Discover the key steps to caring for your caring for lemon trees; pruning techniques; varieties & planting tips, top tips for keeping it healthy, and how to coax the most beautiful blooms out of your garden!
The care of a lemon tree has always been an exciting challenge for me. The lemon tree mainly blooms in spring, but with ever-bearing varieties, you can count on flowers and fruit all year round. To ensure the plant stays healthy and productive, it’s important to use the right fertiliser. I feed it with a special citrus fertiliser once a month to supply all the necessary nutrients. I keep my lemon tree in a pot, which makes caring for it and moving it around much easier. It’s crucial to plant it in well-draining soil and to pay attention to watering. In the summer I water it two to three times a week, and less frequently in winter to avoid root rot.
Mirroring the topic: "Everything you need to know about lemon trees, with instantly usable tips and tricks, so that you’re not just a hobby gardener, but a savvy cultivator"
The lemon tree (Citrus limon) is a truly special plant that can bring joy not only in the kitchen but also in the garden. You might not realise it, but there are many types of lemon trees, each with its own unique features. For instance, the Eureka and Lisbon varieties are among those that bear fruit all year round, while the Meyer lemon tree thrives even in cooler climates. The Improved Meyer variety, on the other hand, is especially suited for container growing. Lemon trees prefer a well-draining, light, sandy soil. The ideal pH value is between 6.0 and 7.5. In soil that is too acidic or alkaline, the lemon tree cannot absorb the necessary nutrients. In terms of climate, lemon trees love warm, sunny spots. Most varieties cannot withstand frost, so if you live in a cooler climate, it’s wise to keep your lemon tree in a pot so you can bring it indoors during winter. It is also important to note that the temperature requirements of a lemon tree are unique: it can be damaged at temperatures below 5-10°C. In winter, I move my potted lemon tree to a sheltered spot, such as a conservatory or indoors, where I can maintain a temperature of around 10-15°C. The frost tolerance of wild lemon is better than that of traditional lemon trees, so it can even be left outside during milder winters, but to be on the safe side, I bring it to a protected location in winter. Propagation is simple, and although it can be easily grown from seed, the seedlings grow more slowly. I collect the seeds in spring and plant them in moist, sandy soil, where they sprout within a few weeks.
It is best to plant a lemon tree in spring, once there is no longer any risk of frost. However, container plants can be planted at any time of the year. When planting, it is important that the hole is deeper and wider than the root ball. The top of the root ball should then be level with the soil. After planting, water the plant thoroughly. Working with a thorny lemon tree was an interesting experience for me. Due to the thorns, you need to handle it with care, but I look after it just like any other lemon tree. There’s no difference when it comes to watering and feeding with fertiliser. I have also experimented with wild lemons. Although it takes longer for wild lemons to bear fruit, my patience is rewarded with beautiful, fragrant blossoms and tangy fruit. I use the fruits of wild lemons to flavour various dishes and drinks – they are excellent, for instance, in homemade lemonade or fish dishes. Growing and propagating a lemon tree is an exciting and rewarding task that, I believe, requires a bit of patience and care. If you’re interested, I’m now going to share my own experiences with propagating, growing, and handling the seeds of a lemon tree. Lemon trees are typically propagated in two main ways: by taking cuttings and by sowing seeds.
As the days grow shorter and cooler, it is time to take care of our little green friends. If you are as lucky as I am and own a lemon tree, listen up, because I’m going to tell you how I usually overwinter my lemon tree in the garden or indoors. Firstly, I believe it’s very important to bring the lemon tree indoors before the first frosts arrive. I typically move it to its wintering spot by the end of October or early November. The ideal temperature for overwintering is between 5-12°C. I think sudden temperature changes are not good for the tree, so I try to keep it in a room with a steady temperature. Light is very important, especially if you plan on overwintering your lemon tree indoors rather than in the garden! Luckily, I have a bright room with indirect sunlight that is perfect for my lemon tree. I believe that even during the winter months, the plant still needs plenty of light, so if there isn’t enough natural light, it’s worth supplementing with fluorescent tubes or special grow lights. You must also reduce watering in winter, but I never let the soil dry out completely. I usually water it moderately every two to three weeks. It is essential that the soil of the lemon tree is well-draining, as standing water is not good for the roots.
The seeds of the lemon tree come directly from the fruit and are most viable when fresh. If you store them in a cool, dry place, their germination ability may decrease. Lemon trees grown from seed can take several years to bear fruit, and the quality and quantity of the fruit may differ from that of the parent plant.
