One of our concerned website readers is asking for help. He knows his Meyer Lemon tree is ill but he is not sure why. He has just sent me some pictures of his sick Meyer lemon tree (see pictures below).
In the pictures, I see diffusely yellow leaves. In the closeup s the yellowing is more severe away from the veins. There is browning of some of the ends of the leaves. There are also several defoliated branches.
Nitrogen deficiency is the leading cause of pale foliage. This could be because the plant doesn’t have enough nitrogen (from not using enough fertilizer), the soil is too wet, or the roots aren’t healthy for a number of reasons. This could be part of the problem.
Some diseases, like sodium toxicity, cause leaves to turn yellow in a pattern with more green along the veins. However, brown or burnt leaf tips is fairly typical of Sodium toxicity. Premature foliage drop can also be due to excess sodium.
All of the things that sodium toxicity does can also happen with boron toxicity, but the pattern I’ve seen is a little different (the difference between green and yellow on the leaves is more clear).
Lemons are one of the most popular citrus fruits, known for their bright yellow color and zesty sour taste But what do lemons look like before they reach maturity? Understanding the different growth stages of a lemon can help you better care for your tree and anticipate harvest time. In this complete visual guide, we’ll explore lemons’ journey from seed to fruit, so you know exactly what to expect!
Lemons Start as Tiny White Seeds
Lemon seeds are small, smooth, and oval-shaped, with a milky white or pale yellow hue. They are about 0.4 inches long. When placing lemon seeds in soil to germinate, plant them 0.5 inches deep and keep the soil moist. Expect sprouting in 5-7 days in optimal warm conditions (70°F/21°C).
Seedlings Emerge with Delicate Green Leaves
Once the seed germinates, the first signs of life will be tiny green leaves emerging from the soil These early seedlings are very fragile, so take care not to disturb their root development. The stems will be thin and weak at this stage Seedlings need ample water as they establish themselves.
Saplings Grow Robust Foliage and Branches
Over months and years of growth, the sapling will become more rigid and robust. The trunk thickens, branches form, and leaves become dark green and abundant. Young lemon trees are extremely vulnerable to frost, so protection is needed in cold weather. Strong roots also develop during this juvenile stage.
Mature Trees Flower and Fruit
After 2-3 years, lemon trees enter maturity and start flowering. Small, fragrant white blooms emerge from buds on branches in spring. Flowers pollinate themselves, eventually growing into green, petite lemons. Mature trees have woody trunks and thorny branches. Lemons ripen from green to yellow.
Harvesting Ripe, Yellow Lemons
It takes about 6 months for lemons to fully develop. Ripe lemons turn bright yellow and grow large & oval, about 3-4 inches long. Their shiny peel smoothes out compared to unripe, green lemons. When harvesting, twist lemons off the tree or clip with gardening shears. Enjoy lemonade!
Spotting the Difference Between Immature and Mature Fruit
- Immature Lemons: Green color, smaller size (2 inches), smoother and thinner peel, sour flavor
- Mature Lemons: Vibrant yellow color, larger size (3-4 inches), pebbly and thicker texture, sweeter flavor
Caring for Trees in Different Growth Stages
- Seedlings: Shelter from frost, ample hydration, warm soil
- Saplings: Protection from cold, prevent overwatering, plenty of sun
- Mature: Fertilize, pest control, sufficient sunlight & water
- Fruiting: Address nutrient deficiencies, prune for airflow
Ideal Conditions for Growing Lemon Trees
Lemon trees thrive in warm environments between 70-85°F. They need 8+ hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil Cold climates can grow lemons in containers that move indoors during winter Avoid frost at all costs! Fertilize trees regularly and water sufficiently for fruit production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall do lemon trees get in 1-2 years? A 2-year-old grafted lemon tree is typically 1-2 feet tall. Fruiting begins around this age.
How long until a lemon tree bears fruit? Grafted lemon trees produce fruit in 2-3 years. Trees from seeds take 5-7 years to fruit.
When are lemons ready to pick? Lemons are ripe for harvesting when they turn completely yellow. Still-green fruit is unripe and won’t continue ripening once picked.
How often do lemon trees fruit? In ideal conditions, Meyer lemon trees can yield a small harvest up to 4 times per year. Peak seasons are spring, summer, and fall.
The Exciting Journey of Growing Lemons
By understanding the different life stages of lemon trees, you can anticipate their needs and provide optimal care. It’s rewarding watching those first tiny sprouts transform into abundant, fruit-bearing trees. Lemons go through an incredible journey from seed to fruit, and every phase brings new wonders of nature to enjoy.
Meyer lemon fruit appearance:
- This lemon is about the same size as a regular lemon (2 to 3 inches long). The fruit is rounder than a normal lemon, though, and the skin is smoother.
- It seems like the skin is paler than the skin of a normal lemon, especially if the fruit grows in direct sunlight.
- Also, I found it interesting that the fruit looks very different depending on where it is grown.
- The flesh should be yellow when ripe.
Meyer lemon growing temperature:
- This type of lemon tree is much more hardy in cold weather than other lemon or lime trees.
- It turns out that this tree can handle more heat than most citrus trees as well.
- If you want to learn more about the coldest months in your area, read my article called “Climate Zones: What can I grow in my yard?”