When looking for the best lemon tree to buy, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine where it will be planted. If you’re planting indoors, look for a variety that thrives in containers. Varieties like ‘Meyer’ and ‘Eureka’ lemon trees grow well in pots and can even be moved indoors during cold winters. If you’re planting outdoors, look for a lemon tree that can handle varying local temperatures and humidity levels. Varieties like ‘Lisbon’ and ‘Villa’ can stand the heat and cold and still produce delicious fruit.
Second, consider how much care and attention you’re prepared to give. If you’re a busy gardener, opt for relatively low maintenance lemon trees, like ‘Bearss’ and ‘Genova’, which produce fruit with little to no trimming or pruning. If you’re a more hands-on gardener and don’t mind putting in some extra effort, ‘Meyer Improved’ lemon trees require regular fertilising and spraying to ensure they stay healthy and produce sweet and juicy fruit.
Third, choose a variety that fits with the amount of space available. If you have a smaller garden or courtyard, opt for a dwarf lemon tree like ‘Mexican’ or ‘Femminello’. These trees may not reach the full height of a traditional lemon tree, but still produce abundant fruit. For larger gardens, varieties like ‘Eureka’ and ‘Four Seasons’ can grow to 3–4 metres and bear more than 15kg of fruit each year.
Fourth, consider the fruit quality. Some varieties consistently produce larger and sweeter fruit than others. If you’re looking for quality produce, look for varieties known for their juicy fruit, like the ‘Ponderosa’ and ‘Irish Fruiting’ lemon trees. Even if smaller than the other varieties, these trees will produce high quality fruit.
Finally, it’s best to purchase your lemon tree from a local nursery or specialist supplier. Buying from an established shop ensures that it is disease and pest-free, and should be backed up with a good warranty and aftercare service in case of any problems.
Soil Type
When it comes to choosing the best lemon tree to buy, the soil type should be taken into account. Lemon trees prefer well-drained soils with good fertility and that can retain moisture and release nutrients. If your soil has a high clay content, it is best to add some organic matter or use potting mix for indoor plants. If your soil does not drain well, it may be necessary to raised beds or containers to help improve drainage. Waterlogged soils are a major problem for lemon trees, as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Frost Protection
If you are planting your lemon tree in a colder climate, it is important to take measures to protect it during frosty periods. A good layer of mulch can provide insulation, while also allowing the soil to retain moisture. A frost cover, such as a cloth wrap, can also help to keep the tree warm and can be secured with stakes. If not planted in a sheltered spot and if exposed to strong winds, a wind break is also recommended, such as a living fence or hedges.
Watering Requirements
Lemon trees need to be watered adequately, but not excessively. In general, watering once every one or two weeks is recommended, or more frequently during drier periods. It is important not to overwater, as this can lead to the lemons developing cavities and the branches becoming weakened. If you are unable to water your lemon tree regularly enough, look for drought-tolerant varieties such as ‘Lisbon’ and ‘Eureka’.
Feeding Requirements
Feeding your lemon tree can help to ensure that it remains healthy and produces abundant and delicious fruit. It is best to apply a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen, such as a citrus fertiliser or fish emulsion, at least once per month during the growing season. If using a chemical fertiliser, such as a synthetic fertiliser, be sure to check the instructions and stick to the recommended doses.
Pruning
Pruning your lemon tree can help to promote healthy growth and ensure that it bears plenty of fruit. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, when the lemon tree is dormant. First, remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches and any small twigs. Then, remove any excess, weak growth and any suckers that appear from the base of the tree. Finally, prune the better braches and stems back to a healthy length, following their natural shape.
Disease Control
Lemon trees can be susceptible to diseases, usually caused by pests and fungal infections. In order to keep your lemon tree healthy and productive, it is important to check it regularly for signs of disease and take action as soon as possible. If caught early, many diseases can be treated and treated without too much damage to the plant. Treatments include fungicide sprays, spraying with horticultural oil, and removing diseased branches.
