Lemon Trees

Lemon trees are a beautiful addition to the yard with attractive white blooms and sour fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes. Luckily for us, lemon trees are relatively easy to take care of, but one thing that lemon trees definitely need to thrive is lots and lots of sun.

Lemon trees grow best in full sun because it will help the tree grow faster and establish stronger roots. Full sun conditions will yield more fruit and the fruit will taste better. Sunny conditions also help the tree flower, provide extra warmth, and keep the tree nourished.

If you’re considering growing a lemon tree in the yard, read on to discover all the reasons why planting them in full sun will give you the best tree with the tastiest fruit!

Lemon Trees Need Sun To Grow!

Trees in general cannot be planted just anywhere. Every tree has a preference for the region, soil type, water conditions, and sun conditions.

Lemon trees require a little work, but when they’re sprouting fruit that you can use in pies, dishes, and beverages, it will all be worth it.

In the United States, most lemon trees are grown in subtropical areas like Florida and California. Some can survive in southern Texas as well. Lemon trees are typically more cold-sensitive than most other citrus trees.

When it comes to growing these amazing trees in your yard, you’ll want to take into consideration the soil and climate, but most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your lemon tree enough sun.

Something to note as a fun fact – lemon trees are actually evergreen and keep their foliage year round!

Lemon Trees Grow Faster In Full Sun

Sunlight is important for all life, including lemon trees. Without sunlight, lemon trees would not have the energy to grow tall, bloom flowers, or produce fruit. 

One of the amazing things that sunlight does for lemon trees is provide them with energy to begin the process of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis Takes Energy From The Sun 

Photosynthesis is the process of converting water and carbon dioxide using the energy obtained from the sun. The water and carbon dioxide are then transformed into sugars that the lemon tree uses to grow leaves, stems, roots, you name it!

In other words, the sun is what helps feed lemon trees. The more sun, the more food. The more food, the more growth.

Lemon trees do not use their food solely to grow. They must divert energy to the roots, flowers, fruits, and new growth. When Lemon trees aren’t exposed to enough sun, they cannot divert as much plant food into new growth and the tree will not grow as fast.

Full Sunlight Helps Lemon Trees Bloom

Similar to how sunlight helps a lemon tree grow faster, sunlight also helps lemon trees to bloom fuller and with better color.

When lemon trees are grown in full sun, the tree has more energy to divert into things like flower and fruit production.

If grown in partial shade, blooms may be delayed and the flower color may be a dull cream color instead of their usual fresh white.

Lemon Trees Yield More Fruit In Full Sun

Lemon trees aren’t normally planted simply for their shape, shade, or pretty flowers. They’re planted because a homeowner wants to harvest the lemons.

To get the most lemons out of your lemon tree, you’ll want to plant it in full sun. Sunny conditions promote higher fruit production and the fruit will usually be fuller.

According to research published in the Journal of Horticultural Science, shade led to smaller lemons (less overall weight and width) as opposed to full sun in regards to overall fruit production. Essentially, this led to less yield come harvest time since the lemons were much smaller.

Basically, just make sure to get your lemon tree as much sunlight as possible to have the fullest lemon you can get!

Full Sunlight Helps Keep Lemon Trees Warm

Lemon trees are very sensitive to cold weather. They are used to living in warm tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean-type climates.

When grown in full sun, temperature drops are less noticeable and the lemon tree is less likely to become damaged during a prolonged period of cold temperatures.

Temperatures do not need to be exceedingly low for lemon trees to get damaged. Temps around 31℉ and lower are enough to harm a lemon tree if they are exposed to it for long periods.

Most US variety lemon trees are cold hardy to zones 9-11, meaning they benefit from being planted in warmer climates.

If grown in partial shade, temperature shifts are more likely than if grown in total shade or total sun. Lemon trees benefit from steady, warm temperatures.

Lemons Taste Better When Grown In Full Sun

Sunshine will literally make the fruit taste better! The reason is the way that fruits react to the wavelengths of light emitted by the sun.

According to the University of Florida, red and far-red light, both of which are emitted by the sun, manipulates the chemicals responsible for flavors in fruits, making them taste better.

While the research was aimed at commercial fruit production, the same concept can be applied to your yard! The more sun, the tastier the lemon.

Of course, they aren’t specifically discussing lemons, but if you’ve ever grown a lemon (or any fruit) indoors and wonder why it didn’t taste as good as the store – now you may have an answer!

Lemon Trees Produce Stronger Roots When Grown In Full Sun

We talked a lot about how the sun helps lemon trees photosynthesize so that they can produce sugar to feed themselves.

Not all growth on the tree happens above the ground. The roots below the surface are just as important to a lemon tree’s health as the branches, leaves, and fruit.

Roots help the lemon tree acquire water which is necessary for photosynthesis. They also absorb nutrients that help keep the lemon tree nourished. Lastly, roots help to stabilize the lemon tree so that it doesn’t blow over during a bad storm.

Full Sun Will Give Energy To The Roots 

Lemon trees grown in full sun will have enough energy to divert to root growth, which helps the overall health of the tree.

Without strong roots, the lemon tree may not be able to absorb water and nutrients as well and the tree will not be as stabilized. This can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and lower fruit production.

Full sun can even help lemon trees survive mild winters!

Full Sun Conditions Promote A Thriving Lemon Tree

We’ve gone over several reasons why planting lemon trees in full sun is a good idea. There will be more fruit, faster growth, and stronger roots – you get the gist.

Sunshine also helps the overall health of the tree. Lemon trees can be targeted by several different pest insects such as the brown citrus aphid, citrus leafminer, and rust mites.

Now planting your lemon tree in full sun isn’t going to STOP these pests from targeting your lemons. Rather, the full sunlight will help give your lemon tree a better chance of fighting them off due to the nourishment it provides the tree.

In addition to pest prevention, sunny conditions help lemon trees dry out faster after heavy rains. This helps prevent fungus and other unsightly growths from taking hold of your lemon tree.

How Much Sun Do Lemon Trees Need?

We keep saying the words ‘full sun’ to describe the amount of sunlight that lemon trees need. What exactly is full sun and how many hours of sun does your lemon tree need?

Full sun refers to giving plants at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. According to the University of Maryland, lemon trees will benefit from even more sun, performing best at 8-12 hours of sunlight.

Depending on if you are growing your lemon tree indoors or outdoors, it might be difficult to achieve 8-12 hours. Your lemon tree will do just fine with 6 hours. Just keep it close to a window!

However, if you’re looking to get the largest fruit production, the tastiest fruit, and the fastest growth, you’ll want to plant your lemon tree somewhere that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight per day.

You can view the full timeline of a lemon tree here to get a view of how long it’ll take your lemon tree to grow in full sun.

