The effectiveness of growing a lemon tree to produce fruit depends massively on the conditions it is grown in. Will one lemon tree produce fruit? The simple answer is yes – on the conditions that the tree is correctly watered, fertilized and sufficiently exposed to sunlight. What must come into consideration when growing a healthy lemon tree is the growth cycle, which consists of two stages; the dormant period and the active period. In the active period, a lemon tree will start to produce flowers, and through pollination, the flowers will eventually become lemons.
Location
The location of the lemon tree is of utmost importance when it comes to it producing fruit. It must be kept in mind that lemon trees need lots of sunlight and it must be exposed to 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily. If the tree is kept in a cooler climate, then artificial lights can be used to supplement this. Keeping the lemon tree in a location which is exposed to direct and hard wind must also be avoided, as lemon tree leaves and blooms can be damaged by this. It is important to note that temperatures of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit must be avoided, as this can permanently damage the tree.
Soil
The soil type is of the utmost importance when trying to produce lemons from the tree. Lemons need well-draining soils, as this will prevent root rot from forming. Poorly draining soils allow too much moisture to remain in the ground, bubbling up and inadvertently drowning the roots of the lemon trees. So, soil with a thicker consistency is required to provide the drainage needed for growth, add in some extra sand or peat moss to achieve the desired results. Also, soil PH needs to be considered as lemon trees prefer more acidic soils.
Watering
Lemon trees need frequent and regular watering, especially during periods of extreme heat. In terms of quantity, 1-2 inches of water per week is recommended. If the soil contains clay, sand or similar components, even more water is required. It is important to not excessively water the tree and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Lemon tree roots need to breathe, and using too much water will inhibit their breathing and ultimately damage their health.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizer, lemon trees need a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with a balanced ratio of each. Initially, a general-purpose fertilizer must be applied as soon as the tree is planted, and in subsequent months apply a fertilizer containing an additional 5% of phosphorus to ensure healthy buds and blooms. Also, fertilizer must be monitored as too much of it can harm the lemon tree and its fruit.
Temperature
Lemon trees produce best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are lower can damage the tree, while temperatures that are too high can increase the likelihood of pests attacking the tree and its fruit. To protect the tree, it is possible to use a water-filled plastic jug and place it near the tree. This will act like a heat sink and reduce drastic swings in temperature.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can affect the health of a lemon tree, leading to its fruit being of sub-par quality and make harvesting much more difficult. Hence, monitoring for pests and diseases is essential when trying to grow a healthy lemon tree. Common pests that can affect lemon trees include mites, aphids, scale and fruit flies. In terms of diseases, root rot, citrus canker, and powdery mildew are the most common.
Pruning
Pruning is required to ensure the tree grows healthy and strong. Pruning is a delicate process and must be done correctly to ensure that the tree produces a high-quality fruit. All weakened and dead branches must be trimmed, as these inflict the overall health of the tree. Also, during pruning all branches towards the inside of the tree must be removed to promote optimal air circulation which helps in keeping the lemon tree in a state of healthy growth.
Fruit Production
Once the tree has entered the active period, growth and fruit production will start to take place. Careful observation should be used to detect any variants in the leaf shape and coloring. During this period, the tree will also be checked for mites, aphids, and scale. Additionally, any honeydew or excretions observed underneath the foliage indicate the presence of pests. To treat these, methods such as horticultural oil, neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used.
Harvesting
With timely and correct care, the lemon tree will start to produce fruit. To ensure maximum quality and taste, it is recommended to harvest the fruit when they are yellow-green in color and have a firm-source. To harvest the fruit, a sharp knife must be used and the stem should be secured onto the fruit and the fruit should be slowly and delicately removed from the tree.
Storage and Lifespan
Once the lemon fruits are harvested, they can be immediately consumed or stored in a cool and dry place for future use. Lemon fruits can remain fresh for up to 1 to 2 weeks if stored correctly, though how fresh they remain depends on their degree of ripeness when harvested and how quickly they were cooled down. In terms of lifespan, a single lemon tree can continue to produce fruits for up to 5 to 10 years depending on its initial health and the conditions under which it is grown.
