Lemons can make excellent houseplants and will be comfortable in a container as long it provides adequate drainage and room for growth. Heights of around 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) can be expected for a lemon tree growing indoors. They also prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Can you grow a lemon tree indoors?
With sweet-smelling flowers, glossy foliage and tart, tasty fruit, an indoor lemon tree rewards your attention year-round. Regardless of your climate, you can grow a container lemon tree indoors and enjoy your own homegrown lemons.
Should I buy a mature lemon tree?
Do yourself a favor and purchase a more mature tree, especially if you’re looking to have fruit within the first year of ownership. Many growers choose to grow their lemon trees in terracotta pots because it helps with keeping the soil from becoming oversaturated with water.
What side of the House do you plant lemon trees?
Due to this cold sensitivity, lemon trees should be planted near the south side of the home. Lemon trees need protection from frost. Growing them near the house should help with this. Lemon trees also require full sunlight for adequate growth.
Where should you put a lemon tree indoors?
All citrus plants need a ton of bright light in order to thrive indoors—I'm talking more than 10 hours per day. The optimal place for a lemon tree would be in a south-facing window. Without enough light the plant will not produce flowers, and therefore will not produce fruit.
What is the best lemon tree to grow indoors?
Why a Meyer Lemon Tree. (Citrus limon) is an heirloom dwarf lemon with delicious golden-yellow fruit. All of my research indicates that Meyer Lemon makes an excellent choice for growing indoors in containers and is the hardiest lemon tree for cool temperatures, perfect for a New England climate.
How long does it take a lemon tree to bear fruit?
Meyer lemon trees are known to start bearing fruit at around four years old if grown from seed. Trees that are a product of grafting to a dwarf rootstock can start blooming as early as 1 year. Meyer lemon trees are known to bear fruit for as long as 30 years, a period that can be further extended with proper care.
Do lemon trees grow better inside or outside?
Lemon trees can be placed outdoors during warm periods, which is also recommended in order to increase their chances of bearing fruit. When you grow a lemon tree indoors, bees and other insects are unable to pollinate them. Therefore, you should place them outdoors during summer unless you want to hand pollinate.
Will an indoor lemon tree produce fruit?
Pollinating and Pruning Your Indoor Lemon Tree But in nature, lemon trees rely on insects to pollinate their blossoms. Better pollination translates to more and better fruit. With popular indoor varieties your tree should bear fruit on its own, but you can also help it along.
Do lemon trees grow well in pots?
When growing lemon trees in containers, the needs are very similar to lemon trees growing in the ground. The lemon trees will need good drainage, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. They will also need consistent and regular watering.
Do you need 2 lemon trees to produce fruit?
Lemon trees are self-pollinating, so you don't require an additional tree for the production of fruit. Don't worry if you notice your tree loaded with blooms that don't produce fruit and instead fall from the branches. It's normal for some of the blooms to be sterile and drop from the tree.
How big is a 3 year old lemon tree?
2-3 Ft2-3 Year Old (Approx. 2-3 Ft) Meyer Lemon Tree.
Do lemon trees need a lot of sun?
Lemon Trees are a great low-maintenance plant and can grow perfectly even within your house! As a citrus variety, lemon trees require full sun, which means about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor growth, simply place them in front of a south-facing or sunny window.
How often do I water my lemon tree?
Water any newly planted lemon trees every other day for the first week, and then one or two times a week for two months. In the first two years of life, water new lemon trees every five days or so during dry periods. Water mature lemon trees only about every seven to 14 days when the season is dry.
Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are potentially toxic to canines in large amounts. Protect yourself and your pet.
Can I grow a lemon tree from a store bought lemon?
Depending on the cultivar, freshness of the seed and growing conditions, fruit production from seed-grown lemon trees can take from five to 15 years. Lemons from the grocery store can inexpensively provide seeds to grow lemon trees.
Which citrus tree is best for indoors?
Lemon trees A Meyer lemon is the “classic” indoor fruiting tree, according to Beyers and the rest of our experts.
