If you’re looking for an indoor lemon tree to brighten up your home and add zest to your cooking, there are plenty of options available in the marketplace. When shopping for a lemon tree, first and foremost you should consider the size and type of the plant; this will narrow down the selection, help determine pricing, and help you understand where best to buy it. You’ll also want to think about the environment you have in mind to ensure the tree has the right light and temperature, otherwise it won’t produce fruit.
Generally, you should find the best deal on an indoor lemon tree by comparing prices online. Most garden centres and home improvement stores offer the same products at different price points. The best way to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck is to look around and compare prices. If you’re lucky, you might even find a local nursery that has a great deal on a lemon tree. Keep in mind, it’s typically cheaper to buy in-season and also consider the shipping costs when shopping online.
On the contrary, if you plan on spending a bit more for a higher quality lemon tree, there are a handful of places that specialize in selling citrus trees. Many of these resources offer over-the-counter ordering, online ordering and shipping, or sometimes even both. But if you want to get the absolute highest quality tree around, then you should definitely shop at a local nursery that has the lemon tree already potted. That way, you can inspect the tree, ask questions, and get expert advice before making a purchase.
For those who have a larger budget and are willing to invest in a more mature or semi-mature lemon tree, you can often find them in the market or from online sellers. Additionally, some national garden centres will stock mature plants too, so if you happen to find one you like, it could be worth inquiring about to see if it’s available for purchase. That said, it’s best to do your homework in advance and make sure your area permits citrus trees before spending a lot of money on one.
Don’t forget to factor in the ongoing costs of a lemon tree. You’ll need to buy fertilizer, pest control, and other supplies to ensure the tree stays healthy and is able to produce fruit. If you’re going to buy an indoor lemon tree, you should be prepared to invest in the tiime and supplies to care for it.
Finally, it’s important to consider the size of the pot when buying an indoor lemon tree. You’ll want to look for a pot that’s large enough for the roots to spread out, and make sure the pot won’t be too big for the area where it’s going.
Types of Lemon Trees
When shopping for a lemon tree, you’ll want to determine which type of tree you want. There are three primary types of lemon trees: Lisbon, Eureka and Meyer. Lisbon lemons are quite commonly found in traditional grocery stores, and these trees can easily reach 20 feet in height. Eureka lemons are also quite common, tasty, and easier to cultivate indoors. Finally, Meyer lemons are fairly new to the market and they have a mild sweet flavor which makes them great for cooking and juicing.
Picking a Lemon Tree
No matter the type of lemon tree you choose, you’ll want to inspect the tree before committing to a purchase. Look for a pot that’s large enough for the roots to spread out and a lemon tree that has dark green, shiny leaves. A lemon tree should have a woody trunk that feels firm and not dry or cracked, and a full head of thick, healthy leaves that are free from insect damage. When picking a lemon tree, also make sure it’s in the correct pot size for its age and be sure to pay attention to the soil the tree was planted in.
How to Care for a Lemon Tree
If you’re interested in growing your own lemon tree indoors, you’ll need to make sure it has enough sunlight and water to stay healthy and produce fruit. Your tree needs at least 8-12 hours of sunlight a day, so a south- or west-facing window is ideal. Water your lemon tree when the soil feels dry, but always monitor the drainage to make sure you don’t overwater. Also, make sure the tree is kept away from extreme drafts or heat sources and be sure to remove any weeds that crop up near the tree.
Common Issues for Indoor Lemon Trees
There are several common problems that affect lemon trees, such as pest infestations, disease, overwatering, and lack of nutrients. To prevent pests, make sure to hose down the lemon tree from time to time and apply neem oil or another natural pesticide. For disease, always inspect the leaves and branches regularly, by carefully checking underneath them for signs of disease. Also, be sure the lemon tree is planted in quality and well-draining soil to avoid overwatering, and always use a fertilizer specific to citrus trees.
Pruning Your Lemon Tree
Proper pruning is an important part of caring for an indoor lemon tree. You’ll need to prune the tree to keep it healthy and encourage it to produce fruit. Pruning should focus on shaping and maintaining the size and structure of the tree, and removing any old, dead, or broken branches. The best time to prune is in early spring before the flowers begin to open. And for best results, use sharp, sterile pruning shears so that the cuts are clean and uniform.
