Lemons are a popular ingredient in many household recipes and are often used to add a natural citrus flavor to salads, teas and other drinks. For those looking to grow their own lemon trees, there are a few different options available. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you decide where to buy a lemon tree plant.
A great place to start is an online store. Generally, these offer a wide selection of plants from a variety of sources, making it easy to find a lemon tree that matches your taste and budget. When buying online, be sure to check the delivery details and read reviews in order to ensure you choose a reputable store. Some even offer express delivery and same day pickup, so you can get your lemon tree as quickly as possible.
For those who prefer purchasing in-store, local gardening centers and nurseries provide plenty of choice. Here, you have the opportunity to select the exact variety you are looking for, as well as inspect the tree for any potential pests or diseases. It is also the perfect place to purchase fertilizers and other gardening supplies you may need to ensure your lemon tree grows to its full potential.
For those on a budget, you can often find a lemon tree for sale at markets or garage sales. Here, lemon trees usually come in pre-potted containers and may cost substantially less than you would find in a store. Be aware, however, that the lemon tree may not be in the best condition and may require extra care in order to continue thriving.
Finally, you may also consider growing a lemon tree from seed. While this requires a bit more time, patience and effort, it can save you some money in the long run. You can purchase seeds online, in specialty stores or sometimes in nurseries, after which you can place them in damp soil and await germination. Growing lemon trees from seed, however, is slightly more complex than purchasing a pot-grown plant and requires a bit more knowledge of gardening.
Advantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree Online
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a lemon tree online is you can view a huge selection of plants from a variety of sources in the comfort of your own home. This gives you more freedom to choose a lemon tree that matches your taste and budget. Moreover, delivery services mean you can receive the lemon tree anywhere within a few days, making it extremely convenient. Additionally, some online stores even offer same-day pickup, meaning you can get your lemon tree a lot faster than through other means.
Another benefit is that most online stores tend to be more competitively priced than local gardening centers and nurseries, making them ideal for those on a budget. This is particularly true when looking for rare types of lemon trees. With many stores offering a money-back guarantee, it also provides you with peace of mind that the lemon tree you receive will be genuine and of the quality described.
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree Online
One of the main drawbacks of purchasing a lemon tree online is the lack of direct inspection. It can be difficult to get a true sense of the quality of the plant without actually seeing it in person. This is why reading reviews before purchasing is essential, as it gives you an indication of the quality and service you might expect. Poor reviews could indicate a bad lemon tree or an unreliable online store, so you may want to look for alternatives in these cases.
Additionally, some online stores may charge additional fees for delivery and pick-up, meaning that you may be paying a lot more than the initial purchase price. This is why it is vital to read the delivery details and double-check the cost so you don’t get an unexpected surprise at the checkout. It can also take considerably longer to get the lemon tree through online stores if delivery delays occur, though this is usually out of the store’s control.
Advantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree In-Store
There are many advantages of purchasing a lemon tree at a local gardening center or nursery. Firstly, you can often purchase a wide range of varieties, meaning you have a much wider choice than you would have online. Additionally, you can inspect the tree yourself in person, making it easier to get an idea of the quality. This can be especially helpful to those who are experienced gardeners, as they can get a good sense of the health and condition of the tree.
In-store purchases are also very convenient, as you don’t have to worry about delivery delays or additional delivery fees. Furthermore, you can purchase other gardening supplies, such as fertilizers and soil, at the same time, leading to less disruption if you need to go out of your way to buy additional materials.
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree In-Store
There are also a few drawbacks of purchasing a lemon tree at a gardening center or nursery, the biggest of which is cost. In-store purchases tend to be more expensive than online stores, meaning you may be better off finding a cheaper alternative. Another issue is availability, as these stores will generally be limited in their selection due to space constraints.
The other downside of purchasing a lemon tree in-store is that you are limited to the available trees and can’t customize your order. For instance, some nurseries will only carry larger citrus trees, meaning you won’t be able to find any small or dwarf varieties for sale.
Advantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree from Markets or Garage Sales
One of the main advantages of purchasing a lemon tree from markets or garage sales is cost. These local vendors often charge significantly less than stores, making them ideal for those on a tight budget. Furthermore, these lemon trees usually come pre-potted, meaning you don’t have to go out of your way to buy additional materials.
Moreover, sidewalk and yard sales may also offer unique and exotic varieties of lemon trees that you wouldn’t find in an online store or local nursery. This is particularly helpful to those that have specific tastes or are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Lemon Tree from Markets or Garage Sales
Despite the low cost, there are a few downsides to purchasing a lemon tree from street markets. Firstly, you can’t inspect the lemon tree for potential pests or diseases, meaning you could end up with a sick tree. Secondly, the tree may not have been adequately cared for in the past, increasing the risk of a weak or unhealthy plant.
Another issue is availability, as you never know whether the vendor you choose may have any lemon trees for sale. This is particularly true for those looking for more specific varieties. Even if the vendor has the perfect lemon tree, you may find yourself competing with other buyers, resulting in a less than ideal outcome.
Advantages of Growing a Lemon Tree from Seed
Growing a lemon tree from seed has many benefits, the most obvious being cost. Purchasing a lemon tree seed is considerably cheaper than buying a pre-potted or container-grown tree, making it a great option for those on a budget. Additionally, growing a lemon tree from seed provides you with a unique opportunity to watch it grow over time.
Another advantage is that you have complete control over the type of tree you grow, as you can select the type of seed you are planting. Furthermore, knowing you are growing a lemon tree from seed can be a great sense of accomplishment, enabling you to take pride in nurturing your own plant from the ground up.
Disadvantages of Growing a Lemon Tree from Seed
Growing a lemon tree from seed requires a lot more knowledge than buying a pot-grown plant or seedling in a container. It also requires more patience and effort, as you have to wait until the seed has sprouted and the plant is large enough to be transferred. The germination process can easily take two to three weeks depending on conditions, meaning it can take considerably longer than purchasing a lemon tree ready for planting.
Another issue is the availability of lemon tree seeds, as you may not be able to purchase them in stores. In this instance, you may need to rely on online stores, meaning you can’t inspect the condition of the seed before you purchase. In some cases, you may need to visit specialized stores which may be further afield.
