Lemon trees are mainly planted in pots. Here's how and when to repot your lemon tree.
The cold-sensitive lemon tree (Citrus x limon) is usually cultivated in pots in our latitudes. In the ground, trees typically develop a dense, sprawling network of roots about the size of their crown. No wonder, then, that a potted lemon tree quickly reaches the limits of its pot.
When repotting, the pot or tub is not only enlarged by one level, giving the roots more space. The fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil that gets into the pot in this way is also particularly important for the lemon. Regular repotting is therefore an important measure to create new space for the roots and to ensure the supply of nutrients.
When do you repot lemon trees?
Young lemons are fast-growing and should get a new pot and fresh soil every year up to the age of five. With increasing age, however, it is not necessary to move the tree to a new pot every year. Older, weaker lemon trees should only be transplanted every two to three years if the existing substrate has been completely rooted. The right time to repot the lemon tree is in spring. From March to April, repot your lemons in the winter quarters, as this is when the Mediterranean plant begins to grow. At this time the tree gradually awakens from its hibernation and the supply of nutrients from fresh potting soil supports leaf and flower formation.
Tip: The lemon tree should not be placed outdoors until mid-May. Before that, the spring temperatures are too cool and there is a risk of late frost.
Repot a lemon tree: Instructions
Repotting lemons is not complicated and can be done quickly. When choosing a pot, you should remember that pots made of clay are betterRetain moisture, but become increasingly difficult to handle as they grow in size. A pot made of lightweight plastic is therefore a good alternative for heavy, old lemon trees, even if the clay does not retain water. But which pot size should you choose for repotting?
Basically, it is important that the lemon gets a pot that is a third larger than the root ball. There should be a hand’s breadth between the pot wall and the roots on all sides. Above all, it is crucial that the tree is not placed deeper than in the previous vessel. The pot should also have good drainage. An approximately 5 cm high drainage layer made of expanded clay, sand or gravel at the bottom of the pot also improves water drainage and prevents waterlogging.
Repot a lemon tree - step by step:
- Choose a larger, new pot with good drainage.
- Fill a 5 cm drainage layer of gravel, expanded clay or sand and a hand's breadth of fresh potting soil on top.
- The root ball is carefully removed from the old planter.
- Fluff up the root ball with your fingers. Soil that is not rooted is allowed to fall away. Damaged or diseased roots are cut out.
- The root ball is placed in the middle of the new pot. Fill in the gaps with fresh substrate and press lightly all around.
- Finally, the lemon is watered.
Repot a lemon tree: Which soil is best?
The easiest way to get a suitable substrate for your lemon tree is to buy special citrus soil. Good substrate for citrus plants can also be easily mixed by yourself. A high-quality potting soil, such as our Plantura organic universal soil, contains essential nutrients and promotes root growth thanks to the high compost content. To increase water permeability, you will also need sand, perlite, expanded clay or clay granules. Mix the two components in an approximate 2:1 ratio.
After repotting the lemon tree, you should start fertilizing about four to six weeks later. After this time, the lemon has established itself in the new pot and has already formed fresh roots. A primarily organic liquid fertilizer, such as our Plantura Organic Citrus & Mediterranean Fertilizer, can be easily applied via the irrigation water. Fertilize yoursLemon trees about once a week until September to keep them well fed.
Tip: If the lemon tree has not been repotted, you should generally wait until the leaves have sprout before applying the first fertilizer.
In spring, the lemon will soon begin to sprout and fruit. A good supply of nutrients is particularly important during this time for he althy plants and a rich harvest. For more tips on how to fertilize your lemon tree, see our feature article.