Growing a lemon tree in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh citrus even in small spaces. This easy container gardening guide will show you how its simpler than you might think. With the right care, you can have a beautiful, productive tree right on your patio or balcony.
You don’t need a big backyard to grow lemons. Container gardening gives you control over soil, sunlight, and temperature. It’s a flexible and rewarding project for any gardener.
Growing Lemon Tree In Pots – Easy Container Gardening Guide
This guide covers everything from choosing your tree to harvesting fruit. We’ll walk through each step in simple terms. You’ll be ready to start your own potted lemon tree by the end.
Why Choose a Potted Lemon Tree?
Potted lemon trees are versatile and manageable. They allow you to grow citrus in climates where the ground freezes. You simply bring the tree indoors during winter.
They are also perfect for patios, decks, and small gardens. You get lovely fragrant flowers and tasty fruit. Its a great way to add greenery and function to your space.
Selecting the Right Lemon Tree Variety
Not all lemon trees are equally suited for pots. Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are your best bet. They are bred to stay smaller but still produce full-size fruit.
Here are some excellent choices for containers:
* Improved Meyer Lemon: This is the top pick for pots. It’s sweeter, thin-skinned, and very productive. It’s also more cold-tolerant and blooms almost continuously.
* Ponderosa Lemon: Known for its huge, bumpy fruit. It’s a vigorous grower but adapts well to container life.
* Eureka Lemon: A classic grocery store lemon. It fruits year-round and does well in pots with good care.
* Lisbon Lemon: Similar to Eureka, but more thorny. It’s a reliable producer of tart, juicy lemons.
You can often find these at local nurseries or online. Look for a healthy tree with glossy leaves and no signs of pests.
The Perfect Pot and Soil Setup
Getting the foundation right is crucial. Your tree’s health depends on its pot and soil.
Choosing a Container:
Start with a pot that is 12-16 inches in diameter. It must have excellent drainage holes. A clay or ceramic pot is heavy and stable, which helps prevent tipping. Plastic pots are lighter and retain moisture longer.
As your tree grows, you’ll need to repot it every 2-3 years. Move it to a pot just 2-4 inches wider each time. A pot that’s to big can hold to much water and cause root rot.
The Right Soil Mix:
Never use garden soil in a pot. It compacts and doesn’t drain properly. Lemon trees need fast-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Use a high-quality potting mix designed for citrus or cactus. You can also make your own blend:
* 2 parts standard potting soil
* 1 part perlite or coarse sand
* 1 part peat moss or coconut coir
This mix ensures roots get air and water flows through freely.
Planting Your Lemon Tree Step-by-Step
1. Place a piece of broken pottery or a mesh screen over the drainage holes. This keeps soil from washing out.
2. Add a 2-inch layer of your potting mix to the bottom of the pot.
3. Gently remove the tree from its nursery container. Loosen the roots slightly if they are tightly wound.
4. Set the tree in the new pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the pot’s rim.
5. Fill in around the roots with more potting mix. Firm it down gently to remove large air pockets.
6. Water thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. This settles the soil around the roots.
Finding the Ideal Location: Sun and Temperature
Lemon trees are sun lovers. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing spot is usually best.
They thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 85°F. When nights consistently drop below 45°F, it’s time to move your tree indoors. Place it near a sunny window, preferably a south-facing one.
In summer, you can move it back outside. Acclimate it slowly over a week to prevent sunburn. Start in partial shade, then gradually move it into full sun.
Watering and Feeding Your Tree
Watering Wisdom:
This is where most potted lemon trees struggle. The goal is consistent moisture, not soggy or bone-dry soil.
Check the soil by sticking your finger 2-3 inches down. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Soak the soil completely until water drains from the bottom. Then, let the top inch or two dry out before watering again. Frequency will change with the seasons—more in hot summer, less in cool winter.
Fertilizing for Success:
Potted trees need regular feeding because nutrients wash out with watering. Use a fertilizer made for citrus trees. It will have the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, plus important micronutrients like iron and zinc.
Follow the label instructions. Typically, you’ll feed every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through summer). Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows. A consistent schedule is key for flowers and fruit.
Pruning and Shaping for Health
Pruning keeps your tree looking good and growing strong. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts.
Focus on these goals:
* Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
* Trim branches that cross or rub against each other.
* Open up the center of the tree to allow light and air circulation.
* Control the overall size and shape for your space.
Always use clean, sharp pruning shears. You don’t need to prune heavily each year. Just a little maintenance goes a long way.
Solving Common Pests and Problems
Even with great care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle common ones:
* Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check your watering habits and make sure the pot drains well. It can also indicate a need for fertilizer, especially nitrogen.
* Leaf Drop: Can be caused by a sudden change in temperature, light, or humidity. It’s also a common reaction when moving the tree indoors or outdoors. The tree usually recovers with stable conditions.
* Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale. You can often control them by spraying the leaves with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap. Neem oil is another effective, natural option.
* No Flowers or Fruit: This is usually due to insufficient light, lack of fertilizer, or a tree that’s to young. Be patient—some trees need a few years to mature enough to produce.
Harvesting Your Homegrown Lemons
Patience is essential. A lemon can take 6-9 months to ripen after the flower blooms. The fruit will be firm and deeply colored when ready.
Lemons don’t ripen further after picking, so wait until they look fully yellow. They can actually stay on the tree for weeks in good condition. To harvest, gently twist the fruit until it snaps off, or use clippers.
Overwintering Your Potted Lemon Tree
If you live in a cold climate, overwintering is key. Before the first frost, move your tree indoors. Place it in the sunniest spot possible.
Indoor air is often dry, so increase humidity. You can set the pot on a tray of pebbles with water or use a humidifier. Water less frequently indoors, as the soil will dry out slower. Watch for pests that thrive indoors, like spider mites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I water a potted lemon tree?
There’s no fixed schedule. Always check the soil moisture first. Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches are dry. This could be once a week in summer or every two weeks in winter.
What is the best fertilizer for lemon trees in containers?
A fertilizer specifically formulated for citrus trees is best. Look for one with micronutrients. Follow the package directions for how much and how often to apply it.
Can I grow a lemon tree from a seed from a store-bought lemon?
You can, but it will take many years to fruit, if it ever does. The fruit may not be true to type. For reliable fruit in a reasonable time, start with a grafted dwarf variety from a nursery.
Why are the flowers falling off my lemon tree?
Some flower drop is normal. Excessive drop can be from stress: not enough water, extreme temperature shifts, or lack of pollination indoors. Gently shaking the branches or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers can help.
When should I repot my container lemon tree?
Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the ideal time to repot. Move it to a container only slightly larger than the current one.