When caring for a lemon tree, you need to be patient and attentive, but a well-cared-for lemon tree will certainly repay the time and energy you invest in it – and I promise you that. 1. Nutrient Supplementation: The lemon tree requires regular feeding. During the growing season, it’s a good idea to use a citrus-specific fertiliser once a month. 2. Watering: Lemon trees don’t like to be overwatered. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. 3. Fertilising: Lemon trees appreciate fertilisers that are rich in nitrogen. It is advisable to feed them monthly during the active growing season. 4. Light Requirements: Lemon trees love the sun, so plant them in a location where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. 5. Pests and Diseases: Common issues for lemon trees include leaf spot and root rot. Among pests, scale insects and aphids can be particularly problematic. In my experience, caring for a lemon tree does not require any specialised expertise, as long as you adhere to the basic principles. My lemon trees always thrive in sunny, well-ventilated spots and in well-draining soil. Regular fertilisation and proper watering also contribute to a bountiful harvest. I hope these personal tips and advice on lemon tree care have been helpful. And if you haven’t yet tried growing your own lemon tree, perhaps now is the time to give it a go. Now, let’s take a look at what else you need to pay attention to if you want to grow a lemon tree.
Caring for and pruning lemon trees isn’t always a straightforward task, but with the right techniques and a little attention, you can achieve excellent results. Watering and mulching are two fundamental elements that greatly influence the health and yield of lemon trees. The watering of a lemon tree: Lemon trees enjoy moderate watering. Too much water can be just as harmful as too little. But what exactly is moderate watering? Essentially, it means that the soil should always be moist, but never waterlogged. A good rule of thumb, in my opinion, is that if the top 2-3 centimetres of soil are dry, it’s time to water. The watering needs of a potted lemon tree depend on several factors, such as the surrounding temperature, humidity, the size of the plant, and the type of soil. As a general rule, you shouldn't water daily but rather when the top layer of the soil has dried out. Here are a few tips on how I believe you should water your lemon tree properly:
The key is to observe the plant and its surroundings, and adjust your watering habits accordingly. The watering requirements may change depending on the plant’s life cycle and the weather conditions. The lemon tree typically blooms in spring, although there are varieties that can bloom all year round. Ever-bearing lemon trees, such as the Meyer lemon, are not restricted to one season, and can produce flowers several times throughout the year. For optimal flowering, it is important that the lemon tree receives proper care, including adequate watering, feeding, and maintaining the right temperature.
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduces weeds, and improves soil quality. Organic materials, such as compost, straw, or fallen leaves, make excellent mulching agents. But how much mulch should you use? My simple answer is: the mulch layer should be about 5-7 centimetres thick.
Pruning and maintenance are also important parts of caring for lemon trees. Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, improves the quality and quantity of the fruit, and can even prevent diseases (as unbelievable as it may seem). Pruning is generally carried out in winter or early spring, when the tree is in its dormant phase. When maintaining the tree, it’s also wise to pay attention to its nutritional needs. Lemon trees love fertilisers rich in nitrogen, although they also require phosphorus and potassium. From my experience, a good rule to follow is: use a balanced fertiliser that contains all these nutrients.
Unfortunately, lemon trees are not immune to diseases and pests. Aphids, scale insects, and citrus greening are just a few examples of the issues we commonly face. But how do we manage these problems? Aphids and Scale Insects: The best approach to combating aphids and scale insects is biological control, for example, the use of ladybirds or predatory mites. These beneficial insects naturally reduce the number of pests. Lemon Trees and Citrus Greening: Citrus greening is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. In combating the disease, the most important measures are to reduce the number of mosquitoes and to remove infected trees.
Pests on lemon trees, such as scale insects or aphids, along with various fungal infections, can also lead to leaf loss.
Citrus greening is a serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes. This disease is characterised by the yellowing of the leaves, which leads to the weakening and eventual death of the plant. In fighting this disease, I believe two key strategies are vital: reducing the number of mosquitoes and removing infected trees. Reducing Mosquito Numbers: The first step in combating mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding sites. It is important to ensure there is no standing water in your surroundings where mosquitoes can breed. Additionally, you can use mosquito repellents and nets to minimise their presence around your citrus trees.
Removing Infected Trees: Removing infected trees is, in my view, crucial to preventing the spread of the disease. If you notice signs of citrus greening on a tree, remove and dispose of it immediately to stop the virus from spreading to healthy trees. This approach is very effective in halting the spread of the disease.
Thus, in preventing citrus greening, prevention and swift action are the most important tools. By controlling the mosquito population and removing infected trees, you can help maintain the health and productivity of your citrus trees. I hope these tips help you in caring for your lemon trees.
Let’s not forget, I firmly believe that patience and persistence are key. Caring for lemon trees is a time-consuming task, but the end result – fresh, aromatic lemons – makes all the effort worthwhile.
That lemonade will always taste far better than any imported product. Give it a go – it’s still my favourite!