Everyone loves lemons. They’re healthy thanks to the high vitamin C content and also contain minerals our bodies need every day. Drinking a glass of warm lemon water is one of the best ways to start the day. It’s an all-round healthy booster, but only if you get the right lemons.
By right lemons, we mean organically grown lemons, not the thing you buy in the store for cheap. Citrus fruits are grown in specific conditions and that’s why rarely anyone thinks about growing lemon trees at home. People think it’s hard and that it requires a lot of effort and specific stuff, yet the truth is entirely different.
You can grow a lemon tree from scratch in a tiny pot at home and in just a short time. We’ll show you how to grow a lemon tree in a pot even if you have no space that will produce fresh lemons all year round.
How to Grow a Lemon Tree in a Pot
First things first – if you want to plant a lemon tree in a pot, get one that’s at least 25% bigger than the root ball. Always use clay pots. It will allow the lemon tree to grow properly without the inconvenience of plastic. Of course, you should also get quality soil. Use a potting mix of soil that drains well with aged manure and organic matter since it’ll help with a better yield.
Once you’ve got all that, simply plant your lemon tree and enjoy. Keep the plant in a corner if you’re planting it in a small space or your balcony and always take care of the thorns.
Getting plenty of sun is essential for citrus fruits. They need about 7-8 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re growing it home in a cramped space, make sure it’s at least near a window. Artificial grow lights can help, but sunlight is better. Ensure that humidity is at 50% by using a humidifier nearby or even better, a pebble tray.
If you must re-pot your lemon tree, do so at the beginning of spring. Always use appropriate pots for your lemon tree depending on its size.
Best Lemon Varieties to Grow in a Pot
While you may be appealed to grow a lemon tree from seeds, it will need 4-5 years to develop and start producing. That’s why it’s best to get dwarf varieties that can grow nicely in containers. Our picks would be Dwarf Eureka, Lisbon Lemon, or Improved Meyer. The best healthy lemon trees are 2-3 old and ready to produce.
Caring for Your Lemon Tree
Temperatures below -1 C are deadly for lemon trees, but other than that, it can thrive in any weather conditions. Make sure to keep your plant indoors or in spaces where temperatures never drop below zero.
Lemon trees require constant watering. Check the top two inches of soil – if it feels dry, water it. On hot and windy days, you might need to keep the soil a bit moister. Watering it too much or too little can cause a lot of problems with the plant and fruit.
Pinching your lemon tree encourages more growth. Pinch branches that are 5-6 inches long. This can be done in late winter or fall. When it comes to pruning, you should only prune sick or dead branches.
Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or pesticides will keep it safe from aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
When Can I Harvest?
That depends on the type of lemon tree. If the fruit is heavy, yellow, and soft, it should be harvested. Once they’re off the tree, the ripening process stops, so don’t get them too early.
