Valley Lemon Trees offer an attractive, hardy and easy to care for tree with delicious fruits. They can be purchased at nurseries, home improvement stores, or online. There are a few key considerations when looking for a Valley Lemon Tree. Firstly, one must decide whether to purchase a ready-grown tree with established branches, or a sapling to begin growing from home. Secondly, potential buyers should be aware of the climate conditions in which the tree can thrive. Valley Lemon Trees require plenty of water when planted in hot, dry climates. Thirdly, they should look at the size and type of tree they require and know how large they can expect the tree to grow and how quickly. Fourthly, buyers should research the tree’s hardiness and consider how often and how long it will need to be watered and fertilized, how much sunlight it requires, and when it will bear fruits. Finally, one should consider whether they want to buy a grafted tree of a particular, named variety, or an open pollinated one.
Size and Type of Tree
When looking for a valley lemon tree, it is important to consider the size and type of tree that one would like. Valley lemon trees can come in many shapes and sizes, from slender to round, 6-15 feet tall and vaulting to spreading. The size of the tree will depend on the cultivar, and buyers should research each variety to determine the size and growth rate. For example, Meyer lemon trees are a disease-resistant, dwarf cultivar of the traditional lemon tree and therefore, have a slower growth rate with a maximum height of 6-12 feet, whilst Eureka oranges have a growth rate of up to 35 feet.
Climate Conditions
When looking for a valley lemon tree, the climate conditions of the area should also be taken into consideration. Valley lemon trees survive best in areas with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters – ideal conditions that can be found in the valleys and foothills of California. In areas of high humidity, trees should be placed in locations with air circulation and adequate sunlight to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Local nurseries will be able to advise buyers on the best place to plant the tree and how to care for it.
Cost and Maintenance
Another consideration for buyers when selecting a valley lemon tree is cost and maintenance. Open pollinated trees are usually less expensive than grafted varieties, however the latter produce more consistent and larger fruits. Valley lemon trees can be planted from bare root or container, with some available as pre-grown specimens. The cost will depend on the state of the tree, with larger, pre-grown varieties costing more than younger, sapling trees. The maintenance needed depend on the type and size of the tree – establishing a regular watering and fertilizing schedule for larger trees, as well as occasional pruning, will help produce larger yields.
Pests and Diseases
When selecting a valley lemon tree, buyers should also research which pests and diseases it is vulnerable to in order to ensure the tree’s longevity. Citrus scale, whitefly, and aphids are some of the most common pests that feed off the leaves, stems and fruit of the tree. These can be controlled organically by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybird larvae or by using an insecticidal soap. Diseases such as Alternaria can be damaging, but can be prevented by regularly pruning trees, disposing of infected leaves, and spraying with a fungicide spray. Growing trees in areas with good air circulation and adequate sunlight can also reduce the risk of disease.
Variety and Pollination
Finally, buyers should consider the variety of lemon tree they would like and research the best pollination options for the tree. Grafted varieties are typically able to self-pollinate, however open pollinated trees require an additional variety nearby for cross-pollination. Citrus trees can cross-pollinate with each other; however, different varieties will vary in taste, size and productivity. Therefore, buyers should research which varieties taste the best and are most reliable. Choosing the right valley lemon tree cultivar is key to ensuring high yields and happy, healthy trees.
Soil Conditions
When looking for a valley lemon tree, the soil conditions of the planting area should be taken into consideration. Valley lemon trees thrive best in a loose, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 – 7.0 and good natural drainage. Before planting, buyers should conduct a soil pH test and, if necessary, purchase fertilizer or lime to balance the pH levels and ensure the best conditions for the tree’s growth. Applying an organic mulch to retain moisture is also beneficial for larger trees that require more water.
Positioning and Sunlight
When selecting a valley lemon tree, buyers should research how much sunlight the location needs and which area would be most suitable. Citrus trees typically require 8-10 hours of sunlight per day and should be planted in a location that receives direct sunlight. Valley lemon trees can cope with some shade, however will produce the best results when positioned in an area that receives direct sunlight during the summer months. Placing the tree near a wall or other such physical support can also assist with fruit production as it enables the leaves to absorb more heat and light.
Fertilizer and Watering
When purchasing a valley lemon tree, potential buyers should be aware of how much and how often it needs to be watered and fertilized. Valley lemon trees need plenty of water in hot, dry climates, but should be monitored during the winter months to ensure the soil does not become overly wet. Applying a slow-release fertilizer with a high phosphorus content at least twice per year, and additional applications of nitrogen fertilizer during spring and summer will help increase yields and strengthen the tree’s health. In times of extreme dry heat, supplemental watering may be needed as this can help maintain the tree’s vigor.
Harvesting and Storing
When selecting a valley lemon tree, buyers should research how to correctly harvest and store the fruits. It is best to wait until fruits are fully ripe before harvesting as this can increase sweeteness. Lemons should be harvested when they are deep yellow and have developed some bumps on their rind. Fruits can easily be pulled off the stem when ripe, however using scissors to cut the stem can help prevent damage to the tree’s branches. Lemons can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks; however, they can be frozen for several months if desired.
