The yellow fruits of the lemon tree bring Mediterranean flair to our gardens. You can find out when, how and with what to fertilize the lemon tree here.
The lemon tree (Citrus x limon) with its bright yellow fruits is one of the most popular citrus plants among the rue family (Rutaceae). Due to its sensitivity to cold, the lemon tree is cultivated almost exclusively in planters in our latitudes. The supply of nutrients in the plant pot is limited, which is why the lemon tree needs additional fertilization in addition to fresh soil if it is repotted regularly. But which fertilizer is suitable for lemons? When and how often should the lemon tree be fertilized? We have summarized the answers to these questions for you in the following article.
When do you fertilize a lemon tree?
The lemon tree is only fertilized during the growth phase, because this is when the nutrients are well absorbed and metabolized. The growth of the lemon depends primarily on the temperature and the light conditions. The first fertilization takes place between April and May for shoot growth and new growth of the young leaves. If the lemon tree is repotted and gets fresh potting soil, it only has to be fertilized for the first time after a few weeks. You can find out more about this in our article on when and how to repot a lemon tree. Fertilize regularly during the flowering and fruiting periods in the summer months. As soon as the lemon tree stops growing in autumn, you should stop fertilizing because the plants hardly absorb any nutrients from the soil at low temperatures. Over-fertilization of the substrate during the dormant phase in winter should be avoided in order to protect the roots.
Summary: When to Fertilize the Lemon Tree?
- First fertilization at the beginning of leaf sprouting from April.
- If repotted, fertilization is only necessary a few weeks later.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season until October.
Recognizing deficiency symptoms in the lemon tree
OnA lack of nutrients is likely if you have not fertilized your lemon tree or only rarely and have not repotted it for a long time. The most common deficiency symptom in citrus plants is chlorosis of young leaves due to iron deficiency. The leaf veins usually remain green. In the case of an acute deficiency, iron fertilizers are administered most effectively via foliar fertilization. You can find more information on the procedure and suitable products for iron fertilization in our special article.
In addition to iron, deficiencies in nitrogen, magnesium and other nutrients can also be responsible for the yellowing. It is therefore all the more important to use fertilizer that is tailored to the needs and can prevent such a deficiency. The reasons for the deficiency can also lie elsewhere. In our article on the subject of yellow leaves on lemon trees, we look at the various causes of chlorosis and give you tips to make your lemon shine in rich green again.
Tip: Calcareous tap water for watering lemon trees can increase the pH value in the soil and thus inhibit iron absorption, for example. It is therefore best to water your citrus plant with rainwater or stagnant water and leave behind the lime that has settled on the ground. Together with optimal fertilization, deficiency symptoms - such as chlorosis - can be avoided in this way.
Fertilize the lemon tree: how and with what?
When fertilizing lemon trees, the most important thing is the right combination of nutrients. The plant mainly needs nitrogen (N) for growth, small amounts of phosphate (P) for flowering and potassium (K) for fruit formation and plant he alth. The ideal fertilizer should contain a comparably high proportion of nitrogen and potassium. The required amount of phosphate is usually already present in the soil, in fertilizers it should be contained in significantly lower amounts than N and K. A suitable fertilizer for lemons is also characterized by the addition of micronutrients such as boron (B), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe).
Fertilize lemon trees organically: Instructions
More and more gardeners are choosing organic fertilizers. The use of these near-natural, natural fertilizers for lemon trees offers many advantages, such as:
- Careful mode of action without danger to soil organisms or over-fertilization.
- Activation and Promotionof microorganisms in the soil.
- Environmentally friendly and resource-friendly by dispensing with chemical synthesis compared to mineral fertilizers.
Our primarily organic Plantura organic citrus & Mediterranean fertilizer meets all of these criteria and is ideal for fertilizing your lemon tree. The production from completely animal-free residues from the food, luxury food and animal feed industries uses existing resources. In addition, the liquid fertilizer for lemon trees, olives and co. comes to you in a largely recycled bottle. Of course, optimal fertilization is not just about the ideal composition, but also about the right amount of nutrients. The mainly organic liquid fertilizer can be used during the growth phase of the lemon from April to October. Depending on the size and needs of the plant, the fertilizer should be added to the irrigation water and applied weekly to every two weeks. 15 to 25 ml of the liquid fertilizer are required for 5 liters of water.
Fertilize the lemon tree with minerals
In addition to organic fertilizers, there is also a large selection of mineral fertilizers. The nutrients in these artificial fertilizers are in their pure, water-soluble form and can be absorbed directly by the plant. The use of blue grain and Co. provides a quick nutrient boost, but also has some disadvantages. Mineral fertilizers rapidly increase the s alt concentration in the substrate or soil. Sensitive plants are damaged at the roots and can die. If mineral fertilizers are washed out into the deeper layers of soil by downpours faster than they are absorbed by the plants, they can lead to increased nitrate pollution in the groundwater there. The high amount of energy required for production and the often environmentally damaging extraction of raw materials also do not speak in favor of using artificial fertilisers.
Fertilize the lemon tree with coffee grounds and co.
If you prefer to use natural fertilizers in your garden, there are various options here as well. Soil life in the bucket is limited. Therefore, the funds should be well matured and the nutrients should be available for plants. Mature compost or nettle brew can be easily made by yourself and can make an important contribution to fertilizing your lemon tree. Nettle manure and other plant brews often contain numerous minerals andundiluted can also keep annoying pests such as aphids (Aphidoidea) away.
Another popular natural fertilizer is a waste product in many households almost every day: fertilizing with dried coffee grounds brings a lot of nitrogen and phosphate into the soil. It can be sprinkled on the ground or added to the irrigation water. Due to its high acidity, however, coffee grounds should only be used on the lemon tree infrequently - i.e. once or twice a year - in low doses.
When temperatures drop in autumn, it's time to start thinking about overwintering the lemon tree. We give you tips on which quarters are suitable and how to care for the citrus plant in winter.