When growing lemon trees in containers, the needs are very similar to lemon trees growing in the ground. The lemon trees will need good drainage, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. They will also need consistent and regular watering. … Fertilizer is also key to growing a healthy lemon tree in a pot.

How big should a pot be for a lemon tree?

Extra soil around trees complicates moisture control, so work your way up in pot size as trees grow. For small trees, a 12-inch-diameter container — what nurseries call a five-gallon pot — is perfect for starters. Mature trees need pots double that width and at least 18 to 24 inches deep.

Do lemon trees grow better in pots or ground?

Lemon trees can tolerate a range of different soils but they mostly prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. You can plant lemon trees at any time of year in warmer climates, as long as you water regularly. … Plant so that the original soil level in the pot is level with your garden soil.

How long can a lemon tree live in a pot?

How Long Do Lemon Trees live In Containers? Lemon trees can live almost as long in containers as in the ground. For long container life, repot the tree into a larger container every one to one-and-a-half years. It is important to use fresh soil when planting in a new pot.

What kind of pot does a lemon tree need?

You’ll first need to choose a planter large enough to accommodate your growing lemon tree. Barrel planters, grow bags and large flower pots are great options, as they provide ample room for the roots to expand and thrive.

Should I pee on my lemon tree?

As a general rule, urine isn’t very good for most plants, including lemon trees. Lemon trees prefer soil that is slightly acidic and while urine can make the soil too acidic, that isn’t the biggest issue.

Do lemon trees need a lot of sun?

Sunshine and citrus go hand-in-hand. Your lemon tree will love a bright sunny day! Plant your tree on the south-facing side of your home for full sunlight. It will want at least eight hours of sun a day, but definitely no less than six.

What do I do with my lemon tree in the winter?

Wrap the lemon tree’s trunk in several layers of cardboard to insulate it against frost. Cover the trunk from just below the main limbs to the ground. Secure the cardboard with duct tape. Leave it in place until the last frost in your region.

How big do lemon trees get indoors?

Container size helps limit a tree’s eventual height, but most indoor dwarf Meyer lemon trees grow to at least 3 to 4 feet tall. Other indoor varieties can grow to 6 feet or more.

How long do Lemons take to grow?

The time from flowering to harvest is contingent on a host of conditions, including the lemon tree’s cultural conditions, outdoor temperatures, the number of lemons produced and the cultivar being grown, but generally takes anywhere from four months to one year.

Article first time published on

How fast do lemon trees grow?

A standard lemon tree that grows in the ground in your backyard will reach anywhere between 20 and 30 feet tall – it will take it 10 or 15 years to reach that full height. Standard lemon trees often don’t produce any fruit in the first six years of their life.

How long do lemon trees live?

Lemon trees typically live around 50 years, but they can live up to 100 years when grown in optimal conditions and maintained regularly. Disease prevention and adequate care can boost a lemon tree’s lifespan, including fertilizer and pruning.

How do you take care of a potted lemon tree in the winter?

  1. Step 1: Find a sunny spot. Citrus trees need at least eight hours a day of sunlight to thrive. …
  2. Step 2: Increase the humidity level. …
  3. Step 3: Improve air circulation. …
  4. Step 4: Give it plenty of water. …
  5. Step 5: Feed it. …
  6. Step 6: Get it back outdoors.

How often should lemon trees be watered?

With ground-planted citrus trees, watering should happen about once a week, whether from rainfall or manually. Be sure the area has excellent drainage and that you soak the ground deeply at each watering. If the drainage is poor, the tree will get too much water.

What size pot does a dwarf lemon tree need?

You’ll get a plant in a container that’s somewhere between two and three gallons. Dwarf Meyer lemon trees grow well in pots, where they will grow to 4 feet or so. And they do well in the landscape, too, in zones 9 and 10. Dwarf Meyer lemon trees can reach 10 feet, but will easily adjust to less than four feet indoors.

