When will a lemon tree bear fruit? This is an interesting question as it largely depends on the type of lemon tree, the climate in which it is located, and the conditions it is kept in. The answer is, it could be any time from a few months to several years, depending on the tree.
The fastest lemon tree to bear fruit is the Meyers lemon tree, which can produce harvestable fruits within six months to one year of planting. Other varieties such as the Eureka and Lisbon may take up to three years to bear fruits, whilst some other hybrid varieties may take as long as five years. Some trees may even be slow-maturing and could take up to eight years.
Climate also plays a huge role in determining when a lemon tree can bear fruit. Lemon trees thrive in warm climates, and those located in the equator will fruit sooner than those located in colder areas. In fact, when exposed to cold temperatures, lemon trees may take twice as long to reach maturity.
Providing proper care and nutrition is also key to ensure a lemon tree can bear fruit. Citrus trees need full sun exposure, deep watering approximately once a week, and regular fertilizing in summer and spring. If a tree is planted in a pot and kept indoors, they will rarely, if ever, produce fruits. When planted outside, they should be kept in a wind-sheltered spot and the soil should be checked to ensure proper drainage.
Trimming and pruning is also key for helping a lemon tree reach maturity. By trimming the rootstock and branches back each spring, this will allow the tree to direct its energy toward producing abundant flowers and fruits. Removing dead branches or limbs that cross over each other is also important as these can cut off light and air from entering the foliage, preventing it from becoming mature.
The amount of fruit that a lemon tree will produce can be determined by the amount of flowers it has produced. If a tree blooms heavily, it is likely that it will produce an abundance of fruits. However, if the quantity of blooms has been affected by climate conditions, improper nutrition, and lack of pruning, the fruits may never ripen.
Ultimately, a lemon tree’s readiness to bear fruit depends on the selected variety, climate, and the proper level of care and nutrition provided. As such, farmers may have to patiently wait up to 8 years to harvest their fruits.
Varieties of Lemon Trees
There are numerous varieties of citrus trees, with some being self-fertile while others requiring a partner tree. The most common type is the Lisbon lemon tree, a medium-sized tree that produces fruits year-round and whose juice is favored for making lemonade. The Eureka is a smaller tree and is less cold-resistant, making it ideal for milder climates. Furthermore, the Meyer Lemon is a hybrid variety, is smaller and rounder in shape, and fruits in about 6-9 months.
Temperature and Climate Requirements
The climate and temperature requirements for a ripening lemon tree varies depending on the variety. Fruits may form and grow at temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit, however, optimal growth ranges are between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that while Meyer lemon trees can handle a frost and a few nights of temperatures below freezing, Eureka and Lisbon trees may not be as resilient and require warm winter temperatures.
Caring for Lemon Trees
Inadequate care is a common cause of lemon trees not producing fruit. Soil pH levels should be tested to ensure it is neither too acidic or too alkaline. Fertilizers and compost should always be incorporated into the soil to provide necessary nutrients, with organic mulch added to conserve water and keep the roots cool in hot climates. Lemon trees should be monitored to make sure they are not infested with pests, such as aphids or mealybugs, and any affected parts should be pruned away.
Pruning Lemon Trees
To optimize a lemon tree’s growth and health, it should be pruned during the dormant winter months. Pruning not only involves cutting off dead branches and diseased limbs, but also thinning overgrown trees and shaping it to encourage fruit to form. Branches should be cut from the bottom and not from the top, and the cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle. For younger trees, pruning should focus on removing only water shoots and crossing branches.
Deciding When to Harvest the Fruits
When a lemon tree bears fruit, when to harvest them is one of the most important decisions. As the fruit ripens, the color will change and begin to turn yellow so as to be partially visible from the outside. The fruits should also feel slightly soft when pressed, meaning it is fully ripe. If picked too early, the fruits may not have time to develop their desired flavor, and if left to ripen on the tree for too long, the lemon may become bitter.
