Growing a Lemon Tree in a Pot

Growing a lemon tree in a pot can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right care and conditions, you can grow a productive lemon tree that yields delicious lemons, even if you only have a small space available. Here are some tips for successfully growing a lemon tree in a pot:

Choosing a Dwarf Variety

• When growing a lemon tree in a container, opt for a dwarf or patio variety. These are grafted citrus trees that have been bred to grow well in pots.
• Popular dwarf lemon varieties for containers include Meyer, Lisbon, Improved Meyer, and Ponderosa dwarf. They grow to between 4-6 feet tall at maturity.
• Standard lemon trees can reach over 15 feet tall and are too large for most pots. Stick to dwarf varieties for the best results.

Using the Right Pot

• Select a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. This will provide enough room for the tree’s root system.
• Terra cotta, ceramic, plastic, and wood pots all work well. Just be sure the pot has drainage holes.
• Glazed or plastic pots retain moisture better than unglazed terra cotta.
• Whatever pot you choose, make sure it’s large enough that you can easily extract the tree later on if needed. Avoid pots with narrowing rims.

Sun and Temperature

• Lemon trees need full sun – at least 6 hours per day. Southern or western exposure is ideal.
• In summer, provide shade in the afternoon if temperatures exceed 85°F.
• Bring lemon trees indoors before temperatures drop below 45°F. They can tolerate light frost but not a hard freeze.

Soil and Drainage

• Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for citrus trees. Don’t use regular garden soil.
• Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage. Citrus hate soggy soil.
• Fill the pot about 80% full with soil mix, then set the tree inside so the root flare is just above the soil.
• Add more soil mix around the sides, leaving 1-2 inches of space at the top.

Watering and Humidity

• Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
• Citrus trees are sensitive to drought. Drooping leaves can signal underwatering.
• Add pebbles in a tray under the pot to increase humidity. Misting leaves also helps.
• In winter when humidity is low indoors, set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizing

• Use a citrus fertilizer or one formulated for fruiting plants. Apply monthly in spring and summer.
• Switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer in fall to prevent frost damage to new growth.
• Zinc, manganese, iron, and magnesium deficiencies are common. Treat with a supplement if needed.

Pruning and Training

• Prune in late winter or early spring before growth resumes.
• Remove crossing, damaged, and crowded branches to open up the canopy.
• Train branches horizontally along supports for better structure.
• Prune suckers – growth emerging below the graft union. These divert energy.

Pests and Diseases

• Check regularly for common citrus pests like aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Treat organically.
• Prevent fungus issues by avoiding overhead watering and pruning for airflow.
• Yellow or dropping leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.

Overwintering Indoors

• Move the lemon tree inside before nighttime temps drop below 45°F in fall.
• Place in the sunniest window you have. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
• Water a bit less in winter, but don’t let soil dry out completely. Mist leaves for humidity.
• Rotate the pot regularly so growth doesn’t become lopsided.

Harvesting Lemons

• Lemons will be ready for harvest 6-9 months after flowering.
• Look for lemons that are mostly yellow with some green near the stems.
• Harvest lemons when they feel heavy and spring back slightly when squeezed.
• Twist lemons off the tree when harvesting. Be careful not to damage nearby growth.

Troubleshooting Issues

• Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Check drainage and fertilize.
• Wilting leaves or leaf drop mean underwatering. Increase watering frequency.
• Lemons dropping before maturity is caused by stress, pests, or improper pollination.
• Poor flowering can be due to insufficient sunlight, overpruning, or overfertilizing.

With the right care and conditions, you can successfully grow a productive dwarf lemon tree in a pot. Just be sure to provide adequate sunlight ventilation watering, humidity, nutrition, and proper overwintering. Pay close attention to the tree’s needs and you’ll be rewarded with homegrown lemons!