What's the best time to plant a lemon tree?

The best time to plant your lemon tree is during the spring, to avoid any harsh winter or summer temperatures. This also depends on what growing zone you are located in. Dig your hole just as deep and approximately twice as wide as the tree’s root ball.

Where is the best place to plant a lemon tree?

Locate lemon trees in well-draining spots in full sun. While these trees tolerate even very poor soil conditions well, they cannot endure wet feet. A soil pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal for lemons. Plant them in the highest areas of your property to avoid exposing them to cold air that accumulates in low spots.

Why is my lemon tree leaves turning yellow?

Very often the yellow leaves or chlorosis on a citrus tree is caused by over watering or a nutrient deficiency. Citrus need regular water especially in the warm months but over watering can leach nutrients from the soil and cause root rot. … Often the leaves on an over watered tree will turn yellow and drop.

Are lemon trees difficult to grow?

Lemons trees aren’t hard to grow in your kitchen garden, but they won’t thrive unless you live where the winters are mild (hardiness zones 9 to 11), These subtropical plants are killed or damaged once the temperatures dip into the 20s. Even if you can’t grow lemons in your backyards, you can grow them in pots.

How cold can a lemon tree take?

Lemons. The tart fruits of the lemon tree (Citrus limon) are damaged when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Blossoms and young fruit die at 29 degrees. When temperatures reach 22 to 24 degrees, the tree’s leaves are damaged and will drop.

Do you water lemon trees in winter?

Although citrus should be watered very sparingly in winter – once a month is usually often enough and a good soak every now and then is much better than frequent light watering – they do like the air to be reasonably moist.

Can citrus trees grow indoors?

Citrus plants grow best indoors with 65° days, dropping five to ten degrees at night. They need some direct sun for at least part of the day. During the summer, put citrus plants outside to take advantage of better growing conditions and extra light.

Can I grow a Meyer lemon tree indoors?

Indoor lemon trees—especially the Meyer variety—are easy to grow and very satisfying. They are perfectly sized to grow in a container inside during the colder months, then love to be outside in the warmer months on a patio or deck. … The fruit is a light orange-yellow color, with juice sweeter than that of most lemons.

When can I put my potted lemon tree outside?

When all danger of frost has passed in the spring and nighttime temperatures no longer fall below 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, prepare to move your lemon tree outside.

Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?

Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are potentially toxic to canines in large amounts. … Get the pawfect insurance plan for your pup.

Do lemon trees smell good?

Lemon Trees If you want to have even more fun, you can grow it yourself from a seed. … In the meantime, you’ll have a pretty plant that puts off a nice lemony scent. As an added bonus, you can eat the lemons (though you might be waiting a few years on those too).

Can I keep a lemon tree indoors?

Citrus need a bright sunny position. Most only reach 1–1.5m (3–5ft) tall in a pot but can grow larger in good conditions, depending on the rootstock. They are better grown in pots in a cool climate so they can be moved indoors.

Do you feed lemon trees in winter?

Citrus benefit from a balanced Summer and Winter Citrus Feed. … The Summer Feed has more Nitrogen for leaf growth and the Winter Feed has proportionately more Phosphorous and Potassium to help develop fruits. At this time of year you should be using a Winter Feed every other watering to keep your tree at its best.

What time of year do lemon trees produce fruit?

“Eureka” lemons can often be picked year round, but the primary season of harvest is from late winter to early summer. The “Lisbon” variety also produces fruit sporadically throughout the year, though the main season is in winter and early spring.

Why is my lemon tree flowering in winter?

In Florida and other subtropical regions where citrus is grown, there is usually a prolific bloom following the cooler winter dormancy. Rising temperatures in March signal the tree that it’s time to start developing seeds. This citrus flowering season lasts for several weeks.

How big is a 2 year old lemon tree?

2-3 Year Old (Approx. 2-3 Ft) Meyer Lemon Tree.