For climatic reasons the cultivation of the lemon tree in open ground is sometimes compromised. Fortunately it is possible to grow it in a pot.
A plant not very hardy
Although the lemon tree is given to support temperatures up to -7°C, it remains very fragile and can be cultivated in the open ground only in the zone known as "the orange tree". Everywhere else, it is preferable to grow it in pots in order to winter it out of the frost during the cold season.
Some parameters must be taken into account to ensure a good success and perhaps taste its acidulous fruits.
Planting the lemon tree in a pot
The lemon tree hates to have its roots constantly soggy so the substrate dedicated to it should be well draining.
- Choose a large container or a pot preferably in terra cotta with holes or in wood to let the air circulate freely. The container should have a hole in the bottom to ensure good water drainage.
- Place a thick layer of gravel or clay balls equivalent to about 20% of the volume of the pot at the bottom.
- Make up a mixture of good potting soil, compost and medium-grained river sand.
- Spread a layer of this mixture on the bottom of the pot and place your lemon tree in it so that the grafting point protrudes slightly from the surface of the pot because it should never be buried.
- Fill in the empty spaces with the mixture and pack around the plant.
- Water copiously to eliminate any air bubbles in the soil.
- If necessary, add more mixture to the surface.
Maintenance of the lemon tree in pot
Often placed on a terrace during the summer, the lemon tree is subject to strong evaporation. Like all citrus trees, it needs very regular watering during this season to grow optimally. The mixture should never dry out completely between two waterings in summer, but be careful not to leave any stagnant water in the cup! Add "special citrus" fertilizer once a month to ensure good fruiting.
From autumn onwards, the lemon tree will be wintered in a very bright and frost-free location. The ideal temperature should be between 8 and 12°C. The watering will be more spaced and it will be possible to let the soil dry between two of them.
After the harvest, it will be possible to prune the lemon tree. Cut the dead branches at their base and remove the one that crosses inside the frame to let in a maximum of light. In spring, pinch off the ends of branches to keep a compact habit and ensure good branching.
