Lemon

What you'll need:

A lemon tree seedling (since growing from seed takes years to fruit, a young plant is best for beginners)

A large pot (at least 16-20 inches wide with drainage holes) or a sunny spot in your garden

Well-draining soil (look for "citrus mix" or add sand and perlite to regular potting soil)

Citrus fertilizer (available at garden centers)

When to start:

Lemon trees love warm weather, so the best time to plant them outside is after the danger of frost has passed, typically in spring. If you're keeping it indoors, you can start anytime as long as you provide enough light.

Finding a good spot:

Lemon trees thrive in lots of sunlight—at least 6-8 hours a day. If you're planting outdoors, choose a sunny corner of your yard. For indoor plants, place them near a south-facing window where they can soak up plenty of sun.

Tip: Indoor lemon trees benefit from supplemental grow lights if natural sunlight is limited.

If using a seedling:

1. Fill your pot about halfway with well-draining soil.
2. Gently remove the seedling from its nursery container and loosen the roots slightly.
3. Place the seedling in the center of the pot and fill the remaining space with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
5. If planting in the ground, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and water generously.

Planting tips:

• Leave enough space between plants if planting multiple trees—about 8-10 feet apart.
• If using a pot, ensure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• After planting, add a layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Watering:

• Lemon trees like consistent moisture but hate soggy roots. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—usually every 7-10 days, depending on the weather.
• Water deeply, ensuring water reaches the roots, but don’t let the pot sit in standing water.

Feeding time:

• Feed your lemon tree with citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall).
• In winter, reduce feeding to once every 2-3 months since growth slows down.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Lemon trees prefer temperatures between 55°F and 85°F (13°C to 29°C). If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring potted trees indoors.
• Rotate your potted lemon tree occasionally to ensure all sides get equal sunlight.

Pruning and maintenance:

• Prune any dead or leggy branches in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth.
• Remove any suckers (small shoots) that appear at the base of the tree to direct energy toward fruit production.

Tip: Lemon trees are sensitive to cold drafts, so keep them away from windows or doors during chilly nights.

When to pick your lemons:

• Lemons take about 6-9 months to ripen after flowering. They’re ready to harvest when they turn fully yellow and feel slightly soft to the touch.
• You can also perform a "taste test"—if the lemon smells fragrant and tastes juicy, it’s ready!

How to pick:

• Use scissors or pruners to snip the lemon from the tree, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
• Avoid pulling the fruit off by hand, as this can damage the tree.

After harvesting:

• Fresh lemons can last up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.
• If you have an abundance of lemons, consider juicing them and freezing the juice in ice cube trays for later use.

Tip: Even after picking, lemons will continue to ripen slightly if left at room temperature.

Q: Why are my lemon tree's leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil—if it’s too wet, cut back on watering. If it’s dry, water more frequently. Also, ensure you’re using citrus-specific fertilizer regularly.

Q: Can I grow a lemon tree indoors?

A: Yes! Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight (a south-facing window is ideal) and maintain humidity by misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby.

Q: My lemon tree has flowers but no fruit. What should I do?

A: Lemon trees need pollination to produce fruit. If it’s indoors, gently shake the branches or use a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoors, bees usually handle this job.

Q: Why does my lemon tree have thorns?

A: Young lemon trees often have thorns, which protect them while they’re vulnerable. As the tree matures, the thorns usually become less prominent.

Q: How can I protect my lemon tree from pests?

A: Watch out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. Spray the leaves with a mixture of water and mild soap or use neem oil to keep bugs away.