How to Grow Lemon Trees in Pots for Maximum Fruit Production

This guide is specifically for those who don't have a garden but still want to enjoy fresh lemons from their own trees. You can grow various lemon varieties using this method, including Eureka lemons, Ta lemons, Calamondin lemons, and Four Seasons lemons.

Find out now with My Garden!

1. Choosing Seedlings, Growing Medium, and Pots for Lemon Trees

There are numerous online resources on growing lemon trees in pots. This guide from My Garden will provide general instructions for growing various lemon varieties in pots, including Eureka lemons, Ta lemons, Calamondin lemons, and Four Seasons lemons.

1.1 Selecting Lemon Seedlings for Pot Cultivation

Both grafted and rooted lemon seedlings are suitable for pot cultivation. However, I personally prefer grafted seedlings as I find them to be more robust. Grafted seedlings are produced from healthy rootstocks.

When planting, ensure that all sprouts below the graft union are removed, leaving only the shoots above the graft.

1.2 Choosing Pots and Growing Medium for Lemon Trees

When growing lemon trees in pots, it's crucial to select the right pot and prepare the appropriate growing medium to ensure optimal growth. Here's what you'll need:

Growing Medium:

• 70% fine alluvial soil
• 30% mixture of:
  • Coir dust
  • Rice husk charcoal
  • Earthworms
  • Goat manure

For approximately 10kg of growing medium, add 2 handfuls of bat guano and 1 handful of phosphorus fertilizer.

Pot: Lemon and kumquat trees require deep rather than wide pots. Therefore, use a pot that is 45 cm wide and 90 cm tall or 45 cm wide and 60 cm tall.

2. Essential Factors for Fruitful Lemon Trees in Pots

Each plant species has unique characteristics. For successful lemon cultivation in pots, consider the following factors:

Lemon varieties are all sun-loving and have a low water tolerance. Therefore, a location that receives full sun throughout the day is ideal. A rooftop is an excellent choice.

• Eureka Lemon: This vigorous tree can produce flowers and fruits continuously throughout the year. The tree's resting period is typically in July, during which time it bears no flowers or fruits. The time from flowering to harvesting one batch of fruit is approximately 4 months.

• Calamondin Lemon: This variety produces only one fruit season per year. The tree starts flowering between January and March in the Gregorian calendar. The fruits are ready for harvest around November and December. The period from flowering to ripening is approximately 8-10 months.

• Ta Lemon and Four Seasons Lemon: These varieties can produce 2-3 fruit batches per year. Even unripe fruits can continue to flower. The time from flowering to fruit harvest is around 5-6 months.

3. Planting and Caring for Lemon Trees in Pots for Maximum Fruit Yield

The fundamental techniques for growing Calamondin, Ta, or Eureka lemon trees in pots are essentially the same. Here's a comprehensive guide on planting and caring for lemon trees in pots:

3.1 Planting Lemon Trees in Pots

Once you have prepared the pot, seedling, and growing medium, follow these steps to plant your lemon tree in a pot, as recommended by HOW TO GROW FRUIT TREES:

1. Fill the pot with the prepared growing medium and mix thoroughly.

2. Place the lemon seedling in the pot, ensuring the roots are well-covered and the base is firmly anchored.

3. Water the plant thoroughly until the base is saturated and then place it in a sunny location.

3.2 Continued Pruning and Fertilization

• Pruning: Once the tree has established its branches and leaves and starts producing fruit, continue pruning by removing any small, thin branches. For longer branches that are not bearing fruit, cut them back to 3-4 leaf nodes. This will encourage new growth on these branches and increase the likelihood of further flowering.

• Watering: Lemon trees are drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

• Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your lemon tree every 4-6 weeks with a balanced citrus fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the appropriate application rate.

3.3 Pest and Disease Management

Lemon trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

• Whiteflies and Sooty Mold: Mix the juice of 1 lemon (squeeze the lemon thoroughly to extract as much juice as possible), strain out the pulp, add 2 liters of water, and a few drops of dish soap. Shake the mixture well to dissolve the soap and spray it on the affected leaves.

• Dry Rot: This disease can be caused by various factors, including undetected stem borers, excessive watering (as lemon trees are drought-tolerant), or poorly draining potting mix.

  • Signs of dry rot include wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and dieback of branches.

  • Prevention: Ensure proper watering and drainage, and inspect the tree regularly for signs of stem borers.

• Stem Borers: These pests can be identified by the presence of frass (woodworm excrement) on the trunk or in the potting mix.

  • Treatment: If detected early, apply a solution of garlic and chili pepper extract to the affected area.

Additional Tips

• Repotting: As your lemon tree grows, it may need to be repotted into a larger container. Signs that the tree needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or the tree becoming top-heavy and unstable.

• Winter Care: During the winter, when the tree is dormant, reduce watering and fertilization. Move the pot to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.

By following these planting and care instructions, you can enjoy an abundance of fresh lemons from your own lemon tree grown in a pot.