In order for the Mediterranean tree to grow successfully here too, there are a few things to consider. We show what is important when planting a lemon tree.

The way to your first lemon starts with the right planting

Now you finally have your first lemon tree (Citrus x limon), but what to do with the exotic plant? It helps to look at the areas of origin and cultivation: Lemon trees come from the warm regions of the world. The climate is subtropical or Mediterranean, the sun is relentless and rain is a valuable commodity. And this is exactly how the lemon imagines its life with you: sunny, warm, mild in winter and now and then a portion of water.

So that you can meet the requirements of your lemon tree as much as possible, even though you live neither in the Mediterranean nor in the subtropics, the planting is an essential point that you should deal with. Because when, how and where you plant, you should adapt exactly to the needs of the plant. Substrate and location in particular play a decisive role here.

You can find more plants for a Mediterranean garden in this post.

When to plant the lemon tree?

Transplant your lemon tree at the start of the new growing season. The best time is in spring, as soon as the lemon leaves its winter quarters and starts the new season. Because being transplanted is a big transition for lemon trees - like for other plants. Therefore, lemon trees grow particularly well after repotting to adapt to the new conditions.

The perfect location for the lemon tree

The fruits of the lemon tree shine bright yellow. But for the acidic citrus fruits to develop, the tree needs as much direct sun as possible. The perfect location for the plant is therefore outdoors in full sun. However, the plant should be protected from wind and weather. For example, a good spot for your lemon tree could be near a wall. Stone walls also offer the advantage that they radiate the heat stored during the day even on cool nights. Keep your lemon tree indoors, then give it the brightest light availablestanding place by the window.

In the cold months, the lemon tree needs an appropriate winter home. It is particularly important that the winter quarters are frost-free and as bright as possible. You can read more about overwintering lemon trees in our dedicated article on the subject.

Your search for the best location will sooner or later reward the plant with its juicy fresh fruits

Tip: In addition to the lemon tree, some other plants can be kept as edible houseplants.

The right substrate for the lemon tree

So that the roots of the lemon tree can develop optimally, the plant has three requirements: the substrate should be slightly acidic, the soil should contain sufficient nutrients and good water permeability should be ensured. Commercially available citrus soil fulfills all of these points. Alternatively, you can easily mix a suitable substrate yourself by mixing low-lime garden soil or compost with a little sand.

Instructions for planting lemon trees in tubs

You don't need any technical expertise to plant your lemon tree. It is particularly important that the new pot is not too big so that the root ball remains nice and compact. Also, be sure to put a drainage layer in the pot, otherwise waterlogging could become a serious problem later.

  • Choose a new pot that has a drainage hole for excess water and is about two inches wider than the old pot
  • Put a layer of gravel in the pot for drainage
  • Carefully pull the root ball out of the old planter
  • Fluff up the root ball with your fingers. Soil that is not rooted is allowed to fall off
  • Place the root ball in the middle of the new pot
  • Fill in the gaps with fresh substrate and gently press the tree
  • Now add a little water - and your lemon tree is ready to be repotted
Since lemon trees would not survive our Central German winters, they should be kept in pots and tubs in this country

Plant the lemon tree in the bed

Cold winters and frost are conditions that lemon trees cannot stand at all. Accordingly, it is difficult to keep a lemon tree outdoors all year round. Of course, there are also places with a mild climate in German-speaking countries, mainly in the wine-growing regions. But here, too, the temperatures regularly drop below in winter-2°C And from this temperature lemon trees are damaged. If you still want to keep a lemon tree outdoors, you should switch to other citrus tree species. Maybe the juicy Yuzu (Citrus x junos) or the pretty Ichang-Papeda (Citrus ichangensis) good alternatives? After all, both survive down to -10 °C without damage.

Care for the lemon tree after planting

In order to enable the lemon tree to get used to it as quickly and smoothly as possible, you should of course take good care of it immediately after transplanting. You can find out how to properly repot lemon trees and how to fertilize lemons in our special articles.

Tip: The Plantura Organic Citrus & Mediterranean Fertilizer is ideal for fertilizing lemon trees in pots. The liquid fertilizer can be easily administered over the irrigation water and ensures strengthened roots and resistant plants.

Category:

Fruit