Planting a lemon tree is an easy task that anyone can do at home. With just a few supplies and some basic knowledge, you’ll have your own citrusy treat in no time. This article is aimed at teaching you how to plant a lemon tree step by step. So, stay tuned!
Step By Step Guide On How To Plant A Lemon Tree
1. Choose the right growing spot
Lemon trees are tropical plants that require a warm, sunny environment to grow properly. Make sure the area you choose is free of strong winds or cold weather that might damage the tree.
2. Prepare the soil by tilling it with a rake or shovel
Use a rake or shovel to till the soil and make it suitable for growing. Remember to break up any large clumps of dirt and add compost or fertilizer to improve the soil quality.
3. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the lemon tree root ball
Digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball of the lemon tree will give it enough room to spread out and properly anchor itself. The hole should be deep enough for the entire root ball to fit in comfortably.
4. Place the lemon tree in the hole and backfill it with soil
Gently place your lemon tree into its new growing spot, ensuring that all the roots are covered with soil. Gently fill the hole with more soil and press down to remove any air pockets before watering.
5. Prune for shape and size
Lemon trees are naturally bushy plants, but you can help to keep them growing in an orderly manner by pruning away any branches growing at odd angles or hanging low. This process will also open up more sunlight and air circulating the tree.
To prune the branches, take a pair of garden shears and cut just above the branch growing from the trunk.
6. Stake the plant
When growing lemon trees in a pot or container, it is important to stake the tree for support. Take a wooden stake and securely tie the lemon tree to it with string or twine.
7. Water frequently and deeply
Your lemon tree needs to be watered as per its growth stage.
New Plant (6 to 8 weeks old): In the spring, summer, and fall months water your newly planted lemon tree every 2-3 days. In winter, wait 3-5 days between waterings.
Young Plant (less than 2 years old): In the spring and fall seasons water your young lemon tree once or twice a week. In summer water it two times per week in hot weather and in winter wait 2-3 weeks between waterings.
Established Plant (3 or more years old): In spring and fall wait 2-3 weeks between waterings. During summer, wait 1-2 weeks and in winter wait 3-4 weeks between waterings.
8. Fertilise your lemon tree
For a lemon tree to grow properly and produce fruit, it must be fertilized. A fertilizer should be applied every couple of months in the growing season, and make sure not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can cause damage to the roots.
9. Mulch around your lemon tree
Mulch helps keep the soil at an even temperature and prevents weeds from growing. It also helps retain moisture in the soil necessary for growing lemon trees.
The best way to do it is to spread a few inches of mulch around the base of the tree, making sure not to pile it too high as this can cause problems with drainage.
10. Monitor for pests
Be on the lookout for any possible pests or diseases that could be affecting your lemon tree. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, treat it immediately with the appropriate pesticide or fungicide, or opt for natural methods.
Some of the most common pests to watch out for include aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale.
11. Keep an eye on the weather
Lemon trees are tropical plants that require a warm growing environment to thrive. Keep an eye on the temperature outside and ensure your growing area is not subjected to extreme temperatures or strong winds.
12. Harvest lemons when they turn yellow
Depending on growing conditions, lemons will typically take 6-9 months to ripen. When the lemon skin turns yellow and begins to soften, this is a sign that it is ready to be harvested.
13. Store the unripe fruits on the tree
Unripe fruits can be left on the tree until they are ready to be picked. This will help ensure that the fruit is as sweet and juicy as possible when harvested.
14. Harden off your tree in late winter
In late winter, you should start to harden off your newly growing lemon tree by slowly reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you give it. This will help the tree prepare for any unexpected weather changes during the growing season. If you live in a colder climate you may need to move your lemon tree inside for the winter.
15. Enjoy your lemons
Once your lemon tree has matured, and you can start harvesting the fruits, don’t forget to enjoy them. Make some lemonade or bake a cake with freshly-squeezed lemon juice – growing your own lemons can be an incredibly satisfying experience!
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully grow a healthy lemon tree that will provide you with plenty of delicious fruits for years to come.
Lemon Tree Growth Stages Timeline
A lemon tree grows in stages from germination to bearing fruit. The growth of a lemon tree is seasonal, meaning it grows differently during the changing months and years.Â
Here’s a timeline of what you can expect over the lifetime of your Lemon Tree:
Stage 1 – Germination (1-3 weeks):
Once sown, the seed will take 1-3 weeks to germinate. This is when you can see the first signs of life in your lemon tree.
Stage 2 – Sapling (3-6 years):
During this stage, leaves and branches begin to grow from the sapling. You should start noticing a more mature-looking tree at this stage.
Stage 3 – Blooming and fruiting (3-5 years):
This is the stage when your lemon tree will start to bloom with flowers that can be pollinated and eventually turn into lemons! You should expect to harvest fruit from a tree around 3 years of age. Keep in mind, it’s best to wait until the fruit is yellow before harvesting.
Stage 4 – Maturity (5-6 years):
At this stage, your lemon tree should reach its maximum height (20 feet) and produce abundant fruit. Pruning is recommended at this stage to maintain a healthy tree and ensure it can continue to bear fruit for years to come.
Stage 5 – Harvesting (6 years):
This stage is when you can start to reap more rewards from your hard work. Depending on the climate and conditions, you might be able to harvest lemons year-round!
Stage 6 – Maintenance (ongoing):
To keep your lemon tree in tip-top shape, it’s essential to perform routine maintenance such as pruning, fertilizing, watering, and pest management. With proper care, your lemon tree can last for decades!
Now that you know the lemon tree growth stages , it’s time to get growing!
That’s all folks, this was our guide on how to plant a lemon tree! Planting a lemon tree is a great way to grow your own fresh fruits, and it’s also an excellent way to spruce up your garden or patio. To plant a healthy lemon tree, choose the right potting soil and ensure that you’re planting in a spot with plenty of sunlight.