How long does a lemon tree take to grow indoors?
Most lemon trees take 6-9 months to harvest after being successfully pollinated. Your lemon tree may produce fruit even if you don't pollinate it, but the fruit will be larger if it is pollinated.
Can you keep a Meyer lemon tree inside?
Did you know you can grow citrus indoors no matter where you live? The easiest citrus to grow indoors is the Meyer lemon. Meyer lemons are prized for their sweet flavor, a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon.
What is the easiest fruit to grow indoors?
12 Fruit Trees You Can Grow IndoorsMeyer Lemon. The Citrus × meyeri is a well known indoor citrus tree that produces deliciously sweet lemons. ... Calamondin Orange. The × Citrofortunella microcarpa is a hardy citrus that does especially well indoors. ... Goji Berries. ... Dwarf Banana. ... Avocado. ... Mulberry Tree. ... Kumquat. ... Apricot Tree.More items...•
How often should I water my lemon tree?
Since lemon trees need a lot of sunlight, they tend to dry out quickly. Check your lemon tree regularly—once it's dried out 2 inches below the soil...
Can I grow a lemon tree by planting the seeds from the lemon?
This method may grow into a tree, but the fruit will likely not resemble the parent fruit. Grafting is how most commercial lemons are propagated.
Should I use a stick to hold up the branch with fruit?
Providing a support for the heavy branch won’t hurt but it isn’t entirely necessary. The tree will be able to support itself and the growing fruit...
Which lemon tree is best for indoors?
Meyer lemon trees are the best and most adaptable tree for growing inside. They produce plenty of small or medium fruits and their maintenance level is more friendly for beginners. Pink variegated lemon trees also grow well indoors and are beginner-friendly.
What is the best way to grow lemons?
Plastic pots are ideal for lemon trees so you can move the plant around as the seasons (and light sources) change. Look for a plastic pot with plenty of depth to help your tree balance as it gets larger and produces fruits. The pot depth determines how large the lemon plant can grow.
How to keep lemons from getting stale?
Lemon trees naturally grow in humid climates. Placing a humidifier near the tree can keep the air from getting stale. Set the humidifier to at least 50% to give your plant enough moisture in the air. Misting your lemon tree with water several times a week or when it rains can also restore the plant's humidity levels.
How to get lemons to grow fruit?
1. Pollinate your lemon tree with a paintbrush. Because your tree won't have insects to spread its pollen around, you'll need to pollinate the plant manually for it to grow fruit. Rub the paintbrush against the plant's stamen and anthers, the pollen-covered buds around the middle of the plant's flowers.
How to keep lemon trees cool?
To imitate outdoor conditions, open a door or window near your plant in warm weather. If the air is too cold, set up a rotating fan near the lemon tree to help the air stay well-ventilated.
How much sunlight does a lemon tree need?
Lemon trees grow best when they have at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight. Choose a spot by a window where your plant will get direct sunlight all day. If you're in a location that doesn't get a lot of sun, set up a grow light near the plant and leave it on for up to 12 hours a day.
How to keep a tree from getting too humid?
Find a saucer large enough to fit beneath the container. Place a few pebbles or gravel on the saucer and add a little water before placing the container on the saucer and the pebbles. The water-filled saucer will help maintain a trace amount of humidity around your tree.
What to do if your apartment doesn't have a lot of light?
If your apartment doesn’t get a lot of light, Bullene recommends a grow light. “It promotes even growth, and citrus really can’t get too much light,” she explains. “The more they get, the more productive they are.”
How about fertilizer—since the tree won’t be outside, what should people do?
“This is when the tree will be most productive and could use the nutrient boost ,” explains Bullene. She uses an organic high nitrogen fertilizer that’s made specifically for citrus.
Are there any common afflictions that befall citrus trees?
Yes, and they’re called spider mites. These tiny critters (do yourself a favor and don’t Google their appearance) are apparently very common on indoor citrus trees. To fight them, Bullene says you need to keep a close eye on your plant for any early signs of webbing. To get rid of these pesky mites, clean the plant with horticultural soap and water.