Can Lemon Trees Survive In Shade?

By now we know that lemon trees thrive when planted in full sun. You’ll get more fruit and a healthier tree.

Not everyone who plants a lemon tree is looking to harvest the fruit, though. You may just want to have a nice houseplant or shade tree. If that’s the case, is it okay to plant lemon trees in shade?

A lemon tree planted in shade will have a few different problems:

• May not bear fruit
• Weak roots
• Weak branches
• Flowers may not bloom or will be dull
• Slow growth
• Temperature Stress
• Fungus growth
• Increased pest problems

Why Lemon Trees Don’t Do Well In Shade

Overall, lemon trees do not do well when planted in shade. They may survive for a few years, but the health of the lemon tree will continue to decline.

The only time that it is okay to plant lemon trees in partial shade is if the area where you live experiences temperature extremes above 90℉ daily. In this case, the shade will help protect your lemon tree from sunscald and other issues related to too much direct sun.

What About Cloudy Days?

If lemon trees do not grow well in shade, what happens to them on cloudy days or during inclement weather?

Lemon trees will be okay on cloudy days. Despite not being able to see the sun, sunlight still reaches the earth on cloudy days (otherwise, it would be dark!)

According to an article in the Journal of Solar Energy, sunlight on cloudy days is called diffuse radiation and is spread evenly over the landscape as opposed to strong direct light on sunny days.

Basically, Lemons Will Absorb Less Sun On Cloudy Days!

In the study, they used solar panels that pointed directly at the sun on sunny days to capture the most energy. However, they found that solar panels pointed directly at the sun on cloudy days received about 50% less sun than those that were simply placed horizontally to capture the most surface area.

So, inferring that research with lemony-sighted glasses…

In other words, lemon trees will absorb less sun on cloudy days, but they still receive an even amount of sun no matter where they are planted.

If there are a substantial amount of cloudy days in a row, keep an eye on your lemon tree and make sure it is getting enough water and nutrients to help offset the lack of sunshine but just note it’s super natural for fruit trees in general to adapt to cloudy days.

How To Give Your Indoor Lemon Tree Enough Sun

So far, we’ve talked a lot about outdoor lemon trees, where to plant them, and how much sun they need.

Folks who can plant outdoor lemon trees live in just a few select places in the United States such as Florida, southern Texas, and California.

Not all hope is lost! The rest of us can still grow lemon trees but they will have to grow indoors during the coldest times of the year.

Tips To Growing Lemon Trees Indoors 

The two major varieties of lemon trees that can be planted indoors are Ponderosa lemon and Meyer lemon. These two can be pruned to remain small and are also available in dwarf varieties.

There are a few different things you can do to ensure your indoor lemon tree is getting enough sun, despite not being outside in the actual sunshine:

• Place it in the right location: Inside, you’ll want to place your lemon tree near a south-facing window. This will receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
  
• Place it outdoors in summer: When all threat of frost is gone, you can begin acclimating your lemon tree to the outdoors. By the time summer rolls around, keep your lemon tree outside at all times in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
  
• Use grow lights: Grow lights are an excellent way to supplement your lemon tree with light when growing indoors. Feel Show’s Grow Lights for Indoor Plants is a great choice for lemon trees.

The grow light stand can raise up to 60 inches to accommodate a slightly larger lemon tree. The lights provide red, blue, and white spectrum lights which mimic what is given off by the natural sun.

The great thing about grow lights is that you can leave them on for 8-10 hours a day, giving your lemon tree some much-needed sunlight that it may not get indoors during the winter.

Wait… Can Lemon Trees Get Too Much Sun?

Lemon trees prefer to be planted in full sun, but is it possible for them to get too much sun?

Yes, lemon trees can get too much sun. However, this typically only happens in hot climates that see little rain.

If your lemon tree is getting too much sun, it may show some of the below symptoms:

• Stunted growth
• Rotting fruit
• Raised brown spots (caused by sunburn)

The first sign you will notice is probably rotting fruit, followed by sunburn. Lastly, you’ll notice your lemon tree isn’t growing very fast. If you’re having problems growing your lemon tree, we always suggest contacting a professional.

How To Protect Your Lemon Tree From Too Much Sun

If you live in a very hot, dry, sunny climate, you may need to take steps to prevent your lemon tree from getting too much sun.

Normally, lemon trees love to be planted in the sun and will thrive if given enough water and a few cloudy days here and there. However, some climates are super sunny and super hot, an unfavorable combination.

Plant Your Lemon Tree in Partial Shade 

The best way to protect your lemon tree from the sun is to plant it in partial shade when it is growing in extremely hot climates.

Commercial growers sometimes use sunscreens to protect their citrus trees, but this isn’t really feasible for the average homeowner. Instead, simply plant your lemon tree somewhere where it will receive a bit of shade during the day.

Partial shade will prevent sunburn and give your lemon tree a much-needed break from the harsh sunlight. 

Other Things You Can Do So Your Lemon Tree Thrives

In addition to using shade to benefit your lemon tree, there are a few other things you can do to make sure your lemon tree thrives in a hot and sunny environment:

• Adequate water: When conditions are hot and sunny, your lemon tree will be thirsty! If it’s been dry for 5 or more days, give your lemon tree a thorough watering to keep it healthy.

Note that watering should only be done while the tree is blooming and producing fruit. Otherwise, watering is not necessary unless there is a severe drought.

• Use fertilizer: Fertilizers can help struggling lemon trees bounce back by providing much-needed nutrients to the soil. Down To Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix is an excellent choice and should be applied 3 times per year.

It’s recommended to apply fertilizer in late winter, late spring, and early fall. This particular citrus fertilizer mix has an NPK ratio of 6-3-3, meaning 6% nitrogen, 3% phosphorous, and 3% potassium. This is an ideal ratio for lemon trees.

You can read more about our recommended best lemon tree fertilizers here.

That’s A Wrap!

Lemon trees are an amazing addition to the yard or home. There’s something special about being able to harvest your own fruit, but lemon trees will only fruit if the conditions are right.

One of the conditions lemon trees need to grow and thrive is adequate sunlight. Now for a quick recap.

The reasons why lemon trees grow best in full sun include:

• Faster growth
• Higher fruit production
• Better blooms
• Lower temperature fluctuations
• Better tasting fruit
• Stronger roots
• Overall tree nourishment

Lemon trees grown indoors can be placed outside in the summer to give the trees adequate sunlight. In the winter, the use of grow lights can keep your lemon tree happy and healthy.

When grown in extremely hot and sunny climates, it may be beneficial to plant your lemon tree in partial shade to protect it from sunburn. In other climates, lemon trees planted in shade may have stunted growth, low fruit production, and lackluster blooms.

