Lemons are a popular fruit around the world and most people associate the bright yellow color with them. However, what many don’t realize is that lemon trees blossom before the fruit appears. The lemon tree bloom is a beautiful sight to behold, with varying shades of pinkish-white and multiple flower clusters!
The blooms typically appear in the spring and last until the summer months. A single lemon tree can product a moderate amount of flowers, with an average of fifteen to thirty blossoms. To ensure a high-quality bloom, lemon trees need ample sunlight and frequent watering.
The individual flowers of a lemon tree can measure between one and three quarters of an inch in diameter. Depending on the species of the lemon tree, the flowers can vary in shape, size and petal number. They also have a captivating aroma, which beckons any nearby visitor.
The flowering process of a lemon tree is also quite interesting, with flowers opening up one by one over a period of several days. As the flowers open, they become pollinated by birds and insects throughout the day. Each bloom consists of an inner ring of petals, a calyptra and a yellow stigma which are all integral components of the pollination process.
Once pollinated, the petals fall off and the lemon fruits start to appear. Depending on the variety, the fruit may take anywhere between two to four months to fully form. As the lemons ripen, they turn from green to yellow, and with the yellow hue comes the sweet and tart aroma of the lemon.
So the next time you see a lemon tree, you can admire not just the striking yellow fruits but also the actual blooms. A lemon tree bloom is a beautiful sight to behold and should not be taken for granted.
Different Types of Lemon Blooms
There are multiple types of lemon tree blooms. The Meyer Lemon tree has blossoms which are typically larger than the average bloom, with petals numbering between six and eight. Along with the extra petals comes a strong fragrant scent, that can linger in the air for hours.
The Ponderosa Lemon blooms have a much more effervescent look than other varieties, with the blossoms being slightly larger than the average bloom. These flowers have a deeper pinkish hue and the petals tend to curl inwards, making the overall look quite captivating. The odor of the Ponderosa Lemon is usually quite different from the Meyer variety and typically has a lighter, more delicate smell.
The Sweet Lemon blossom has a unique look, with its petals being wavy and irregularly shaped, as well as having an enticing aroma. The petals are typically thicker and less fragile than other types of blooms, making it a bit harder to contain them in a bouquet. These lemons are mainly used in cooking and for decorative purposes, with their flowery scent adding a unique flavor to dishes.
Mandarin Lemons also have unique blooms. These flowers are typically much smaller in size than other varieties, but they can still pack a punch with a strong citrus smell. The petals of the Mandarin Lemon are usually a light shade of orange and will have spots on them. The blooms of a Mandarin Lemon tree only stay vibrant for a few days, so be sure to take the time to admire them.
The Eureka Lemon bloom is much like the Sweet Lemon, with its wavy petals and pleasing scent. But the overall hue of the Eureka Lemon is often a lighter yellow, as opposed to the Sweet Lemon’s pinker shade. These flowers make great decorations, adding a splash of colour to any bouquet or arrangement.
Lemon Tree Care
Lemon trees can be grown in most climates, although they need the right quantities of sunlight, water and nutrients to successfully flower and produce fruit. The temperature should not drop below 40°F during the winter months and the tree should be well watered so that the soil is damp but not water-logged. A fertilizer should be added periodically to ensure that the tree has enough nutrients to stay healthy.
The tree should also be pruned regularly to encourage new growth. This involves removing any dead or diseased branches and thinning out overcrowded growth. Pruning helps to keep the tree healthy, allowing for better airflow, improved production of fruit and increased flower production.
When harvesting fruit, the lemons should be cut from the stem rather than pulled off, as this can damage the branches and prevent future blooms from forming. If the tree isn’t in use, the harvested lemons should be collected promptly to prevent them from rotting on the ground.
Lemon trees should also be protected from insects, pests and other diseases. Regular spraying with an insecticide and fungicide is recommended to prevent any infestation and ensure good fruit production. If the tree develops an insect or disease issue, an appropriate treatment should be applied as soon as possible.
