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of the peel, as it can be used for making a homemade lemon-infused cleaning product or even for baking.
How to Propagate Lemons from Lemon Trees
If you want to multiply the amount of lemons you have, you can do so by propagation. This is a simple and efficient way of getting more lemons from your existing tree. Firstly, choose a stem that’s healthy and full of leaves and buds. The stem should be 16-18 cm in length. Then, using sharp secateurs, cut the stem just below the node. It is important to use sterile blades to avoid the spread of disease. Once this is done, place the stem in a cup filled with potting mix, leaving two sets of leaflets exposed. Lastly, water it regularly and keep the soil moist. You should start seeing roots form within a few weeks, with your new lemon tree ready for planting within a few months.
How to Care for Lemons from Lemon Trees
In order to maintain the health of your lemons, there are certain steps that need to be taken. As mentioned earlier, citrus trees require a specific type of soil, therefore be mindful of this when planting. They also need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day, so remember to find a spot with plenty of light. When watering your lemon tree, it’s important to do so at the base of the tree. This will ensure that the water reaches the roots and not the leaves, which can lead to disease. Lastly, as with all plants, be sure to inspect your tree regularly to spot any signs of disease or insect activity.
How to Harvest Lemons from Lemon Trees
Harvesting lemons is easy and much fun! Start by identifying the ripe lemons on the tree, as these will be brighter in colour and pick up easily. You should also check the size of the lemons; smaller lemons will have a stronger taste due to their high acidity. To pick the lemons, hold them gently in your hand and pull away from the stem. If you’re unable to pull them away, then this means they’re still unripe. Lastly, make sure you don’t discard the leaves that come off from the stem, as these can be used as mulch to help fertilise the soil.
How to Keep Lemons from Lemon Trees Fresh
Once the lemons have been harvested, it’s important to store them correctly in order to keep them fresh. Firstly, they should be placed in a bowl or carrier bag and keep in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep them for a longer time period, place them in the fridge in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Secondly, when preparing the lemons for use, avoid cutting out the pith (the white part), as this can affect the taste. Also, ensure any bruised or damaged skin is cut away, as this will cause the lemon to spoil quicker. Finally, lemon juice can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date. To do this, simply pour the juice into an ice-cube tray and freeze.
