How big of a pot does a lemon tree need?
When potting a Meyer lemon tree (or repotting a tree that has grown too large for its container), use a container that is at least 12 to 15 inches in height and holds five gallons or more. Make certain that the container has plenty of drainage holes. Do lemon trees like to be pot bound?
How big does a Meyer lemon tree get?
Native to China, Meyer lemon trees are naturally shrub-like but can easily be pruned into true tree form. When planted in the ground, they can grow up to 10 feet tall, though when grown in garden pots they'll generally be smaller and grow accordingly with the size of the pot.
Can you grow Meyer lemons in pots?
Growing Meyer lemon trees in garden pots is a rewarding experience. Not only are they prolific fruit producers, but the blossoms are also incredibly fragrant and beautiful. The Meyer lemon fruit is also sweeter than the fruit of other lemons. Even their thin skins are tasty and great for cooking.
What kind of planter do you need for a lemon tree?
You’ll need to start by selecting a planter that will be large enough to support your developing lemon tree. Barrels planters, grow bags, and giant flower pots are all excellent choices since they allow the roots to spread and develop in a vast amount of space. How big of a pot do I need for a Meyer lemon tree?
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How big should a pot be for a lemon tree?
Choosing Containers for Citrus Trees For small trees, a 12-inch-diameter container — what nurseries call a 5-gallon pot — is perfect for starters. Mature trees need pots double that width and at least 18 to 24 inches deep. This gives roots growing room and prevents tippy, top-heavy trees.
What kind of pot is best for Meyer lemon tree?
How to pot a Meyer lemon tree for indoor growthFor a 2-3 year old tree, use a 5 gallon plastic pot about 12-15” in height with good drainage.Create a potting mixture of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 potting soil, and 1/3 perlite that will fill the pot.More items...•
Do Meyer lemon trees grow well in pots?
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.
What kind of pots do lemon trees like?
The best pot for a lemon tree is a terra cotta or unglazed ceramic pot with drainage holes. Lemon trees thrive in well-drained soil, and the type of pot you choose can be instrumental in promoting good drainage and preventing root rot.
Do lemon trees need big pots?
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.
How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit?
How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit? The amount of time it takes depends on how the tree was grown. A grafted tree can bear fruit in as little as two years, while seed-grown Meyer lemon trees can take anywhere from three to seven years to produce fruit.
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.
Do Meyer lemon trees need full sun?
Sunlight: Lemon trees need eight hours of direct sun per day. You can get away with six, especially during the winter off-season, but bright light is required for good fruit production.
How often should I water my Meyer lemon tree?
Watering Check on your soil once a week. If it feels dry to the touch 2 inches below the surface, it's time for more water. Slowly pour water into the pot and count to 20, or wait until you see water running out of the bottom of the pot. Generally, Meyer Lemon Trees need water every one to two weeks.
How many drainage holes does a lemon tree need?
Four to five large (3/4"-1") holes are the minimum necessary for adequate drainage. Select a pot that makes it easy to inspect your tree or re-pot if needed.
What is the best potting soil for lemon trees?
The best type of soil for container grown citrus is a potting mix with a combination of compost, coconut coir or peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite.
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.
What type of pot is best for citrus trees?
terra cottaSelect plastic, terra cotta, or wooden containers. Be sure they have adequate drainage holes. Plastic containers are the lightest weight and easiest to move in and outdoors with the seasons. However, the glazed terra cotta containers look more attractive when the plants are being grown indoors as houseplants.
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.
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.
How long can a lemon tree stay in a pot?
How Long Do Lemon Trees live In Containers? Lemon trees can live almost as long in containers as in the ground. For long container life, repot the tree into a larger container every one to one-and-a-half years.
How to Plant a Lemon Tree in a Container
When you grow a lemon tree in a pot, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, container lemon trees will not get as large as lemon trees grown in the ground. Still, it is best to seek out dwarf varieties of lemon trees. Some lemon tree varieties that do best in containers are:
Common Problems with Growing Lemon Trees in Containers
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.
Benefits
Cultivation
- Though Meyer lemon trees are naturally shrub-like, they can also be pruned into tree form. When planted in the ground, they can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall and up to 12 feet wide. When grown in garden pots, your plant will be smaller and grow accordingly with the size of the pot. Meyer lemon trees will thrive if you provide the right conditions. C...
Culture
- All citrus trees love the sun, and the more the better. When your plant is inside, give it as much light as possible. This can be done by placing it in a sunny, southwest-facing window, or by setting it under grow lights or shop lights fitted with one cool and one warm bulb.
Risks
- Be careful about giving the tree too much direct sun as this can burn your plant. If all else is handled well, you might be able to keep your lemon alive with enough bright, indirect sun as well.
Climate
- Meyer lemon trees are happiest in temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That means unless you live in USDA zones 9 to 11, you should bring your Meyer lemon tree inside when temperatures start regularly dipping below 50 degrees.
Environment
- Indoors, citrus trees do best with humidity levels of 50 percent and above. If you don't have a humid enough spot indoors, fill a tray with rocks and pour water to just below the top of the rocks. Place the pot on top of the rocks and humidity will rise up around the plant.
Preparation
- Repot in a five-gallon or larger container that is at least 12 to 15 inches in height and has good drainage. Fill the pot partway with potting mixture, remove the tree from its original container and fluff the roots if they are matted. Place the tree in the center of the pot and fill in with potting mixture just to where the crown of the roots is still visible. Firmly but gently press the soil down …
Prevention
- Periodically pruning your Meyer lemon tree is important both for structuring the plant so that it fits in your space, and so that the branches can support the fruit as it emerges. Cut back long leads as they develop (these branches typically do not produce fruit) so that the side branches can fill out and strengthen to hold the fruit. If you keep your lemon tree indoors for the winter, your fruit can …