If you’re thinking about planting a lemon tree, reach out to a local arborist who can help you pick the right spot and give you tips on how to best take care of it!

References

Boaretto, R. M., Hippler, F. W.R., Ferreira, G. A., Azebedo, R. A., Quaggio, J. A., & Mattos Jr, D. (2020). The possible role of extra magnesium and nitrogen supply to alleviate stress caused by high irradiation and temperature in lemon trees. Plant and Soil, 457, 57-70.

Garcia-Sanchez, F., Simon, I., Lidon, V., Manera, F. J., Simon-Grao, S., Perez-Perez, J. G., & Gimeno, V. (2015, October 14). Shade screen increases the vegetative growth but not the production in ‘Fino 49’ lemon trees grafted on Citrus macrophylla and Citrus aurantium L. Horticultural Science, 194, 175-180.

Quaggio, J. A., Mattos Jr., D., Cantarella, H., Almeida, E.L.E., & Cardoso, S.A.B. (2002, December 06). Lemon yield and fruit quality affected by NPK fertilization. Horticultural Science, 96(1-4), 151-162.

Tomas-Barberan, F. A., & Espin, J. C. (2001, June 13). Phenolic compounds and related enzymes as determinants of quality in fruits and vegetables. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 81(9), 853-876.

During winter, many trees that are not cold hardy will have trouble in colder environments. However, mild winters may provide some room for tropical trees like citrus to survive. In that case, how exactly do lemon, and other citrus, trees survive these mild winters?

Citrus trees are durable, and this includes lemon trees. A frost is not often enough to end a lemon tree that is both mature and healthy. Lemon trees are able to survive mild winters due to their special adaptations, availability of light, and their durable nature.

If you have a lemon tree growing in conditions that fall outside of the subtropical and tropical categories, there may be hope for them. Stick with us for a bit to find out how lemon trees can make it through mild winters outside of their hardiness zones!

How Do Lemon Trees Survive And Grow During Winter?

Lemon trees are subtropical citrus plants, which means that they are going to do better in warmer environments.

It also means that they will thrive most in soil that is moist but drains well, which is common in their native environments.

Finally, it means that they do best with lots of sunlight, as in 8-12 hours a day.

When you think of a citrus tree in general, you likely think of warm weather and lots of sunlight.

Can these trees even survive during the winter, then? How might they manage to get by during those months with less sunlight and cooler weather?

There are a few ways that lemon trees survive during the winter months.

Lemon trees are durable, but they can also be helped by the human hand to have greater success in the cold.

Regardless of where you are growing them, lemon trees usually follow a basic timeline that dictates when, and how fast they will grow .

So, how do they do it?

Lemon Trees Are Durable 

Like all citrus trees, lemon trees are particularly durable. The average lifespan is over 50 years, though healthy and well-kept lemon trees can easily hit the triple digits.

Lemon trees also tend to be quite easy to care for. So, even in the winter when you have to do more to maintain your tree’s wellbeing, the process is not an overly difficult one.

Lots Of Light Helps Lemon Trees To Thrive

Lemon trees do well when there are about 8-12 hours of sunlight a day. When there is less sunlight in the winter, no matter what location you are in, you may be concerned about your tree’s needs being met. 

You may want to use some artificial sunlight to supplement the lessened sunlight that is outdoors. However, real sunlight is always best and will do the most for your tree, citrus and otherwise. 

Getting sunlight is a key factor for the growth of almost any tree, aside from those that are particularly adaptable to dark forests, for example. 

To make sure that your lemon tree will get as much sunlight as possible, it is important to plant it somewhere out in the open. You should find a space that is not too close to other trees that may overshade your young citrus. 

It would also be best to avoid planting too close to any buildings. These could also shade your young tree but, later on, the foundation and roots may compete for space, or the branches of the mature tree may be too close to the structure.

Sunlight is key to making sure that your lemon tree can survive mild winters. So, make sure to love your lemon tree and give it lots of light!

Lemon Trees Adapt For The Winter

During the winter, citrus trees tend to store more nitrogen than during warmer-weather months. Later, once temperatures and sunlight hours are on the rise, nitrogen absorbed is not stored as much.

This is just one example of the general adaptation of plants to their environment. Nature is pretty darn good at keeping itself in check, and lemon trees are not an exception to this rule. They can use internal processes and evolutionary adjustments to stay healthy and strong during mild winters. 

In fact, lemon trees are actually considered to be evergreens, meaning that they keep their foliage (and possibly grow) all year long!

While there are things that trees can do, and other things that humans can do to help the trees, is there a limit?

Are There Limits To Winter Conditions For Lemon Trees?

Though lemon trees are durable and tend to have a long lifespan, there are also limits to the resilience you’ll see displayed in these trees.

At a certain point, whether that is too little sun or too low of temperatures, your lemon tree will begin to decline.

This decline can be avoided in many cases, especially if you are aware of some of the causes.

What Might Cause Lemon Trees To Decline Or End In Winter?

So, you are wanting a lemon tree of your own but need to know more. Good for you, many of the causes of lemon trees declining in the winter can be proactively avoided.

Lemon trees may decline or end in the winter for the following reasons:

• Temperatures got too low
• Temperatures were moderately low, but for too long
• Available sunlight declined too much
• There is too much wind
• Soil becomes depleted of nutrients
• Soil becomes too dry
• Soil is wet but unable to drain well

Okay, there are a lot of factors that might damage or even lead to the demise of your lemon tree. What can you do about that?

The main culprit is going to be the temperature of the area your lemon tree is planted in.

To understand the needs of the lemon tree, we should discuss cold hardiness and the USDA hardiness zones.

How Cold Hardy Are Lemon Trees?

If you read our pieces or know much about plants, you may be familiar with a little thing called USDA Hardiness Zones.

The USDA hardiness zones help us to understand and differentiate between the different regions of the United States based on their average extreme low temperatures.

The temperature ranges are extremes and may not be typical for winter in a given area. However, the important thing to note is that those extremely low temperatures are possible. 

Lemon trees are best when placed in an area that has an extremely low temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. That is to say that lemon trees will not do well if temperatures get below 20 degrees

You shouldn’t try to plant a lemon tree in an area with this winter weather, because it is the absolute extreme minimum that a lemon tree may be able to endure. As an extreme, in USDA hardiness zone 9, that temperature is going to be handled as a one-off event. 

Confused about hardiness zones? 

Let’s go over them in a bit more depth. 

Each zone covers a range of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, designated by numbers like 9, 10, and 11, for example. Zones go from 1 to 13, as seen on the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map.

Zones are each broken up into 5-degree sections, labeled A and B. So, 9a would cover 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit while zone 9 (a+b) would cover 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Areas in the United States that are considered proper growing locations for a lemon tree are as follows:

• The Western parts of Washington, Oregon, and California
• Southern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Lousiana, Alabama
• All of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina
• The Eastern parts of North Carolina and Virginia

What Are The Signs Of Winter Damage To My Lemon Tree?

