How to grow a lemon tree in a pot?

Ancient Indian scriptures equate lemons with nectar and value them as a sacred fruit due to its virtues. Not only does lemon has a prominent place in the Ayurveda, but it is also found in all Indian houses due to its unique flavour and health benefits. Would it not be nice to have it handy by growing it in a pot at home? The answer is yes, and more importantly, it can be done without much difficulty.

See also: How to grow and care for brinjal plant?

 

Stepwise procedure to grow lemon tree in a pot at home

Buy a plant: Visit the nearest nursery and buy a grafted plant. If you have the option to grow it from a seed, it will take at least five years to have fruits.

 

 

Select a pot: While plastic is good as it can retain heat, terracotta pots are fine too to grow a lemon plant. Buy a pot with a diameter of eight inch. A two-to-three-year-old-plant will need a pot with 10-to-12-inch diameter. For long term growth, 16-to-20-gallon container or one-half whiskey barrel-sized container is required. The lemon tree needs good drainage. Buy a pot with big holes.

 

 

Create a potting mix: You need to keep the potting mix light for your plant to have healthy growth. For this, prepare a potting mix with 30% compost, 30% cocopeat, 20% garden soil and 20% sand. Mulch must be at the top layer to keep weeding in check.

 

 

Place the pot: Spring is the best time to plant a lemon plant. Once you have planted it, place the pot at a place where it would receive indirect sunlight. As the plant grows, it would love to have at least five hours of full sun exposure. South-facing plants tend to do better than others.

 

 

Water your plants: Water the new plant once in two days. Gradually, bring the frequency to twice a week. A good way of knowing if your plant needs water is to put a finger into the soil. If the soil is dry for a couple of inches, your plant needs water.

 

 

Fertilise your plant: Your plant would do well by adding well-rotten compost every two months. Alternatively, feed your plant with a slow-release fertiliser once a year in early spring. A liquid fertiliser every other week is also a great way to keep it healthy. Buy a fertiliser labelled specifically for citrus fruits.

 

 

FAQs

Can a lemon tree be grown in a pot?

Yes, a lemon tree can grow in a pot.

Is lemon tree good for Vastu?

A lemon tree is considered highly auspicious as it cures Vastu dosha.

What is the best fertiliser for lemon trees?

Well-rotted compost is the best fertiliser for a lemon tree.

What is the best soil for lemon trees in pots?

The ideal potting mix for growing a lemon tree is 30% compost, 30% cocopeat, 20% garden soil and 20% sand.

Which season is the best for a lemon plant?

The best time to plant a lemon tree is the Spring.

Where do lemon plants grow the best?

These subtropical plants grow the best in warm climates and hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Why are my lemon tree’s leaves turning yellow?

Lemon tree leaves turn yellow due to under-watering, over-watering and as a reaction to low temperatures.

What is the right temperature to grow lemon plants?

The lemon plant grows well in temperature between 15°C and 28°C.

What kind of pot is the best for growing a lemon tree?

Plastic, terracotta, or wooden containers are the best to grow lemon plants.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com