With its many health benefits and its versatility, lemon is one of the essential citrus fruits to always have in your pantry. Native to India, with its thick yellow skin, juicy texture, and spicy flavor, lemon is consumed all over the world. From appetizers to desserts, this low-calorie fruit is a true slimming ally.
A plant highly prized for its small, intensely fragrant white flowers, you can grow a lemon tree in your garden or on a patio as an ornamental plant. And who wouldn’t love to pick their own fresh, organic lemons at home? Whether grown in the ground or in a pot, caring for a lemon tree isn’t all that complicated. You still need to follow a few basic rules.
Harvest intensity varies depending on the climate and the size of the plant, with the largest producing up to 600 fruits per year. To harvest beautiful lemons, you must regularly maintain your lemon tree by choosing the ideal fertilizer and adapting to the seasons.
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In this article we offer you some simple and practical tips for taking care of your lemon tree.
Where to grow a lemon tree?
lemon
Lemons can be grown in the ground or in pots. It is obvious that those grown in the ground can reach a greater height and wider branch opening. However, for this type of cultivation, it is better to favor warmer locations. In the other case, it is better to grow the plant in a pot, keeping it in a fairly bright spot. In winter, it is best to place the pot in a place that is not too cold and, if the temperature drops too low, cover the plant with a cloth to give it some warmth. Caution: if you keep your plant indoors, remember to keep it away from direct heat sources and avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Which vase to choose?
If you decide to grow your lemon tree in a pot, pay attention to the type and size of the pot you use. The pot should have a diameter of at least 20 to 30 cm. However, if the plant grows larger, you should change it before the roots develop. In this case, opt for a larger pot, with a diameter of at least 50-60 cm.
How and when to water?
For your lemon tree to grow properly, it needs a good amount of water. Generally, you should only water the plant when the soil is dry. In winter, watering every two weeks is usually sufficient. In summer, we recommend watering every two or three days. Since this is an evergreen shrub, watering should not be too infrequent, and the soil should always be moist.
Which floor to choose?
The soil you choose is very important for the healthy growth of your lemon tree, but also for enjoying abundant harvests. First of all, you should know that lemons do not tolerate stagnant water, so the soil must be well-drained. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5. The ideal soil should have a composition based on clay and sand, without forgetting to also add minerals like magnesium, potassium, or nitrous oxide.
How to treat plant diseases?
Neem oil
Whether cottony or shell-like, mealybugs are common pests found in the garden or on houseplants. They infect plants and suck plant sap.
To get rid of them, you can apply an effective mixture of water and Marseille soap. Using a sprayer, simply spray it on the plant to drive away all these pests and allow your lemon tree to grow healthy. This mixture should be applied every 3 to 4 days for best results.
NB: To combat aphids, or plant lice, you can instead use a remedy made from water (about one liter) and 5 to 6 drops of neem oil, which acts as a powerful insecticide. Spray the mixture on the plant to repel all these unwanted pests.
What fertilizer should I use?
lupin seeds
Fertilization is important if you want to increase the growth of your lemon tree.
If you have lemon trees in the ground, you can apply organic fertilizer every two years, preferably in the fall, to stimulate fruit production.
Quick tip: Lupin seeds are an excellent, quick, and convenient fertilizer. Simply grind them and spread them over the soil. Their high nitrogen content will promote plant growth.
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When is it best to prune?
Do you want to prune the plant but don’t know the best time to do it?
The truth is, you can prune your lemon tree at any time. However, it’s not recommended to do so in winter as the cut parts could be damaged. It’s best not to prune the plant while the fruit is still growing to prevent it from falling off before it’s fully ripe.
NB: If you have any doubts about using these remedies, do not hesitate to ask your florist or gardening specialist for advice.
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