The best time to plant a lemon tree is during the winter months, when the ground is cool and the temperatures are relatively mild. Planting in the winter gives the tree ample time to establish itself. When planting in the winter, it is important to prepare the soil prior to placing the seedling. This involves removing weeds, rocks, and any debris from the garden bed. The soil should then be tilled and amended with an organic matter such as compost. The seedling needs to be watered directly after planting and be kept away from direct sunlight for a few weeks. Once the seedling has acclimatised to its new environment, it can then be moved to the desired location.
When To Fertilize?
Fertilizer should be added to the soil every few months, utilizing a fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium as the main ingredients. This will stimulate growth and ensure the lemon tree is well fed. Additionally, citrus trees respond well to applications of citrus fertilizer or Epsom salts.
Sunlight Requirements
Lemon trees need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to remain healthy, however care should be taken not to overexpose the tree. If a tree is placed in a spot where it receives more than 8 hours of direct sunlight, then it should be pruned or shaded appropriately. Plants which receive too much sunlight can wilt, die, or become burned.
Watering Requirements
Lemon trees require frequent watering, especially in the summer months when temperatures are high and evaporation of water is greater. The soil should be kept consistently moist, while taking care not to overwater as this can make the soil too wet and lead to root rot. Watering once every five days should be adequate for established trees, though this may vary depending on the weather.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for lemon trees as it encourages strong, healthy growth. Dead stems and branches should be pruned to reduce the risk of disease. Pruning should take place during the flowering season to remove any old fruit which may cause the tree to become overcrowded. Additionally, pruning will open up the canopy and allow more sunlight to reach the lower branches, promoting greater fruit production.
When to Harvest?
Lemons will generally take 6 to 12 months to mature and can be harvested once they have turned yellow. If you are expecting a full crop, then it is advised to remove any flowers which appear before the tree has yielded any fruit. This will ensure that the majority of the plant’s energy goes into producing the desired amount of lemons and not waste it on fruit accompanied by too manyflowersto set.
Pests and Diseases
Although lemon trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, they can be affected by aphids, mealy bugs, and scale insects. These pests can be managed by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs, and applying organic insecticides if necessary. Additionally, leaf spot and root rot can occur if the tree is overwatered or the soil not drainage effectively. Prevention of these issues is usually simple, as long as proper care is taken when planting and caring for the tree.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvesting lemons should take place once the fruit has ripened fully and ideally left to hang on the tree for as long as possible. Lemons can be picked by hand, or allowed to drop to the ground naturally and harvested afterwards. The harvested fruit should then be stored in a cool, dark place, and still have the leaves attached. Lemons can also be cut into wedges, frozen and stored for later use.
Methods of Propagation
Lemon trees can be propagated in various methods, including seed, stem cutting, and air-layering. The most common method of propagation is stem cutting, where a healthy stem with foliage is cut from the base of the tree, stripped of its lower leaves, and planted directly into the soil. Once the cutting has taken root, the tree can be cared for as normal. However, it is important to note that the cutting may not produce fruit for up to three to four years.
Disease Prevention
To prevent disease in lemon trees, it is important to maintain good air circulation and keep the area surrounding the tree well weeded. Mulching should also be used to prevent weeds from germinating, and help retain moisture. Additionally, it is recommended to spray the tree every two weeks with a copper fungicide throughout the growing season, as this will help to prevent any fungal infections.
Chemical Use
Lemon trees can be affected by some chemical toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides. To reduce the risk of damage, it is advisable to use environmentally friendly alternatives as much as possible, as these will not harm the tree and will keep it safe. Additionally, it is important to only use chemicals in dilute concentrations and take extra care not to damage or burn the leaves and bark.