Without discrimination, winter is the hardest season for any plant to bear. Cold hardy trees still have the potential to not survive a particularly harsh winter. So, trees that may be able to survive a mild winter could quite quickly be damaged by a more intense winter. 

Keep an eye out for some signs of winter damage to your lemon tree so that you can confidently gauge the health and success of your tree. 

Lemon Fruit Damage

One of the easiest ways to spot winter damage to a lemon tree is by checking the fruit of your tree. 

The rind of a cold-damaged lemon will become loose and even potentially fall off. This is because the inside of the lemon will become waterlogged, essentially, and will not be able to hold the entire fruit together any longer.

Stunted Growth

Any cold that is fighting to survive cold temperatures or other difficulties will put its energy toward staying alive. This means that there will be less energy available to put toward normal growth processes. 

The growth of a cold-damaged lemon tree will be stunted, and if this becomes a pattern it will be easy to see the lack of growth in your tree.

This could lead to the inability to grow fruit, so lemon production will go down and the tree may fall into a cycle of survival mode.

Dead Or Dying Lemon Tree Branches 

If you see branches that are dying or have already died on your lemon tree, this is another good indicator that your tree is no longer thriving.

This is common to see as a result of cold damage because these smaller parts of the tree can’t handle the extreme temperatures as well as the base of the tree can. 

Dead branches can cause much larger issues like fungus growth or even the rot of other parts of the tree that they are attached to or resting on. 

If you see dead or dying branches on your tree, you should prune them as soon as the weather warms up a bit in the spring. Pruning right before the blossoming period is best.

Dying Leaves On The Lemon Tree

Similar to dying branches as a result of the cold, you’ll see there may be sections of leaves that begin to have dieback. 

Dieback is when leaves brown, wilt, or even rot, but stay on the tree. This can cause issues quite like those that dying branches can cause. 

Anytime a dead or decaying portion of a tree is left on the tree, it can impact the rest of the healthy tree. So, it is important to remove dieback as soon as you can. This will allow you to maintain the health of the rest of your tree.

Dying leaves can also be a sign that the tree isn’t getting enough nutrients or energy. Lemon trees have shallow roots, so it is easy for them to get damaged or run out of available nutrients!

How To Keep Your Lemon Tree Growing In The Winter

You want to keep your lemon tree happy, healthy, and most of all allow it to continue growing, right? 

I have good news. There are some things you can do to maintain your tree’s health in the winter.

Keep up with a few standard practices to give your lemon tree the very best chance of getting through any winter, mild or otherwise.

Choosing The Right Location For Your Lemon Tree

Location is one of the most important things when it comes to the success of your tree. 

Your primary focus should be:

• Planting your lemon tree in the proper USDA hardiness zone of 9-11
• Planting your lemon tree in an open area, away from buildings and other trees so that it can get the best light
• Planting your lemon tree in moist, but well-drained soil
• Planting your lemon tree in an area where you can monitor it and take care of it

Use Mulch To Protect The Tree’s Roots

Mulch can help you protect your lemon tree by covering the roots and keeping a healthy amount of moisture in the soil. 

I recommend a mulch like these Natural Cedar Shaving that come in bags of 4, 8, and 16 quarts. They can last a long time depending on your needs and are inexpensive.

Give Lots Of Water To Your Lemon Tree 

Water is key, anywhere and anytime. The amount, however, varies. So does the frequency of watering.

In the winter, for a citrus tree, you only need to water it every 3-4 weeks.

Afraid you’ll underwater or overwater? To avoid messing up, or forgetting to water, you can use something like this Automatic Drip Irrigation Kit with a Water Timer.

Fertilize Your Lemon Tree

Sometimes your tree just needs to be fertilized. 

For lemon trees, and any citrus, you’ll want a balanced fertilizer such as this ENVY All-Purpose Plant Food. The elements in the product should all have equal representation. 

Seeing an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) number of 6-6-6 or 10-10-10, for example, is ideal. 

This number is meant to help you see how much of which element is in the fertilizer and can be even easier to spot when it’s the same number all in a row of 3. 

Keep Your Lemon Tree Pruned

Especially if you are seeing that your tree’s branches have begun to die as a result of the cold, you’ll need to prune your lemon tree. 

Removing dead branches could mean the difference between a healthy tree and your tree developing fungus and rotting in damp conditions. 

You should prune your lemon tree on a semi-regular basis and as-needed, anyway, so this one is good to keep in mind at all times.

Wrapping Up!

When life gives you lemons…plant a new lemon tree. That’s the saying, right?

Anyway, lemon trees are durable and adapt well, but to a certain point. 

Planting these trees in hardiness zones 9-11, along with making sure they have proper water, sunlight, and a good soil type, will ensure that your tree lives a long, healthy life.

For now, keep up the good work. Good luck as you continue along your personal tree journey, this time with lemons!

References

Castle, W. S. (1983). Growth, yield, and cold hardiness of seven-year-old’Bearss’ lemon trees on twenty-seven rootstocks. In Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society (Vol. 96, pp. 23-24).

Kato, T., Kubota, S., & Bambang, S. (1982). Uptake of 15N-nitrate by citrus trees in winter and repartitioning in spring. Journal of the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science, 50(4), 421-426.

Dacko, I. G. (1950). Lemons overwintered successfully. Sad i Ogorod, (7).

Lemon trees are an amazing addition to any yard where there’s plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Those fortunate enough to live where lemon trees grow may be surprised to learn that lemon trees need more than just sunshine and water. Lemon trees benefit from fertilizer, too!

The best lemon tree fertilizers include citrus tree fertilizers, ammonium sulfate, and monoammonium phosphate. Lemon trees should be fertilized three times per year to produce the best fruit and keep the tree healthy and growing.

Below, we’ll go over the BEST lemon tree fertilizers, how to use them, and when to apply them to make sure your lemon tree thrives.

What Is Fertilizer For Lemon Trees?

Some trees and plants do just fine with the nutrients from the soil. Others, like lemon trees, are considered heavy feeders and need a boost of fertilizer to grow properly.

Fertilizers are commonly called ‘food’ for plants, but this isn’t really the case. Plants produce food for themselves through photosynthesis. 

According to the University of Minnesota, fertilizers aid the plant in promoting new leaves, buds, roots, flowers, and fruit.

But not just any fertilizer will work for every plant. Some benefit from higher nitrogen content while others need more phosphorous or potassium. It all depends on what kind of plant is growing and the soil it is growing in.

Lemon trees have a fairly common timeline of growth, however fertilizer can easily speak up this timeline!