Uses of a Lemon Tree
Apart from its beautifying and aromatic effects, the lemon tree has a range of practical uses. Lemons, due to their high acidity and vitamin C content, can be used in a variety of ways. Lemons can be squeezed and used in sauces, drinks, salads and in many other culinary dishes. The zest and juice of the lemon can also be used to make a range of products including lemonade, lemon curd, and dressings.
The leaves of the lemon tree are also edible and are often used in Mexican cuisine and Middle Eastern cooking. The leaves are usually steeped in hot water and used to flavour soups and teas. The leaves can also be chopped up and added to salads, smoothies and other dishes. The aromatic and fragrant scent of fresh lemon leaves can also be used to flavour cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
Home remedies can also be made from lemons and their leaves. Lemon juice or zest can be used as a natural cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer and even a insect repellent. Lemon leaves can also be boiled and used as a natural insect repellent or to reduce inflammation and fever.
Lemon trees can also be used to make sweet-smelling aromatic candles. The rinds of the lemons can be combined with beeswax to create beautiful and fragrant candles. The zest, juice and leaves of the lemon tree can also be used to make essential oils, which have a variety of health benefits.
Benefits of a Lemon Tree
Having a lemon tree can be greatly beneficial, as it produces delicious lemons and aromatic blooms throughout the year. Lemons are widely used in many cuisines and provide essential nutrients to the body. They are rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and dietary fiber. The fruits are also known to have antiviral and antifungal properties.
The tree itself is a great source of beauty and can lend a lush green touch to any outdoor space. The scents from the leaves, blooms, and fruits are known to aid with relaxation, reducing stress and improving mental wellbeing. The tree can also provide much-needed shade in places where there isn’t much natural shade.
Lastly, a lemon tree can be used for educational purposes. It can be a great tool for teaching children about the importance of taking care of plants and how certain parts of a tree can be used for different things. It can also be used to teach them the value of organically produced fruits and vegetables.
Harvesting of a Lemon Tree
When harvesting lemons from a lemon tree, it is important to wait until they have ripened and have turned to a yellowish color. The fruit should also have a sweet scent and be slightly soft to the touch. The fruit can be harvested either by hand or with a small set of pruning shears.
When collecting lemons, it is important to be gentle and handle them with care, as they are fragile and bruise easily. Leaving a portion of the stem attached when harvesting the fruit is beneficial, as it can help to extend its shelf life.
Lemons which are going to be eaten straight away should be rinsed before consumption, as even organic lemon trees can sometimes host pests or other parasites. For lemons which are going to be stored, it is important to remove the stem, as this can cause them to go bad quickly.
If the lemons are to be stored for long periods of time, it is best to wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in air-tight containers. Doing this will stop the lemons from drying out and allow them to remain fresh for longer. Lemons which are stored in plastic bags usually become mouldy more quickly, and so this method should be avoided.
Lemon Tree Products
The lemon tree produces more than just lemons, it also produces various other products that can be used in various ways. Lemon juice, zest, and essential oils can all be used in the manufacturing of items such as skincare products, cleaning agents and even food items.
Making a delicious and refreshing lemonade is one of the simplest things that can be done with the fruits of a lemon tree. Lemon juice can also be added to desserts, salads, and cocktails to give them an extra zesty kick. The zest from lemons can also be added to a variety of dishes and baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and muffins.
The leaves from a lemon tree can also be used to create a refreshing tea, that can help to aid digestion, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Lemon essential oil can also be used in aromatherapy and for massage therapy, to help reduce stress and relax the body. The oil can also be added to skincare products to reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Finally, the rinds of lemons can be used to make wax candles, which are great for adding a pleasant and refreshing aroma and fragrance to any space. The result is a subtle and calming scent, with a hint of citrus that can uplift any mood and create a pleasant atmosphere in any room.