What do lemon trees do to your home?
Lemon trees fill your home with fragrance and fruit.
How to keep lemons from growing in pots?
Like other citrus trees, lemons prefer cool roots, so avoid black pots and other dark colors that heat up in sunlight. Always use a deep saucer under your container to protect indoor floors from excess water.
What is the best vitamin for a lemon tree?
As a final step, treat your newly planted lemon tree to Pennington UltraGreen Plant Starter with Vitamin B1 , which provides micronutrients and reduces transplant shock.
What is the pink fruit on a dwarf lemon tree?
Dwarf Variegated Pink Lemonade – The green-and-yellow variegated fruit on this true lemon tree has pink flesh (but clear juice).
How much sunlight does a lemon tree need?
Light: For peak performance — from blooms to fruit — your indoor lemon tree needs close to eight hours of sunlight each day. The more light it gets, the better your results will be. Lemons generally do well in front of unobstructed south- or southwest-facing windows. You can also add artificial light if needed.
How tall do Meyer lemon trees grow?
Container size helps limit a tree's eventual height, but most indoor dwarf Meyer lemon trees grow to at least 3 to 4 feet tall. Other indoor varieties can grow to 6 feet or more. If you plan to grow a lemon tree from a seed, understand that the new tree won't be the same as the one the seed came from.
How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit?
When grown outdoors in warm climates, regular lemon trees grow 20 feet tall and take up to six years to bear fruit.1 For indoor lemons, you need a tree that stays small and delivers lemons sooner. Growers graft indoor lemon tree varieties onto special dwarfing roots that speed up fruit-bearing ability and keep trees small.
How should I care for a lemon tree indoors?
For example, as Gardening Know How explains, “I f the variety of lemon you are growing normally has a hardiness zone of 7, in a container the lemon tree will have a hardiness zone of 8 .” So, y ou’ll want to water and fertilize accordingly. W ater at least two or three times a week— sometimes daily during growing seasons — and make sure to soak the plant enough that you see water escape through the drain holes. Keeping the plant moist (but not soaked) will give the roots the right amount of hydration to keep the leaves healthy; y ou should never let the plant dry out completely.
What is the best pot for a lemon tree?
You don’t want the plant to sit in water because that can promote root rot. Terracotta pots are particularly good for drainage, but you can also use plastic or glazed pots with adequate drain holes.
How to plant apartment therapy?
Apartment Therapy recommends the planting pot be at least double the size of the root ball of the plant —that will give the roots enough room to grow and bear fruit. The soil should be a mix that drains well, too. If you make your own soil, A partment Therapy suggests emulating their natural soil by mixing equal parts potting mix and sand.
Can you grow a lemon tree in your home?
Having your own lemon tree at home is often a luxury we assume is reserved for people who live in citrus-friendly locales, like sunny California or humid Florida. However, that doesn’t mean those in the northeast, midwest, or other regions of the country can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of their own fresh-squeezed lemonade. With a little bit of attention, you can grow a lemon tree right inside your home.
How tall can a lemon tree grow?
Heights of around 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) can be expected for a lemon tree growing indoors. They also prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
What temperature do lemon trees need to be to survive?
Lemon trees thrive within a normal temperature range of about 70 F. (21 C.) throughout the day and 55 F. (13 C.) at night. Keep in mind that they will usually go into dormancy when temperatures fall below 55 F. (13 C.)
How to propagate lemons?
The majority find it easier to propagate lemons by rooting large cuttings. While seeds can be used, the seedlings are usually slow to bear.
Is it hard to grow lemons?
Growing a lemon tree isn’t that difficult. As long as you provide their basic needs, growing lemons can be a very rewarding experience.
Do lemon trees need sun?
Lemon trees need protection from frost. Growing them near the house should help with this. Lemon trees also require full sunlight for adequate growth. While lemon trees can tolerate a range of soils, including poor soil, most prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
How to grow papaya in the tropics?
