Growing a lemon plum tree is a great way to expand your garden and enjoy fresh fruits. To successfully cultivate lemon plum trees, a few specific things need to be kept in mind. Here’s what you need to know.
The first step in growing a lemon plum tree is to plant the tree in a shady spot that gets some morning sun and some filtered light. You don’t want the tree’s leaves to get scorched by direct sunlight or have its fruit stolen by animals. You should also make sure the soil is well-draining and enriched with plenty of compost, as this will provide the lemon plum tree with the nutrients it needs to grow.
Next, you’ll need to water the tree regularly and keep an eye on it for signs of pest infestations. If you notice any signs of pests, it’s important to take action quickly. Lastly, prune the lemon plum tree regularly to ensure healthy growth. Prune it in the winter to maintain the right shape, and in the summer, to encourage new growth.
Gather any fruits the tree produces once they’ve ripened, as this will encourage the tree to continue producing more. Lastly, fertilize the tree with a mild fertilizer during the active growing months to keep it in the best shape.
Design Your Planting Zone
It is essential that you assess your planting zone when growing a lemon plum tree. Ideally, you want to avoid windy areas as this may damage the tree. You also need to ensure that the tree is placed in an area that receives adequate sunlight. If you live in a location that gets colder in the winter, ensure that the tree is covered with mulch to protect it against the cold.
It is also a good idea to plant the tree in an area that is away from other trees. Lemon plum trees tend to be smaller than other fruit trees and need to be spaced adequately from other trees in order to thrive and produce fruit. Give your tree sufficient space to spread its roots and receive ample sunlight for growing.
Finally, make sure to add some weeds or compost near the tree as this can help in retaining moisture and preventing growth of weeds. Too much weed around the tree can deprive the lemon plum tree of the necessary nutrients and overwater the tree.
Provide Adequate Water and Fertilizer
Lemon plum trees need to be watered adequately during the early stages of its growth. If a tree is allowed to become dry during its first summer, it could cause irreversible damage. If you find that the soil gets too dry, consider adding some mulch around the tree base to help retain moisture.
Regular fertilization is also essential. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure helps in supplying the tree with sufficient nutrients during the growing season. Fertilize the tree at least once a year during the springtime and once more during the fall.
In some areas, you may find that a supplemental watering schedule is necessary in summer months to keep the lemon plum tree adequately hydrated. These supplemental waterings should be done every week or two, depending on the conditions in your area.
Finally, when it comes to pruning, you should prune the lemon plum tree regularly to ensure healthy growth. Prune away any dead or damaged branches, as well as crossing branches. Also prune any branches that are growing toward the center of the tree, as this can create an unsightly shape.
Remove Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can cause serious damage to your lemon plum tree, so it is important to take proactive measures to prevent these. Regularly inspect the tree for signs of issues like mildew, rot, or pests. If you identify any signs of pests, use an appropriate insecticide or pesticide to eradicate them.
If any branches of the tree are affected by diseases or pests, prune away these branches immediately. Discard any diseased pieces in an isolated area, away from other trees. Also, make sure to sanitize any gardening equipment that comes in contact with the tree to avoid any contamination.
It is also important to remove any excess fruit from the tree to encourage better growth. The tree may struggle to provide sufficient nutrients and water to its fruits if there are too many of them. If you plan to harvest some of the fruits, make sure to pick them when ripe as this will minimize the stress on the tree.
Finally, mulch the area around the tree to discourage pests. Keep the area free of weeds and add organic matter to provide the tree with sufficient nutrients. You can also add a few pheromone traps around the tree to help with the pest control.
Pruning and Training
Lemon plum trees should be pruned regularly to maintain the right shape and encourage healthy new growth. Prune the tree during the winter to maintain shape and throughout the growing season to encourage new shoots. Avoid pruning after mid-summer, as this can lead to fruits dropping off the tree.
You may also want to consider training your lemon plum tree. This is a process that involves training the branches and encouraging it to grow in a specific shape. This is particularly beneficial if you have limited space as you can better control the shape of the tree. Training can be done using shapes such as fans, spirals, arches or espaliers.
Finally, you should be aware of signs of disease or pests. Pay close attention to the leaves and check for any signs. If you find any diseased parts, prune them away and dispose of them in an isolated area to prevent the spread of illness.
Harvest and Storage
When the lemon plums are ripe, they should be harvested. This should be done carefully as the lemon plum tree may struggle to provide enough nutrients for a larger harvest. You may also want to use netting to protect the fruits from birds and other animals.
Once the fruits have been harvested, you should store them in a cool, dry place. Make sure the fruits are not touching each other as this may cause them to rot prematurely. You can also refrigerate them to keep them in prime condition as long as possible.
Finally, you can use the lemon plums for a variety of recipes. You can preserve them in jars for later use or nibble on them freshly picked. You can also squeeze out the juice to use in salads or drinks. The possibilities are truly endless!
