The lemon tree is a subtropical plant that probably originally came from the foothills of the Himalayas and was brought to the Mediterranean region by Arab traders. The numerous cultivars are propagated from seeds or cuttings and grown in gardens and plantations. In temperate latitudes, the plant is often grown as a container plant. The trees can bloom and bear fruit all year round.
How do I plant a lemon tree correctly?
To successfully plant a lemon tree, choose a sunny location and a slightly acidic substrate made of peat, compost and garden soil. Plant the tree in a pot one-third larger than the canopy and water it heavily.
Which location does the lemon tree prefer?
Lemons need a location in full sun that is as sheltered outdoors as possible.
What substrate does a lemon tree need?
ideal is a slightly acidic substrate consisting of peat, mature compost and normal (also slightly loamy) garden soil. Expanded clay should be added to this mixture. Alternatively, you can also use commercially available citrus soil.
Can I plant the lemon tree in the garden?
Usually lemons are not frost hardy and should therefore not be planted out but kept in a container. An exception is the so-called bitter lemon (Citrus trifoliata) and some of its hybrids, which are quite frost-hardy. However, in wind-protected locations, planting in wine-growing areas is generally possible.
Does the lemon tree thrive on the balcony or terrace?
Yes, absolutely. Lemons – like all Mediterranean plants – love fresh air. The plant can be left outdoors from around the end of March / beginning of May to the beginning / middle of October, but should be protected at night from possible cold snaps with a fleece.
How do I plant a lemon tree?
Choose a (ceramic) pot whose circumference is about a third larger than the treetop. Fill in small pebbles as the bottom layer, followed by another two to three centimeters of substrate. Now put the ball in and fill the pot all around with soil. Then water the tree vigorously.
When should the lemon tree be repotted?
At the latest when the roots are already growing out of the pot. Repot young plants once a year, older solitary plants every two to three years.
Can I grow a lemon tree from seeds or cuttings?
Yes, you can grow a lemon tree from the seeds of a fully ripe, fresh fruit or from a cutting.
When will my lemon tree bloom?
Unless it is grafted, your home-grown lemon tree will not bloom for the first time for eight to twelve years at the earliest. Otherwise, a lemon tree blooms all year round and also bears fruit at the same time.
Will I also be able to harvest fruit?
With sufficiently good care and sufficiently good conditions, you will probably be able to harvest ripe fruits. Like all citrus plants, the lemon is self-fertile.
Tips & Tricks
As with oranges, ripe lemons only change color when cool weather sets in. Therefore, even green fruits can still be fully ripe.
