When Life Gives You Lemons…

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!

{via}

 
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!