Growing a lemon tree at home is rewarding and relatively straightforward. It requires some preparation, but if you follow the steps correctly, you’ll soon have a tree bearing its own lemons. Here’s how to get started.
First, choose a suitable spot. Lemon trees love full sun and need at least 8 hours a day, so pick a sunny area. Make sure it’s away from walls, as this will draw the heat away and can stunt the growth of the tree. Citrus trees also like well-drained soil, so find a location with good drainage.
Next, your tree needs to be potted. Choose a large pot that has plenty of drainage holes at the base. Fill it with a mixture of equal parts high quality potting soil, perlite, and horticultural grit. Plant the sapling about four to six inches deep and fill the pot with the soil.
Lemon trees need lots of water to thrive. Give your tree water when the soil feels dry and water it deeply, but avoid overwatering. During this process, make sure to loosen the soil when necessary and remove any weeds or other debris. Pruned your tree to keep it healthy.
In addition to plenty of sunlight, lemon trees require nutrients in order to produce sweet lemons. Use a fertilizer with specific citrus ingredients as this will encourage more blooms and fruits on the tree. Fertilize it twice a month starting in the late spring.
When it’s time to harvest your tree’s lemons, do so carefully. The fruits should be left on the tree until the color changes and it should be done gently by hand. Cut the stem at least an inch above the lemon to avoid exposing it to bacteria.
By following the advice above, it won’t take long to see your lemon tree bearing fruit of its own. Having a lemon tree in your home offers a wealth of benefits, so make sure to give it the care it needs to keep it healthy.
Choosing the Right Spot
Where you choose to plant your lemon tree is one of the most important steps in the process. As previously mentioned, lemon trees love full sun, so a sunny spot is key. Make sure that the area isn’t too close to walls, is clear of any trees that could limit the amount of light and keep in mind the soil’s drainage levels. Citrus thrives in well-drained soil, and your lemon tree won’t flourish if you neglect this step.
When selecting an area, remember that the size of your pot and the size of the sapling will determine the space you’ll need. If you opt for a pot that’s too small, the tree won’t be able to grow and produce lemons. On the flipside, if the pot is too big, the roots won’t be able to spread. If you go with a pot that’s the wrong size, you may be setting yourself up for failure.
Lemon trees need a lot of love and care, and ensuring you’ve picked the right spot will go a long way in making sure your sapling flourishes. Don’t forget to check the temperature in the area; it must remain above freezing from early spring to late autumn, as this is when the tree will be flowering and fruiting.
Finally, it’s important to be mindful of your neighbors and make sure you’ve given yourself enough room to tend to the tree without disrupting their lives. Whether you’re growing in a pot or in the ground, give yourself a few feet of space to avoid any potential confrontations.
Choose your spot wisely, and your lemon tree will be able to thrive and produce lemons of its own.
Potting the Tree
Once you’ve chosen the ideal spot for your tree, it’s time to pot it. As we mentioned before, pick a pot that will give the roots room for growth and avoid packing it with soil. Too much soil will only serve to reduce the tree’s airflow, potentially damaging it in the process.
Make sure that the pot has lots of drainage holes and select a potting soil that’s formulated specifically for citrus plants; this will provide your sapling with the nutrients it needs to start growing. When potting the tree, plant it so that the top of the root ball sits just below the surface. This will help prevent it from drying out quickly and reduce the risk of root rot.
If you’re potting multiple trees, make sure to leave some space between them. This will give them enough air and light, as well as prevent disease transmission. Once you’re done, water the tree and let it sit for a week or two to give it time to adjust.
When potting your lemon tree, don’t forget to use soil amendments if necessary. These amendments improve the quality of the soil and help lemons absorb the nutrients they need to grow. They include gypsum, animal manure, and compost, among others.
Take your time when potting your tree and remember to provide it with the best soil you can. With this, your lemon tree will have a good start and will soon be producing its own lemons.
Fertilizing and Watering
If you want to make sure your lemon tree keeps growing and producing sweet lemons, you need to give it the necessary care. This includes regular watering and fertilizing.
When watering, make sure the soil is properly moistened and not kept too wet. Citrus trees tend to require more water when the weather is warm and less when it’s colder. To avoid overwatering, remember to check the soil and only water it when necessary.
On the other hand, fertilizing is key if you want your tree to thrive and bear fruit. Make sure to pick a fertilizer that’s specially formulated for citrus trees and only use it twice a month, preferably during the late spring and early summer. Don’t forget to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid overfertilizing the plant.
Pruning is also essential for citrus trees. This will help keep the shape of the tree, making it more aesthetically pleasing, and can also help control pests and diseases. Prune branches that are injured, dead, or looked unhealthy, as well as those that are crossing or growing inwards.
By sticking to the steps mentioned above, your lemon tree should start showing its own lemons in no time. With regular care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your own homegrown lemons.
Harvesting the Lemons
Lemons grow quickly, so once the fruits start to show, you can begin expecting to see the first harvest within a few months. When the time comes to harvest the lemons, do it carefully and responsibly.
Before picking the lemons, wait until they’ve changed color and are ready to be harvested. Lemons will change color as they ripen, which is a sign that they’re ready to be picked. When harvesting the lemons, make sure to do it gently and with clean hands. This will prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your tree healthy.
It’s best to cut the lemon from the branch leaving at least one inch of stem attached. This way, you won’t damage the tree and will ensure the lemon doesn’t rot prematurely. You should also remember to wash the fruit before consuming it, as this will remove any potential contamination.
When harvesting your lemons, it’s important not to take more than you need. Citrus fruits require a certain amount of energy and resources to grow, so don’t overload your tree and only pick what you can realistically use. Over-harvesting could cause the tree to become weaker and it would take more time to reach the same level of production.
Once you’ve harvested your lemons, you can use them to make tasty, freshly-squeezed juice. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and don’t forget to save some seeds for your next tree.
Protecting the Tree
Once you’ve planted and fertilized your tree, it’s important to protect it from disease and pests. This includes using fungicides, insecticides, and other treatments if needed.
If your area is prone to frost and the temperature drops below freezing, make sure to provide your lemon tree with adequate protection. This can be done by covering the pot with a blanket or using a heat lamp to provide additional warmth. As previously mentioned, the temperature must remain above freezing from early spring to late autumn, as this is when the tree will be flowering and fruiting.
Pests can also damage your lemon tree, so it’s best to stay on the lookout for any signs. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, just to name a few. If you find any of these on your tree, act quickly to reduce the population and protect your sapling.
It’s also important to be aware of any diseases that could affect your lemon tree. Common citrus diseases include canker, black spot, scab, and brown rot, among others. If you notice any signs, take immediate action to treat the tree and protect it from further damage.
By keeping your lemon tree safe and well-maintained, it will soon be producing its own sweet lemons.
