You are excited at the thought of lemon trees growing abundantly in your backyard or garden, no doubt. However, the thought of toiling to obtain a citrus fruit may seem troubling to you. No worries! All you need to do is check some of the associated facts related to a lemon tree plant and learn how to nurture it until it begins to yield fruits. Plant the tree at the beginning of spring to have it grow fully within three years.
Characteristics of a lemon tree
You would be able to recognize a lemon plant instantly from the following properties that are characteristic of it.
-
New leaves are reddish while mature leaves are dark green.
-
There are sharp thorns on the twigs.
-
The fragrant flowers are red in color and bloom in clusters. Single flowers may also be noticed on a tree.
-
The fruits of lemon tree plants are oval and aromatic.
-
It contains multiple oil glands dispersed on the tough, exterior skin.
History
It is interesting to note that the lemon plant is not considered to be one of the popular house plants per se, but you are welcome to grow it in your garden to ensure a steady supply of this vitamin-rich fruit. Believed to have originated in Asia, the plant was introduced to Italy where it thrived with the entire Mediterranean region becoming dependent on it. In the USA, the lemon seeds did not result in good-quality lemon tree plants initially. Nor was the lemon commercially viable in the USA until the tree began flourishing across Florida after1950.
Lemon Tree Planting Tips
The trees are quite tall and have a width of 10 to 15 feet on average. It is therefore important to space the plants to facilitate perfect growth. It is important to check the root and dig a deep hole that is twice as wide. You may find the roots bound together. Cut them loose to encourage receiving nutrients from deep within the soil.
While you do not have to worry too much about the growth of the tree that spreads its leaves as it attains an enviable height of 20 feet or more. However, you have to be careful about limiting the height when you are interested in indoor planting. Inquire about lemon tree varieties with specialized dwarfing roots to fulfill your objective. You will be able to grow a lemon tree that attains maturity rapidly without becoming too tall or wide. You may consider buying indoor plants online as well. Another option is to grow it from lemon seeds.
Lemon Tree Care
Soil-
Prepare the soil meticulously before planting it outdoors or source the best varieties of indoor plants to ensure a steady yield. The soil must be moderate in texture and slightly acidic. Plant it at medium depth to encourage quicker growth. Make sure to drain the soil properly as the pooling of water may cause the roots to rot. You must be even more careful when growing house plants indoors.
Light-
Choose a sunny spot that is not too windy when planting a lemon tree. The tropical climate of India is ideal for the plant. However, you may want to plant it in a secluded area to avoid freezing conditions, if you reside in an area subject to extreme weather conditions. Be careful of sunlight exposure when planting indoor plants.
Water-
Regular watering is essential when you want a good harvest of this citrus fruit. Proper watering is needed for indoor plant care too. You would have to water the plant at least twice a week initially with the frequency being reduced subsequently. Take care to water regularly during the dry months and summer. You must also drain the water with care as too much water and soggy soil may hamper the growth.
Temperature-
Lemon trees thrive in hot & humid conditions.Keep this in mind when growing plants indoors. You will be able to see good growth when the temperature remains at an optimum level of 75F to 85F. 50% humidity along with optimal temperature makes the condition ideal for growing lemon trees.
Fertilizer-
Providing much-needed energy to the lemon plant is a good way to encourage growth. Use a complete combination fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to facilitate healthy growth and an impressive harvest.
Indoor Plant Care
Growing plants indoors will become easier when you place them in a well-lighted area that is neither too cold nor too warm. A low temperature inside the room during winter in India may cause the trees to flower. It is best to take the potted plants outside for some time to encourage natural pollination. You may keep it outdoors for three months to find lemons appearing. It is advisable to take the lemon plants inside once the fruits mature. You may take them inside after harvesting too.
Make sure to spray a mist of water on the indoor lemon plants or use a humidifier to ensure 50% humidity in the air during indoor plant care. This will make the lemon trees indoors thrive eventually.
Click to Buy Fruit Seeds
Conclusion
You can always grow lemon trees in your kitchen garden or even try to plant them indoors. Indoor plant care of a lemon tree is not too challenging provided it meets the right conditions. Grow it from saplings or plant a few lemon seeds directly into the soil.
Visit Ugaoo.com to explore the variety of indoor plants online. Ensure proper plant care by investing in the best products. Gift a planter to encourage gardening TODAY!
Read More-