The Best Types Of Fertilizer For Lemon Trees

There are TONS of fertilizers out there. How do you know which is the best for your lemon tree? There are 3 main types of fertilizers for lemon trees:

• Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer
• Ammonium Phosphate Fertilizer
• Citrus Tree Fertilizer

Each fertilizer has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to providing your lemon tree with nutrients.

Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer

Ammonium sulfate fertilizers aren’t the most popular fertilizer. According to Oklahoma State University, it represents only 2% of the fertilizers used in the United States, though it was one of the most widely used back in the day. 

The nitrogen content of ammonium sulfate fertilizers is higher than phosphorous and potassium. It contains an NPK ratio of 21-0-0. 

(NPK = the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, respectively). 

Ammonium sulfate fertilizers also have a significant source of sulfur, which is one of the 17 elements necessary for lemon tree survival.

So, when should you use ammonium sulfate compared with other fertilizers? The best time to use ammonium sulfate is if your soil lacks nitrogen and sulfur, or if you need to bring down the PH of the soil.

Lemon trees prefer slightly acidic soils, so if you perform a soil test and find that the PH is too high (basic), then you can use ammonium sulfate to lower the PH.

Ammonium Phosphate Fertilizer

Ammonium phosphate fertilizers come in the form of monoammonium phosphate. They contain a good source of both nitrogen and phosphorous.

The percentages may vary depending on how the product is produced, but most of the time the NPK ratio will be around 11-52-0.

Ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate fertilizers are both water-soluble, meaning they are released rapidly in the soil and are available right away for lemon trees. 

Fast-release means ammonium phosphate is a great choice for fertilizer if you are seeing signs of nutrient stress in your lemon tree. However, with fast-release fertilizers, there is always the chance for root burn if there are already enough nutrients in the soil.

Signs of root burn include:

• Brown leaf tips
• Reduced growth
• Discolored roots (where visible)

If you have not performed a soil test and aren’t sure of the conditions of your soil, it may be better to go with a citrus food fertilizer that is slow-release.

Citrus Tree Fertilizer

Citrus tree fertilizers come in a variety of NPK ratios and may be water-soluble or slow-release, depending on if the fertilizer is coated or not.

If your lemon tree is exhibiting signs of nutrient stress, you’ll want to look for a water-soluble citrus tree fertilizer. These will give your lemon tree the nutrients it needs right away.

Slow-release fertilizers are better if your tree isn’t stressed and you simply want to provide nutrients for better growth and fruit production. As we said before, lemon trees are heavy feeders and should be fertilized three times per year.

The best citrus tree fertilizers will have an NPK ratio of 6-6-6, 8-8-8, or 10-10-10. They may have 6-3-3 or something similar. Lower percentages are better than high percentages since the fertilizer will be applied multiple times per year.

Citrus tree fertilizers are a little less targeted toward lemon trees specifically. Instead, they target all citrus trees. Even so, they are an effective fertilizer for lemon trees.

How Does Fertilizer Work For Lemon Trees?

Fertilizers will come with instructions on the back that will help guide you in how much to apply and how often.

But how exactly do fertilizers work once applied?

Most of the time, fertilizers will need to be spread over the soil and then worked into it by watering the soil. There are also fertilizer spikes that are driven into the ground and liquid fertilizers.

Once the fertilizers are worked into the soil, the nutrients will be released into the soil and water that is absorbed by the tree’s roots. 

As the roots of the tree absorb the nutrients, they are then processed by the tree through metabolic processes and used wherever they’re needed most.

Lemons are evergreen trees, so they need enough nutrients and energy to support leaf growth and maintenance all year long!

Should You Fertilize Your Lemon Tree?

We’re talking about all these different kinds and types of fertilizers, but do you really need to fertilize your lemon tree?

According to the University of Arizona, lemon trees should be fertilized three times per year. Once in January, once in March, and again in August.

You don’t always have to fertilize your lemon tree. Lemon trees that are recently transplanted or just starting to grow should not be fertilized. Wait until you start to see growth before fertilizing. This can take up to 2 years.

How To Tell If Your Lemon Tree Needs Fertilizer

Your plants have a great way of telling you when they are stressed. Whether that stress is from nutrients, pests, or water is a whole other question.

Using fertilizer on drought-stressed lemon trees can do a lot more harm than good. Fertilizers promote growth, but without water, that growth can put too much stress on the tree.

Signs of drought-stress include furling leaves and a droopy appearance of both the leaves and branches.

There are some instances where fertilizers are necessary. Lemon trees should be fertilized three times per year no matter if there is a deficiency or not. 

In addition to the normal application of fertilizer three times per year, be on the lookout for some of the obvious nutrient deficiency symptoms listed below:

Nutrient	Deficiency Symptoms	Notes
Nitrogen (N)	Yellow leaves, limited growth, limited fruit production.	Yellow leaves may also occur in fall when temperatures cool or if the soil is too wet.
Phosphorus (P)	Thicker rinds on fruit. Fruit juice is highly acidic.	Unusual to have a phosphorous deficiency.
Potassium (K)	Extremely thin rinds. Small fruit.	Lemon trees may exhibit bronze leaves as well.
Magnesium (Mg)	Yellowing of the middle of the leaves. Tips and base will remain green.
Manganese (Mn)	Leaves are banded with dark green.	This issue may resolve itself throughout the season.
Zinc	Yellow leaves but veins will remain green.
Iron	Dark green or yellow veins on leaves.	Iron deficiency can also indicate that the roots are too wet.

Even if you’re not seeing any of these symptoms, you should still fertilize your lemon tree at least three times per year. This will promote new growth, new fruits, and root growth.

According to Purdue University, healthy lemon trees will have dark green leaves with light green undersides. The fruit will be light yellow with a medium to thin rind. 

Your lemon tree should have an annual growth of 6-12 inches. If you’re seeing stunted growth, it is a sign that your lemon tree is unwell.

You can read more about the growth timeline of a lemon tree here.

How Often And How Much Should You Fertilize A Lemon Tree?

We touched on this a bit earlier, but it warrants going over. Over- or under-fertilizing your lemon tree can have negative consequences that will affect your tree’s health and growth.

Once you choose a fertilizer, you should divide a whole year’s worth of fertilizer into thirds. This way, you can apply the equivalent of a full dose of fertilizer spread evenly over three applications.

It’s best to fertilize your lemon tree once in January/February, once in March/April, and again in August/September. 

Once September hits, you’ll want to cease all fertilizing until January. This is when temperatures are coolest, and lemon trees need to conserve their energy to stay alive rather than producing a lot of fruit.

According to Texas A&M University, apply one cup of fertilizer for every year the tree is old. So, a 5-year-old lemon tree needs 5 cups of fertilizer, split into thirds, for the entire year.

