Living in a state with a humid subtropical climate can be a challenge when it comes to growing citrus plants. Still, with patience and some special care, growing a lemon tree in Tennessee is possible. The steps below will guide you in the right direction.
First and foremost, start with the right variety of lemon tree. Not all lemon trees thrive in Tennessee’s warm climate. Varieties like Meyer and Lisbon are among the best to choose from. It’s also possible to find trees that were grafted specifically for the Tennessee climate. These trees tend to be more vigorous and have a better yield than other varieties.
The second step is providing proper drainage. A lemon tree needs access to adequate amounts of water, but its roots must not remain wet. When installing the lemon tree, create a small mound in the soil to better aerate and drain the roots. If you’re planting directly in the ground, make sure to keep the soil level slightly below the surrounding area.
The tree’s location is a crucial factor, as well. Choose an area with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Full sun is optimal, though the tree will benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Fertilizing is important, too. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring, followed by a complete fertilizer two months later. Repeat the same process in early fall. Remove any dead or weak branches and prune the tree in winter, when it’s dormant.
Finally, water the tree every three to four days, depending on your soil type. A moist soil should not be allowed to dry out, but avoid excessive watering. If the tree is over-watered, it may result in yellow foliage, root rot and slower growth.
How to Take Care of the Lemon Tree
Check that the soil is well-draining but moist. The soil should never be soggy, but the tree needs access to moisture enough to support healthy growth. It’s also beneficial to mulch around the base of the lemon tree with hay, chopped straw, wood chips or similar materials.
Keep an eye out for disease, debris and other plants hogging the tree’s resources. If you detect disease, immediately dilute a fungicide and spray the affected area, taking care not to coat the fruit or leaves directly. Be sure to also remove any infected leaves or branches as soon as possible.
If the lemon tree is growing close to other plants, regularly check for overcrowding. Prune the other plants to prevent them from stealing too much sunlight or water from the lemon tree.
Additionally, lemon trees appreciate a bit of compost every so often. If possible, scatter the compost and mix it into the soil.
Timely pest management is essential, as well. Inspect the tree periodically for any signs of caterpillars or aphids. If detected, apply an insecticide before the pests become too serious.
Harvesting Lemons
Your lemon tree will become productive in the third or fourth year of growth. Harvesting should be done with care. The ideal harvesting method is to simply pluck the fruit off the tree. Avoid using scissors or other sharp objects, as this may damage the tree.
It’s also helpful to know when a lemon is ready to be picked. Lemons that have started to turn yellow (or even a bit green) are ripe. Normally, you should begin harvesting at the beginning of summer and continue through fall.
Check the city’s regulations regarding fruit picking on public lands. Not all cities in Tennessee allow harvesting from public grounds.
Lemons from the tree may not look like store-bought lemons, but their taste and texture should be much more intense. Enjoy your harvest!
Citrus in Tennessee
Growing citrus isn’t limited to lemons. Oranges, grapefruit and tangerines can also be grown in Tennessee. This is due to the state’s geography and sunny, humid climate. With adequate care, these plants can produce delicious fruits regardless of where they’re grown.
Remember to take care of your citrus plants year-round, especially when temperatures drop. Citrus trees don’t usually like chilly weather, so make sure to adorn the tree with a sheet or sheet of burlap to keep them warm during winter. Severe drops in temperature can also cause leaves to drop. As an added layer of protection, coat the leaves with a layer of oil.
Although Tennessee’s medical subtropical climate provides a challenge for citrus production, it’s still possible to grow a successful lemon tree. With the proper care, you should be able to enjoy the distinct flavor of homegrown lemons in no time.
Choosing the Right Plant
Before you can start growing a lemon tree in Tennessee, you have to select the right variety for your climate. Depending on the type of lemon tree, it may require a bit of preventive maintenance to ensure it produces fruits and remains healthy.
If you live in an area with warmer weather, Lisbon or Eureka lemons should do well. For milder climates, the Meyer lemon is an excellent option. To get the most out of your tree, purchase plants that were grafted specifically for Tennessee’s climate.
In some cases, the tree may require a bit of extra help. If this is the case, try using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or citrus tree food to help it grow and produce fruits. In addition to this, you’ll want to prune any dead or weak branches in the winter to promote healthy new growth.
There’s more to growing a lemon tree in Tennessee than just picking the right variety. Learn about the soil conditions, environmental requirements and water management.
Understand what your tree needs and make sure you provide it. Doing so will go a long way in making sure your lemon tree stays happy, healthy and full of delicious lemons.
How to Winterize the Tree
Tennessee’s warm climate makes it possible to grow lemons in most areas. Since the trees are exposed to both frigid temperatures and warm sun, regular winterizing is essential.
In the winter, wrap the tree in layers of burlap, preferably with an edge placed between the trunk and the burlap so the trunk is not directly touching the material. Place the burlap about two to three feet above the ground and make sure it covers the entire tree. This will help protect the tree from overly chilly weather and help keep it healthy.
If the tree is kept indoors, you don’t need to do this. Simply keep it on the warm side and supply it with indirect or low sunlight. Keep an eye on it to make sure it is not exposed to overly hot or cool temperatures. Too much chill and the leaves may start to drop.
You can also apply a coat of oil on the tree, especially on the branches and leaves. This will help keep the tree warm and add additional protection. Additionally, wrap containers of potting soil in plastic tarps to protect the tree’s roots. Finally, if the plant is positioned in an area exposed to winds, you can place a wind barrier around it.
Growing a lemon tree in Tennessee requires a bit of extra care, but it’s possible. With the right tools and expertise, you should be able to get the most out of your lemon tree.
