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 the temperate latitudes, the plant is often grown as a container plant. The trees can flower and bear fruit all year round.
Which location does the lemon tree prefer?
Lemons need a location in full sun that is as sheltered as possible outdoors.
What substrate does a lemon tree need?
A slightly acidic substrate consisting of peat, mature compost and normal (also slightly loamy) garden soil is ideal. Expanded clay (€19.73) should be added to this mixture. Alternatively, you can also use commercially available citrus soil.
Can I plant the lemon tree in the garden?
Normally, lemons are not frost hardy and should therefore not be planted out, but kept in a bucket. An exception is the so-called bitter lemon (Citrus trifoliata) and some of its hybrids, which are quite frost hardy. In wind-protected locations, however, it is generally possible to plant out in the wine-growing areas.
Does the lemon tree thrive on the balcony or terrace?
Yes absolutely. Like all Mediterranean plants, lemons love fresh air. The plant can be outdoors from around the end of March / beginning of May to the beginning / middle of October, but should be protected with fleece at night against possible cold snaps.
How do I plant a lemon tree?
Choose a (ceramic) pot that is about a third larger in circumference than the crown of the tree. Fill in small pebbles as the bottom layer, then add another two to three centimeters of substrate. Now put the bale 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 solitaires 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 lemon tree that you have grown yourself will not flower for the first time in 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 sufficient good care and sufficiently good conditions, you will probably be able to harvest ripe fruit. Like all citrus plants, the lemon is self-fertile.
tips and tricks
As with oranges, ripe lemons only turn color when the weather starts to cool. Therefore, green fruits can still be fully ripe.