3 Best Fertilizers For Lemon Trees

When it comes to lemon trees, you don’t want to skimp out on fertilizing. Lemon trees are heavy feeders that need a nutrient boost to produce plentiful fruit and continue to grow.

An article in the International Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology found that when lemon trees are given fertilizer, they have a larger stem diameter and a higher number of branches and leaves.

Without fertilizer, lemon trees will most likely still survive but they will not grow as quickly and they will not produce as much fruit. 

Below is a table summarizing the 3 best lemon tree fertilizer types, with a few options under each. We’ll go over each one in detail after.

Fertilizer	Type	NPK Ratio	When To Use
Hi-Yield’s Ammonium Sulfate	Ammonium Sulfate	21-0-0, 22% sulfur	Good source of nitrogen. Best used when soil PH needs to be reduced due to sulfur content.
Greenway Biotech Ammonium Sulfate	Ammonium Sulfate	21-0-0, 24% sulfur	Slightly higher sulfur concentration and larger bag.
Greenway Biotech Monoammonium Phosphate	Ammonium Phosphate	12-61-0	Great for foliar application. Fixes nutrient deficiencies quickly.
Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Citrus	Citrus Tree Fertilizer	8-2-10	Great for an all-around lemon tree fertilizer. Good for when you don’t know the nutrient content of your soil.
Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus Spikes	Citrus Tree Fertilizer	15-5-10	Good all-around fertilizer. Only needs to be applied two times per year. Slightly more difficult than granule fertilizers – must be hammered into soil.

The Best Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizers For Your Lemon Tree

As we mentioned before, ammonium sulfate may not be used as often today as it was back then, but it’s an excellent source of nitrogen and sulfur for lemon trees.

Hi-Yield’s Ammonium Sulfate comes in a 4-pound bag and has an NPK ratio of 21-0-0. It contains 22% sulfur as well. This product comes in the form of course crystals of varying sizes.

The instructions on the bag indicate to use ½ pound per inch of trunk diameter, which is good to go by if you’re not sure of your lemon tree’s age. If you do know its age, you can use the 1 cup per year rule we mentioned above.

For this product and all ammonium sulfate fertilizers, you’ll want to water the soil immediately after spreading it around your lemon tree. If not, the ammonium may react with the air and instead of your nutrients going into the ground, they float away with the wind.

This type of fertilizer is a good choice if the PH in your soil is on the high end. The sulfur in the fertilizer will lower the soil’s PH. This is also an excellent source of nitrogen to help your lemon tree produce fruit.

Four pounds should be plenty for a single lemon tree. However, if you have more than 2 or 3, you may want to consider grabbing a bigger bag.

Greenway Biotech’s Ammonium Sulfate comes in a 25-pound bag and has the same NPK ratio as Hi-Yield’s, 21-0-0. However, Greenway contains 24% sulfur, a little higher than Hi-Yield.

The instructions to apply to your lemon tree are the same as Hi-Yield’s – ½ pound per inch of trunk diameter.

The Best Ammonium Phosphate Fertilizers For Your Lemon Tree

Ammonium phosphate fertilizers are straightforward. They contain some nitrogen, a high amount of phosphorous, and little to no potassium.

This type of fertilizer works great on vegetable and fruit plants as it helps promote vegetable and fruit development.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for fruit trees, so any fertilizer you use for a lemon tree should contain at least some nitrogen.

Greenway Biotech’s Monoammonium Phosphate 12-61-0 100% Water Soluble fertilizer is a great option. It comes in a 5-pound bag but is available in both smaller and larger batches if needed.

The great thing about Greenway’s fertilizer is that it can be mixed with water to create a foliar fertilizer spray. What this means is you would create a mixture that gets sprayed directly on your lemon tree’s leaves, as opposed to spreading the fertilizer around the soil.

There are TONS of benefits to using a foliar application as opposed to soil fertilizers:

• Corrects nutrient deficiencies quickly: According to the University of Hawaii, fertilizers that are applied directly to the leaves will correct nutrient deficiencies faster than if applied to the roots (soil).
• Less chance of leaching: Applying fertilizer to leaves means the chances of the nutrients leaching into the soil and eventually the water table is far less.
• Requires less fertilizer: When you use a foliar application you do not need as much fertilizer as you would when applying to the soil. 

For example, Greenway Biotech’s fertilizer suggests 2-10 pounds per 1000 square feet for soil application, but just 2-4 tablespoons per gallon of water for foliar application.

There are a few downsides to foliar applications. If it rains immediately after spraying, the plant will not have time to absorb the nutrients. 

On the plus side, this just means the nutrients make their way into the soil and are absorbed more slowly.

Always read the label and directions carefully before use.

The Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers For Your Lemon Tree

Unlike our last two types of fertilizer, citrus tree fertilizers are designed specifically for citrus trees like lemons.

Citrus tree fertilizers are the best choice if you’re not sure what type of soil you have. The nutrient content is typically a small percentage, which means even if those nutrients are present in the soil, the fertilizer is unlikely to burn the roots.

Miracle-Gro tends to be the standard when it comes to citrus tree fertilizer. Miracle Gro’s Shake ‘N Feed Citrus, Avocado, Mango Plant Food is a popular choice, and for good reason.

In addition to an NPK ratio of 8-2-10, it also contains magnesium, sulfur, and iron. These micronutrients are important for lemon tree health and will help in combination with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to produce plentiful fruits and lush green leaves.

It is simple to use and comes with a feeding guide on the back of the container so you can be sure you’re using the right amount for your lemon trees. Simply shake the amount over the soil and water it into the soil after application.

Miracle-Gro suggests applying the fertilizer every 3 months, which is on par with how often you should be fertilizing your lemon tree.

If you still want to stick with Miracle-Gro but would rather not use granules, you can try Miracle-Gro’s Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes.

These are placed into the ground early in the season – for lemon trees, this would be January or February. It is then suggested to apply them again later in the season such as at the beginning of fall.

If you decide to go with fertilizer spikes, here are a few suggestions to make it easier to get them into the ground:

• Apply after a rainfall – the soil will be easier to work if it’s soft and moist.
• Dig with a spade first – this way, you’re not driving your spikes into rocks or roots, which can shatter the spikes.

If your spikes shatter, it’s not the end of the world. Crumble the spike up and spread it around the soil as if it were a granule fertilizer. Be sure to water the spikes after applying.

Always follow the directions on the label before use.

That’s A Wrap!

There’s nothing quite like a fresh glass of lemonade made from your very own lemons. Or maybe a lemon cheesecake, pudding, or meringue pie. Yum!

To stay healthy and continue producing lemons, lemon trees need a little nutrient boost during the growing season. That’s where lemon tree fertilizers come into play.

