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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! 

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Erica

Thursday 18th of August 2022

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

amine lahragui

Saturday 26th of September 2015

Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. happy new year 2016 new year 2016 bonne année 2016 happy new year 2016 images feliz año nuevo 2016 imagenes de año nuevo 2016 feliz año 2016

vallandscape

Wednesday 13th of August 2014

This trees are so nice for looking, and also lemon trees are cute.

Henry Dd

Sunday 23rd of February 2014

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Me and My Pink Mixer

Tuesday 25th of June 2013

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 :)

Katharine

Friday 1st of January 2021

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!