{"id":24336,"date":"2024-01-30T19:56:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T17:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=24336"},"modified":"2024-01-30T19:56:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T17:56:46","slug":"how-to-plant-dwarf-lemon-tree-in-pot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/how-to-plant-dwarf-lemon-tree-in-pot\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Plant Dwarf Lemon Tree In Pot"},"content":{"rendered":"
1. Fertilizing a dwarf lemon tree is an important step for promoting vigorous growth and fruiting. Use only specially formulated materials for citrus trees as regular fertilizer can do more harm than good. Look for a fertilizer that is applied at the root system and contains nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
\n2. The recommendation is to fertilize three times per year, in early spring, summer and early fall. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the tree, ensuring that it is not allowed to remain in contact with the stem. Fertilizer can burn the stem and bark and stunt root growth.
\n3. Regular check-ups should be made on your tree to determine if extra nutrients are needed. If the leaves are a pale green in colour and the growth is slow, an extra dose of fertilizer might be beneficial. Ensure the tree is always well-watered before application to minimize any burning.<\/p>\n
1. Pruning is a crucial task in keeping a dwarf lemon tree healthy and balanced. Pruning should be done on a regular basis to help with the desired shape of the tree and for eliminating dead, diseased or unproductive branches.
\n2. Prune the tree at least once a year in early spring. During this time look for branches that are too close or tangled with other nearby branches. You may also want to prune branches that grow too low or too high, or that cross over each other. This will help to promote overall air circulation and growth.
\n3. The tools you need for pruning are a pair of good quality handheld pruning shears and a pruning saw. Always ensure that the pruning shears are sharp, as using dull blades will cause unnecessary damage to the plant’s foliage and twigs.
\n4. Some branches may need to be removed that are too thick for the shears, so a pruning saw can be used. The saw blade should be slowly and gently guided through the wood without nudging or sawing back and forth.<\/p>\n
1. The best time to start harvesting lemons from your dwarf tree is when the lemons begin to turn yellow and are about full size. Harvest them by cutting off the stem with pruning shears. Meticulously examine each lemon for signs of disease or damage before picking it.
\n2. To prolong shelf life, store the lemons in the fridge straight away. The lemons should be eaten within a week of harvest. If they are not needed immediately, they can be sliced and frozen. They can also be made into juice, lemonade or preserves.
\n3. It is important to note that some dwarf trees are unlikely to produce more fruit than you can eat or preserve. For those with more plentiful harvests, it is possible to make money off of them. Gather the lemons and place them in gift baskets or sell them at farmers markets.<\/p>\n