Right from the start, it should be established that growing a lemon tree is not at all a difficult task to do on your own. Basically, as long as you follow the basics and provide for the basic needs of the plant, growing lemons is a very rewarding experience. Read on to learn everything about planting and growing a lemon tree.
How to Grow a Lemon Tree Outside
In comparison with their cousins, lemons are more sensitive to cold weather than all other citrus plant trees. Because of this sensitivity, you should plant your lemon trees near the south side of your home. The crucial thing is that they require protection from the frost, and growing them near the actual house usually helps with this. These trees also need full sunlight for adequate and healthy growth. Although they can tolerate a range of different soils including poor soils, most of them prefer well-drained and slightly acidic soils.
When planting them, make sure to set the tree slightly above the ground level. To do this, dig a hole a bit shallower than the length of the root ball. Next, place your tree in the hole and replace the soil, while tamping firmly as you do it. Make sure to water sufficiently and add some mulch to help the tree retain some moisture. Lemon trees also require deep watering one time per week. If it becomes necessary to maintain the height and/or shape of the tree, pruning can be done to care for the tree as well.
Lemon Tree Growing Inside of your Home
Lemon trees inside of homes can make excellent houseplants and are comfortable in a container, as long it gives the tree adequate drainage and enough room for growth. You can expect heights of around 3 to 5 feet regarding lemon trees that are growing indoors. Like on the outside, they prefer well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Keep it evenly moist at all times and fertilize it when needed. Regarding temperature, lemon trees thrive within normal temperatures of around 70 F, or 21 C, throughout the day, and 55 F or 13 C during the night. When temperatures go under 55 F or 13 C, the trees will usually go into a dormancy mode. Again, like when you plant them outside, indoor trees require lots of light, and they may require the usage of fluorescent grow lights during the winter period. On the contrary, during warmer periods, feel free to move the plants outdoors, which is also recommended when it comes to increasing the chances of growing fruit. Another important thing to keep in mind when growing lemon trees indoors is that bees and other insects cannot pollinate them. Therefore, during summertime, you should always place them outdoors, unless you want to do this crucial task yourself.
Propagating for Lemon Tree Cultivation
Many of the lemon trees are grown in containers and purchased from nurseries. However, you can propagate them through cuttings, air layering, and seed. The best method depends on the variety. However, different people have different results by using different methods.
It is, therefore, best to find the method that best works for your respective tree and your growing situation. The majority of growers find it the easiest to do it by rooting large cuttings. Although you can use seeds, they are usually slow to bear. When growing it from seeds, make sure to allow them to dry out for one to two weeks, and then plant them about one inch deep in good potting soil, and cover with a piece of clear plastic wrap. Put the pot in a sunny location and wait until it reaches between 6 and 12 inches before you transfer it outdoors, or to another pot or container.