Lemon trees are a common sight in many warmer climates around the world. They offer large, bright yellow fruits that offer numerous benefits to humans, both culinary and medicinal. So when do lemon trees typically bear fruit? Generally, they begin to produce some sort of fruit within 3-5 years. This varies from tree to tree and on the care it receives.
To start, lemon trees need plenty of sunlight, so the best environment for its growth should be in full sun. The soil should also be well drained and have regular access to water. If these two requirements are met, the lemon tree will start to produce flowers after around three years. Depending on the amount of care it gets and the climate of its region, the trees will continue to produce flowers and eventually bear fruit.
From the moment the tree begins to flower, it will generally take between 4-12 months for the flowers to be pollinated and turn into fruit. With the correct conditions and adequate care, the fruit should be ready for harvesting between 9-18 months after it has flowered. The time it takes for the tree to bear fruit will largely depend on the climate it thrives within, the variety grown and the amount of care it is given.
When the time does come for a lemon tree to bear fruit, it is important to note that it won’t produce the same quantity of fruit all year round. Typically, a healthy lemon tree will begin to produce its fruits during the summer months. Due to weather fluctuations, there may be times when the fruit production stops and you should be prepared with a well-maintained watering and fertilizing program.
To ensure that your lemon tree will bear fruit, additional steps should be taken. One way to ensure pollination and a bountiful harvest of fruits is to use the ‘Fenway’ system. It utilises a combination of natural and artificial means to provide the optimal environment for a longer flowering period and much larger yields of fruits. Maintaining a balance between the tree’s natural environment and a well-maintained ecosystem is also key for producing large and healthy fruits throughout the year.
Types of Lemon Trees
Different varieties of lemon trees exist, each with their own growing period. Some, such as the Eureka lemon tree, fruit very quickly in comparison to others. They can produce crops within 12 months or late seasons within 18 months. Other, lemon trees such as the Lisbon variety, can produce both an early and late crop. The early crop usually occurs within 9-14 months and the late crop within 22-24 months.
Fruit Production and Pollination
High production of fruits depend on successful pollination, which can be encouraged in a number of ways. For example, bees and other pollinators such as moths and butterflies all play an important role in the process. Introducing them to the area near the lemon tree can help ensure that pollination of flowers occurs. Large scale agriculture may use bee houses or nets to aid in this process. Hand pollination can also be employed with homegrown lemon trees.
Adequate nutrition is also essential for pollination to take place. Applying a fertilizer to the soil and pruning the branches help with the overall health of the tree. This in turn aids in better flowering and the growth of strong and healthy fruit.
Fruit Maturity
Fruit maturity depends on the variety and climate of the region, but typically takes at least 3-6 months. Citrus fruits tend to change in colour and size to signify that they are ready to be harvested. Some fruit such as limes may even fall off the tree by themselves when they are ripe. Generally, most lemons will reach full maturity when they start to turn yellow, but those from the Lisbon variety may stay green.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when the lemon has reached full size and colour. The method used varies depending on the variety growing, with some fruits needing to be cut from the branch and others being left to fall off. When harvesting, a little pressure should be applied to the fruit to ensure that it is ripe enough for plucking. Care should also be taken not to damage the tree unnecessarily as it can affect future production.
Storage
Once harvested, the lemons should be used as soon as possible. However, they can also be stored in a cool and dark place for several weeks. If they are stored for too long, they may soften and lose their flavor. Freezing is also a viable option to store lemons, especially if they will not be used in the near future.
Lemon Trees and Diseases
Citrus fruits may be susceptible to certain diseases that can harm the tree and impair its growth. While poor soil and environmental conditions can be a factor, the most common ailment of lemon trees are pests. These include citrus psyllid, scale and white flies, each of which can affect the fruit’s harvest, color and even taste. Applying pest control is the best way of mitigating their effects on the tree which can then bear healthy, delicious fruits.