To recap, the 3 best lemon tree fertilizers include:

• Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer
• Monoammonium Phosphate Fertilizer
• Citrus Tree Fertilizer

Granule fertilizers should be applied around the dripline of your lemon tree and then watered into the soil. Fertilizer spikes should be driven into soft soil and then watered.

You should fertilize your lemon tree three times per year, or if you use fertilizer spikes, two times per year. Do this, and you’ll have a happy and healthy lemon tree for life!

References

Alila, P., & Srivastava, A. K. (2008). Slow Release Fertilizers and Citrus: Emerging Facts. Agricultural Review, 29(2), 99-107.

Majeed, A. W., & Altaai, A. F. (2022). Response of Lemon Transplants to the Addition of Organic Fertilizer to Withstand Water Stress. International Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 9(3). https://www.ijrasb.com/index.php/ijrasb/article/view/375

Morgan, K. T., & Kadyampakeni, D. M. (2020, May 03). Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees Chapter 6. Fertilizer Sources and Formulations (3rd ed.) [Bulletin SP169 and SL253]. University of Florida.

Zekri, M., & Obreza, T. (2013, July). Calcium (Ca) and Sulfur (S) for Citrus Trees [Bulletin SL382]. University of Florida.

Growing a lemon tree is way easier than you think. The trees require very little to thrive as long as they are in the right environment. While getting them to produce lemons may take some time, the wait will easily be worth it.

It takes about 20 to 25 years for a lemon tree to reach its peak height, and could take anywhere from 4 to 6 years for the tree to produce lemons. Lemon trees need to develop fully before they produce fruit. The type of tree and variety of lemon will decide how fast your tree will grow.

Continue reading to learn more about how to help your lemon tree thrive, what to watch out for to keep it healthy, and some general lemon tree information!

Which Lemon Tree Should You Plant?

Not sure what kind of lemon tree you should plant? There are many varieties, and it can get a little overwhelming. Let’s look at the different varieties and what suits your needs and growing community. 

So, where do you even start when deciding what variety of lemon trees to buy?

The best way to figure this out is to see if your neighbors have figured it out first. Look around your neighborhood and see if you can spot any lemon trees. If you see some, you know you have the right growing conditions for a tree to thrive. 

If you cannot spot any trees, head to your local arborist or gardening center and ask for their advice. They know the area, climate, and plants well, so they can give you an informed answer. 

Different varieties of lemon trees need various elements to thrive. Most trees need full sunlight, well-drained soil, and a warm climate. You can also bring many varieties of lemon trees inside and plant them in pots.

Some varieties of lemon trees also have shallow roots, which is preferable in some situations. To learn more about this and other fruit trees, take a look at our piece 6 Best Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide.

However, lemon trees grow very tall, so it is best to keep them outside if it is an option for you. 

How Quickly Will A Lemon Tree Grow Each Year?

Each variety of lemon tree has a different rate of growth. With many varieties to choose from, you can also pick one that suits your timetable for growth. 

The majority of lemon trees grow around 6 to 12 inches each year. Over time they can reach up to 20 feet tall, or sometimes even higher depending on the variety. It all depends on what kind of lemon tree you are growing and the conditions they are living in. 

Having the proper conditions to grow a lemon tree lets it reach its full potential each season. If you plant the lemon tree in a spot with heavy sun and proper drainage, it will likely grow about 6 to 12 inches each season. If the lemon tree is in the shade or sitting near a puddle every day, it is less likely to thrive in those conditions, making it grow poorly and take longer to produce fruit. 

Some variety of lemons do well in warmer climates or better indoors in planters. You can read about the best variety of lemons to plant for your zone here. 

How Long Does It Take To Grow A Lemon Tree?

So, you’ve narrowed the search down and are ready to plant a lemon tree and enjoy fresh lemons right in your backyard. How long will it take to get fruit? What kind of care does it need?

Overall, lemon trees will take 20 to 25 years to reach their full height of approximately 20 feet.

Lemon trees are rather simple to grow if you give them the proper conditions. They do not require a lot of maintenance and can support themselves. If you are not great with plants but curious about a citrus tree, start with a basic variety of lemon and see how it goes. 

When Will Lemons Arrive On Your Lemon Tree Once Fully Grown?

Now that your tree is in the ground or a container, you must be curious when the lemons will start rolling in? Depending on the maturity, size, and type of tree you bought, you could wait some time for lemons. 

Fruits on a fully grown lemon tree typically take about a year to show up. A few tiny lemons may fall off the tree as well before any fruit makes an appearance. This is the natural cycle of the tree, so do not worry if the tiny fruits start to fall. 

The best thing that you could do is stay patient when waiting for your fruits to grow and ripe on the tree. Once the fruits appear on the tree, you may think you will have lemons soon. However, you may have to wait a bit longer. 

Lemons can take a long time to ripen and come to their full potential as fruit. It could take up to a year for the lemons to grow and then another 6 to 9 months for the lemons to be fully ripe and ready for consumption. It will be worth the wait, and the satisfaction will be excellent when you pick the first lemon. 

When Should I Pick Lemons Off My Tree?

Okay, so you finally have a few lemons on your tree. After what seems like years of waiting, you are only a few steps away from adding the tangy citrus into your diet. But how do you know when to pick them off the tree?

It may surprise you to find out not all lemons are bright yellow when they are ready to be picked from a tree. In fact, many of them are slightly green, just like their cousin the lime.

According to the University of Florida, you typically pick lemons when they are green and 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. After picking them, you cure them, which involves placing the green fruit out at room temperature and allowing it to ripen. While they ripen, the peel smooths out, and the fruit becomes juicer.

When the fruits are ready, you can store them at room temperature or in polyethylene bags in the refrigerator, where they will last several weeks. 

What Kind Of Lemon Tree Should I Buy?

The first step in your journey is to decide what kind of lemon tree works in your zone and climate. If you live in an area where it is cold in the winter, look to buy a smaller variety you can transport indoors when it gets cold. 

According to the University of Vermont, citrus trees thrive in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but 65 is their ideal temperature. If your growing season cannot sustain those temperatures in the winter, look for a tree you can manage indoors. 

The best time to plant a lemon tree is in the early spring. Planting lemon trees from fruit seeds may not yield lemons, so you are better off buying one that has already begun growing. Plus, it could take years until the seed grows into a tree, so buying a tree already on its journey will yield fruit sooner. 

Look for a lemon tree with strong and healthy leaves. They should be a vibrant green and not wilted. Also, check out the roots on the lemon tree and make sure they look strong and not rotted. 

The next step is figuring out the right variety. Do you live in a warm climate where you can keep the tree outdoors all year long? Or do you live somewhere where it is not sustainable year-round? These will all be important factors when figuring out what variety of lemon trees to buy. 

Let’s look at a few examples of the different lemons you can grow. 