Bring the tropics to your home by growing a papaya plant (Carica papaya). Choose a variety that produces both male and female flowers for the best yield without needing to grow two separate plants. Be patient with papaya, as it can take up to eight months for the fruit to mature. The plant needs full sun and moist soil. Use an all-purpose potting soil in the container.
Can a gardener grow her own fruit?
Gardening. By Emily Weller. A lack of space outside doesn't mean a gardener can't grow her own fruits. Some fruiting plants perform inside a small apartment, as long as they have access to food, water and light.
How much sunlight do lemon trees need?
Citrus trees can be a little trickier to take care of, but as long as you give it enough light (at least 8 to 12 hours of sunlight a day) and put it in a moist environment, you’re off to a good start.
What are the easiest plants to grow in an apartment?
Janet on September 20, 2019: The easiest plants to grow in an apartment are sprouts. Mung beans are the most common, but all beans and seeds will sprout. One of my favorites is lentils. Eat them in salads or butter-steam them with other vegetables. Look up instructions for growing sprouts on the Internet.
How to grow a glass plant from seed?
Place the glass on a well-lit windowsill and make sure to keep the water topped up. In a few weeks, roots will have sprouted from the pit, and it’s ready to be planted into a pot of soil. Once you’ve planted the seed, leave the pot in a sunny place and water it lightly but frequently.
What to plant in an apartment?
Herbs. Herbs don’t take up a lot of space, and many are fragrant, which makes them a great option to plant in your apartment. Basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, or even ginger are all great options if you love cooking with herbs but have a hard time stomaching the steep prices in the grocery store.
Can you grow tomatoes in a pot?
Tomatoes. Tomatoes don’t need a big backyard. You can grow tomatoes in a pot as well! Just make sure to choose a pot that’s at least six inches wide, make sure it’s kept in a warm spot and gets at least twelve hours of light a day. pinterest-pin-it. Microgreens.
Can you grow plants in an apartment?
You can grow plants inside your apartment; here are a few good choices!
Can you grow oyster mushrooms in an apartment?
Mushrooms. Typically, you wouldn’t want to find mushrooms growing in your apartment. But edible mushrooms make delicious additions to any recipe. Shiitake mushrooms and Pearl Oyster mushrooms are two of the easier varieties you can grow at home.
What lemon tree is best for containers?
Still, it is best to seek out dwarf varieties of lemon trees. Some lemon tree varieties that do best in containers are: Meyer Improved dwarf. Lisbon. Ponderosa dwarf. When growing lemon trees in containers, the needs are very similar to lemon trees growing in the ground.
What is the hardiness zone of a lemon tree?
A lemon tree in a container has a hardiness zone that is one zone higher than the USDA recommended zone. So for example, if the variety of lemon you are growing normally has a hardiness zone of 7, in a container the lemon tree will have a hardiness zone of 8.
Do lemon trees have sucker branches?
Lemon trees growing in containers are more susceptible to sucker branches. These are branches that grow from the scion or root stock of the plant. Many times, in order to grow a hardier tree, nurseries will grow the desired tree on a hardy root. Under stress, the root stock will try to take over the tree. If you see a sucker branch grow ...
Can you grow lemons in a pot?
Regardless of how well you take care of your container lemon tree, growing in a pot will be more stressful on the plant. You will need to keep an eye out for unique problems that container grown lemon trees can have.
Do lemon trees need water?
The lemon trees will need good drainage, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. They will also need consistent and regular watering. If the container where the lemon tree is growing is allowed to dry out, the leaves of the lemon tree will fall off. Fertilizer is also key to growing a healthy lemon tree in a pot.
Can lemon trees dry out?
As already mentioned, allowing your lemon tree to dry out will cause more damage to it if it is grown in a container than if it was grown in the ground.
Can you prune a lemon tree in a container?
While a lemon tree in the ground can take mild frost and cold, a lemon tree in a container cannot.
