A lemon tree needs a hot and humid climate to grow. It should get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, and warm temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity should be kept between 50-70% to prevent the trees from drying out. In order for the lemon tree to produce sweet, juicy lemons, adequate rainfall is also essential. Lemon tree owners should be sure their area gets at least 20 inches of rainfall per year. Soil is also an important factor – the ideal soil is deep, loamy and rich in organic matter. Clay soils that contain high levels of salts can be harmful to the lemon tree.
Nutrients
The soil of a lemon tree should be tested before planting to determine if it contains the necessary nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and calcium will give the lemon tree the best chance of survival. Nutrients that create an acidic soil, such as sulfur and iron, are also beneficial. A neutral pH of 7 is perfect for a lemon tree.
Irrigation
Proper irrigation also plays a significant role in keeping a lemon tree healthy. Over-watering can drown a lemon tree and cause root rot, but under-watering can cause the tree to become stressed, causing reduced yields and poor quality fruit. Lemon trees will need additional watering during warm and dry spells. The best practice is to give the tree one deep watering every week, and more frequently in times when the evaporative losses are high.
Fertilizer
Adding a fertilizer to a lemon tree’s soil can help to ensure it remains healthy and productive. Fertilizers should be added after a tree has been planted, and should be applied every 6 weeks during its first growing season. When the tree starts to bear fruit, a fertilizer specially designed for citrus trees should be used twice a month. Applying a balanced fertilizer is important and should be done twice a year.
Pruning and Training
Pruning a lemon tree is important, as this helps to remove diseased and damaged branches as well as reduce the size of the tree. Ideally, a lemon tree should be pruned twice a year, in late winter and late summer. When pruning, always use sharp pruners to avoid damaging the tree’s bark. Training a lemon tree is also important in order for it to hold its shape and produce good yields. Lemon trees should be trained in the early years to encourage a healthy framework.
Pests and Diseases
Lemon trees can suffer from a wide range of pests and diseases. The most common pests are whiteflies, mites, and citrus scale. These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and dry out, and can also cause deformed fruit. To treat these pests, lemon tree owners should use a granular insecticide or a horticultural soap spray. Diseases, such as citrus blast and citrus black spot, can also pose a threat, and owner should inspect their trees for signs of disease regularly.
Environmental Factors
Besides providing the right climate for the tree, its owners must also ensure other environmental factors do not cause it harm. Avoid planting the tree near pavement, as this can cause the roots to heat up, leading to dryness and other problems. Planting near a pond, lake or pool can also be a bad idea as the roots can become too wet and cause root rot. Winds can also cause damage to the tree – avoid planting in windy areas.
Fruit and Flowering
A healthy lemon tree will usually begin flowering after two or three years and start producing fruit after four or five years. When the tree enters the flowering stage, its owner should inspect it regularly for pests and diseases. The lemon tree may also require additional nutrients during this time to ensure the flowers become full, juicy and healthy lemons. Once the lemons are ready to harvest, which is typically between late winter and early summer, their owner can enjoy their sweet, juicy fruits.
Harvesting and Pruning
When harvesting lemons from a lemon tree, it’s important not to pick too many from any single branch, as this might cause it to die. Additionally, remove any extra fruits that are still green in color, as they will cause under-developed fruits to grow. Pruning should also be done after harvesting, as this will help the tree to remain healthy and productive. Pruning the tree will also help to shape it and give it a pleasing visual appearance.
Maintenance and Care
Along with providing the right climate, lemon trees should also be cared for properly in order to remain healthy and productive. Maintenance of a lemon tree should include regularly inspecting the tree for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning will also help to ensure the tree remains healthy. Additionally, it’s important to keep the area around the tree clean and free from weeds, and to make sure it gets enough sunlight.