Eureka Lemon Trees

Eureka lemons are very common around the world and are rather simple to grow, especially for newbies. They do better outdoors and love a warm climate.

Meyer Lemon Trees

Meyer lemons are very sweet for the lemon variety. The trees produce fruit all year round but do not do well in the cold weather. Luckily, they are prime trees for growing in containers and can come inside during the winter months to continue growth. 

Verna Lemon Trees

If you are looking to keep your lemon tree outside all year long, you might want to pick a Verna lemon tree. The variety, which is like the eureka, only produces fruit twice a year. Sometimes you will end up with a third crop, but with limited production.

The lemons are super juicy and have very thick skin. Do not underestimate the size of this tree, either. It can grow up to 12 feet when it has reached its full maturity!

Primofiori Lemon Trees

If you are looking for a lemon that will yield a lot of fruits, the primofiori lemon is for you. This tree produces fruit year-round.

It thrives in a raised garden bed, or a container for easy transport come the winter. If you are bringing it inside, you must make sure you trim the leaves back regularly. 

How To Plant A Lemon Tree 

If you plan to keep your lemon tree outdoors year-round, then look for a large spot it can live for years to come. If you plan to plant the lemon tree in a container, pick a large container with good drainage and place it in a very sunny spot. 

According to Clemson University, a custom soil mixture is best for your citrus tree. They claim it should contain 4 parts shredded aged pine bark and 1 part peat moss or coir. This combination provides proper drainage and organic matter, but you can substitute it with a well-draining potting mix.

If you are planting the lemon tree in a container, make sure your container is at least 2 inches bigger than the original container the tree came in. Over time, the tree will have to be repotted and moved into a bigger container as it continues to grow. 

Your lemon tree will have to come inside before the weather turns cold. Lemons do not hold up well in cold temperatures, so it is better to bring them inside a few weeks before the first frost of the season hits.

The same goes for putting it back outside in the warmer months. Wait until the last frost of the season has passed and the temperatures are warming up again. When the temperature is at a steady warmth, it is okay to put the lemon tree back outside. 

You might have to juggle the timeline depending on the weather and keep it inside longer than you want to. While this may sound annoying, it is better to keep the tree inside longer so it does not freeze over. This way, none of your hard work goes to waste!

Do Lemon Trees Need To Be Pollinated?

Now that you have picked out the variety of lemon trees to plant and you have it all ready to grow, you may wonder about lemon tree pollination. 

Lemon trees, like most citrus trees, are self-pollinators and do not need to be pollinated by another source to produce fruit. While it will be helpful to have many other citrus trees nearby, it will not stop your lemon tree from growing and start producing lemons. 

Another lemon tree or citrus tree will typically help increase the production of your tree. The timeline will not change, but you may yield more fruit in the long run. 

Keeping Your Lemon Tree Healthy

Just like any other plant, lemon trees are not strangers to pests and diseases. Especially if you keep them outside. 

If planted in the right conditions, you may avoid pests and ailments near your lemon tree. However, we cannot all be lucky. Here’s what you have to watch out for with your lemon tree. 

A common thing that citrus plants grown in containers experience is root rot. Root rot can occur when a plant is over-watered and does not have the proper draining in place to keep a solid flow for the roots at hand.

To avoid root rot, you will want to make sure you have a pot with a strong drainage system. Also, make sure you are not over-watering your plant. 

Another issue you may see on your lemon tree is citrus greening. The issue first came to light thanks to an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid. The bug is rather small, as it is similar to a gnat, but can cause a lot of damage. 

Aphids are probably one of the most common pests in a garden. While it seems like they will never go away, there are useful tools to help keep them out of your garden. A simple insecticidal soap treatment or a neem oil spray will help deter these tiny creatures. 

If soap is not removing the aphids, try out a product like Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants. You can spray this oil directly on plants and it will help repel aphids and other pests. 

Caterpillars are also a big no for your lemon tree. They are fond of the leaves on the tree and can go through them rather quickly. The damage is usually minor, but it will be smart to keep a lookout for the crawling creatures. 

What Should I Do With My Lemons? 

Okay, so you finally have a lemon fruit. But now, what do you do with it? Sure, you have the lemon juice, but there are so many more ways you can use the lemon. Let’s look! 

Lemon Blossom

If you are super impatient while waiting for the lemon to fruit, pick a few lemon blossoms off your tree.

The super fragrant flowers make great decorations for food and dessert and give off an incredible scent. While they are not edible, they make an excellent decorative garnish while you are waiting for your lemons to fruit. 

Lemon Oil 

Lemon oil goes a long way. You can use it in cooking and baking to enhance flavor and increase the lemon scent. However, you can also use it outside of the kitchen, in beauty products, cleaning materials, and in certain furniture polishes. 

Lemon Rind 

The lemon rind may secretly be the best part of the lemon. The rind is so beautifully fragrant and adds an incredible flavor to whatever you are cooking with. It brings such a bright flavor to anything you are eating and instantly elevates any dish. 

Lemon Peel 

Do you love making lemon candies and jellies? Then you are going to want to keep the peel of the lemon around.

The lemon peel is the rind with the white pith attached. It contains a large amount of citric acid and pectin, which is one of the key ingredients for making jellies and marmalades. 

So When Can I Enjoy My Lemons?

So, as you probably noticed by now, there is not a specific answer to how long it takes to grow lemons on a lemon tree. It could take 1 year, or it could take 6 years! It all depends on many, many factors. 

If you are starting from seed, it may take around 4 to 6 years before you get any fruit on the tree. However, most people are starting with a plant that has already been around for a few years, so you will probably not have to wait as long. 

Remember to keep your plant in a fully sunny area with proper drainage. If you see any pests or issues near the plant, treat it with the proper material to help bring it back to its natural state. 

When your lemons finally appear on your tree, remember you are not done yet! The fruit will still take time to grow on the tree and will be ready when they are slightly green.

You can either pick them or let them ripen more on the vine. Whatever you do, the long wait is over, and you finally have lemons you can enjoy! 

References

Beridze, T. R. “The effect of organic fertilizers on lemon tree productivity.” Subtropicheskie Kul’tury 3 (1990): 83-86.

Domingo, R., et al. “Water relations, growth and yield of Fino lemon trees under regulated deficit irrigation.” Irrigation Science 16.3 (1996): 115-123.

Dubey, A. K., and R. M. Sharma. “Effect of rootstocks on tree growth, yield, quality and leaf mineral composition of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.).” Scientia horticulturae 200 (2016): 131-136.

Ortuno, M. Fernanda, et al. “Stem and leaf water potentials, gas exchange, sap flow, and trunk diameter fluctuations for detecting water stress in lemon trees.” Trees 20.1 (2006): 1-8.