Lemon trees are happy in containers, provided they have enough root room and good drainage. We recommend ‘Improved Meyer’ (USDA Zones 9–11) as one of the best varieties to grow in a pot, because it is naturally dwarfed. It will mature to just 3 to 5 feet.
Which lemon tree is best for pots?
Some lemon tree varieties that do best in containers are:
- Meyer Improved dwarf.
- Lisbon.
- Ponderosa dwarf.
How much space does a Meyer lemon need?
Meyer lemon trees prefer loamy soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.5. You’ll need to fertilize it around once a month with a nutrient-rich, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. This tree also requires spacing of 36-60 inches in order to best provide a year-round growing season.
How big of a container do you need for a lemon tree?
A new citrus tree will grow fine in an 8-inch diameter container to start. Two to three year old trees will need a 10 to 12 inch diameter container. Eventually, you’ll need a 16 to 20 gallon container or one-half whiskey barrel-sized container for long term growth.
Can I grow a lemon tree in a container?
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.
Can you grow full size citrus in pots?
No longer do you need a big, old-fashioned backyard to have citrus on hand – with new dwarf varieties, you can grow productive citrus trees in pots. Plant breeders have brought citrus trees into the modern age. No longer do you need a big, old-fashioned backyard to have citrus on hand.
Which is better Meyer or Eureka lemon?
Eureka lemons, which are the kind you’re most likely to find in your grocery store, have a sour, tangy flavor. By comparison, Meyer lemons are more fragrant and a touch sweeter. Their brightly colored skin is smoother and more vibrant than that of Eureka lemons, which is thicker and textured.
Can Meyer lemon trees be kept small?
The Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree, also known as Citrus limon x ‘Meyeri’, is the perfect, petite size for a home and garden that can’t fit a full-sized tree. This small lemon tree can reach a height of 6-10 feet when planted outdoors, or it can be kept small as a potted plant—generally about 4-6′ tall.
How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to produce fruit?
Pollination Tips
Meyer lemon trees start bearing fruit at different times, depending on how they were grown. Trees grown from grafted rootstock can start bearing fruit in as soon as two years, while seed-grown trees, which tend to be less healthy in general, start bearing fruit at three to seven years old.
Do Meyer lemon trees need full sun?
Light. Before fruiting, Meyer Lemon Trees need to see the light! They won’t flower without getting enough light. Make sure your trees get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
How do I keep my lemon tree small?
Keep smaller lemon trees to the size you want by pruning them lightly all year round. To prune an outdoor lemon tree to keep it from growing too tall, make your cut at an angle on a branch at the height you want just above two healthy leaves.
When should I repot my Meyer lemon tree?
A lemon tree will generally need to be repotted every three to four years. At this juncture, you have two options. You can transplant the tree into a larger container or lift it out, prune the roots, and repot it in the same container with fresh soil. The choice is yours.
What kind of soil do Meyer lemon trees like?
sandy
Plant your Meyer lemon tree in loamy, sandy, well drained soil. Keep about the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
How do you take care of a Meyer lemon tree?
Meyer Lemon Tree Care & Growing Tips
- Correct Watering – Water soil thoroughly.
- Rich and good drainage when growing in a large container with drain holes.
- Full sun (direct sunlight 6 hours per day) and protection from the wind.
- Temperatures between 50° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit and no lower than 32° degrees Fahrenheit.
Do lemon trees like to be root bound?
Also, citrus like to be somewhat root-bound in a pot. We’ve grown some of our most productive Meyer Lemon plants in 8″ pots for years. We use a standard soil-less mix of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and composted bark. Limestone is added to bring the ph up to around 6.
Do citrus pots do well?
More important than garden space is access to lots of sun and warmth, which are two very important ingredients for growing a happy and healthy potted citrus. Citrus are great plants for growing in pots, and can also be trained as espalier for more compact growth.
What is the easiest lemon tree to grow?
Eureka Lemon
The top choice for growing juicy lemons on your patio is the Eureka Lemon Tree. Dwarf-sized for easy harvests, the Eureka Lemon offers effortless home-grown fruit and the benefit of drought tolerance.
What is the sweetest lemon tree?
Across the country, the Meyer Lemon Tree is the most popular choice. It is a sweet version of a lemon, with thin skin and fragrant blossoms. You can use Meyer lemons in any recipe that you would use a regular lemon, with the amount of sugar reduced to account for the sweetness that the Meyer brings.
What is the sweetest lemon?
Meyer lemons, though, are so sweet you can eat slices in salad with no problem. Originally from China and grown in pots as an ornamental tree, these lemons are actually a hybrid of a citron, mandarin, and pomelo. They are small, rounder, and much sweeter than regular lemons.
How many lemons does a Meyer lemon tree produce?
The bushy little tree (only 15 inches tall) kept by a sunny window and put outside in May produced 9 full-size commercial-grade lemons! No wonder that in 1908, Mr. Frank Meyer, a USDA plant explorer, imported a few trees from near Peking, where they were commonly grown in home gardens or as ornamental shrubs.
Can you cut the top off a lemon tree?
It’s perfectly fine to chop off one-third of the tree, but not any more than that. If you prune too much, you could overstimulate and stress the plant.
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