Grow a lemon tree!
I’m not sure what’s gotten into me lately but I have become obsessed with the idea of growing a lemon tree in my house. After weeks of researching a variety of citrus trees, I decided I needed a Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree. It is one of the hardiest and most productive of all dwarf citrus trees, you can grow it inside or outside and they are the easiest to maintain!
However, when I got to the nursery I was pretty disappointed in the difference between an $18 and a $112 lemon tree. Since I only had permission to purchase a $20 tree, I sadly picked up the teeniest tree they had {which I was convinced was a lime tree} but is promised to grow 3-5 feet. After all, this was going to be quite the experiment so I knew I would be angry if I killed a $100+ plant!
{my dinky dwarf meyer lemon tree}
While I was at the nursery, I took the opportunity to ask for some advice on growing my lemon tree. I also did a little research and this is what I’ve learned:
Potting: Re-pot the tree in a larger container to avoid root crowding. If you notice yellowing leaves, it is time to replant into a larger pot. Top off the pot with a little bark or mulch to help retain moisture.
Indoor/Outdoor Transitions: Place your tree in the sunniest area of the house during the winter to avoid freeze, and bring it outside during warmer weather. If the tree remains indoors during the entire season, bees and other insects will be unable to pollinate it. The tree requires 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. When transitioning indoors or out, start by placing the tree in partial shade for a couple of weeks so it can adjust to the new temperature. If temperatures dip below 55 degrees F at night, the tree will go into dormancy, so double check temperatures before transitioning.
Note: Check for insects on the leaves before taking your tree indoors for the cold months.
Watering: Water often, but do not over-water. Over-watering is the #1 killer of lemon trees. The soil shouldn’t be wet, it should always be kept moist. Humidity is also imperative for your lemon tree to thrive. Using a spray bottle, mist your tree once or twice a day. The leaves will absorb the moisture and transfer the water to the fruit.
Note: The leaves will be a dark green if there is enough light, and begin to yellow around the edges when not enough is provided. A wilted tree means too little water. A tree with yellow leaves or folded leaves can indicate too much water.
Pruning: After the bloom or fruiting seasons, prune your lemon tree {once a year} to keep a nice rounded shape by cutting twiggy branches from top. Leave most bottom branches since they produce the most fruit. As the lemon tree is blooming, you will notice that 2 or more clusters of fruit appear at each bud. As the fruit begins to grow, remove all but one or two of the fruit, giving the remaining ones more access to vital nutrients and encouraging healthier fruit growth.
I picked up this pretty ceramic pot from Michaels {on sale for $12}. I love how my tree looks planted in it and I can already tell this lil guy is growing!
Go get yourself a lemon tree!
My husband has decided we need a lime tree! Apparently I'll be hitting up the nursery to about the reality of that, but if not, lemon might be the way to go….
I too can't stop thinking about adding a lemon tree to my family. Following from HickoryTrail
That's the cutest little dwarf lemon tree I've ever seen (and I love the name…. a Dwarf Meyer… sounds like a Harry Potter-esq name!). Let us know how it does!! We're replacing a tree in the backyard and I told the hubs that I'd like a lime tree, but he's not really convinced based on my watering record. :/Happy Monday!
Just think how yummy your gin & tonics will be this summer with super fresh lime juice!
I have been wanting a lemon tree for so long, I just wasn't sure how to care for one! I love all of your garden & plant projects – this weekend I finally planted some succulents after being inspired by you. I even gave you a shout out on my blog for the inspiration!
What a great idea! A beautiful and delicious addition for sure.
I wish I lived in CA for the simple reason I would grow oranges and lemons!
I've always wanted one but never pulled the trigger- now I really want one to perk up our indoors!
I have always wanted a lemon tree. I wonder if I could get one to grow in Michigan. xx
I have been wanting a lemon tree, but was always too afraid I would kill it! Thanks for the great inspiration and advice. I am thinking I need to get myself one asap!!
I never thought to plant a lemon tree but yalls looks adorable in your cute potter! Definitely a cute plant that would add some character and color in a room!
Love this! I've always had an obsession with citrus trees and actually just bought us an orange one! Thought it best suited us in FL and will be great since I have an obsession with Blue Moons too;) Hope your life gives you lots of lemons…the good ones!
Love the pot you put it in! Can't wait to hear how it does!
Your lemon tree looks beautiful and such lovely juicy lemons. The picture with the yellow lemons and the yellow background is superb.The ceramic pot too is very nice.
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I would like to have a lemon and lime tree one day too! Thanks for these great tips. I'm curious to see how your does. Keep us posted!! 🙂
Which nursery did you find your tree at? I live in Charlotte too, and have been looking for one for weeks! It seems like no one has any!Thanks!P.S. Your tree is so cute!
Campbells Nursery on South Blvd, next to Polished!
I bought a lime tree last spring and thought the same about how dink the younger (affordable) ones are! No fruit other than occasional tiny buds, it's still alive
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I am SO jelous of your little tree!! I bought a lemon tree 3 years ago and have repotted it and moved in in and out of the house for 3 summers. It is HUGE and has never had one single lemon on it!! It did finally bloom this year, but still no lemons. I will flip the day I see one little lemon 🙂
I recently purchased a lemon and a kumquat tree. Went online for instructions and learned they need citrus fertilizer twice a year.. April and September. The kumquat bloomed 5 times and fruit is nearly ripe. The lemon is in bloom now with lots of buds and flowers. Bought both trees at Home Depot. Good luck with your tree!
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This trees are so nice for looking, and also lemon trees are cute.
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I love lemons! In fact, I love all citrus fruits. I began growing lemons and oranges a few years ago and found out they grow into a tree. I thought they were shrubs or something. When I moved to a different city, I was so attached I felt very hesitant to leave. I found this tree service company that helped me move my lemon and orange trees to my new home. If you’re experiencing the same, you should check them, too. https://s.bl-1.com/h/drjp0SWL?url=https://www.fortmilltreeservice.com/charlotte