How To Grow A Lemon Tree In A Pot In New Zealand

Growing A Lemon Tree In A Pot

Growing a lemon tree in a pot can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially if you love the idea of fresh lemons right from your patio or balcony. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these guides will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully pot a lemon tree and care for it.

Why Grow A Lemon Tree In A Pot?

Growing a lemon tree in a pot is an excellent option for those who have limited space, live in cooler climates, or simply enjoy container gardening. Potted lemon trees can thrive indoors or outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing scent of citrus blossoms and the satisfaction of harvesting your own lemons.

Space Efficiency

• Potted lemon trees are perfect for urban dwellers or anyone with limited garden space. You can place them on a sunny balcony, patio, or even indoors near a bright window.

Mobility and Climate Control

• A lemon tree in a pot can be easily moved to protect it from harsh weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a region with cold winters, as you can bring the tree indoors to shield it from frost.

Decorative Appeal

• A potted lemon tree adds a touch of greenery and elegance to any space. The glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, and vibrant fruits make it a beautiful focal point in your home or garden.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

When selecting a pot for your lemon tree, consider the following factors:

• Size: Choose a pot that is at least 45-60 cm in diameter and depth. This size will provide enough room for the roots to grow and ensure stability for the tree.
• Material: Terracotta pots are a popular choice because they are porous and allow for better air circulation, but plastic or ceramic pots can work well too.
• Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.

The Ideal Soil Mix

Lemon trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Be sure to use a commercial potting mix designed for citrus or create your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.

Planting Your Lemon Tree

You can use any variety of lemon tree when growing it in a pot. Some people will say to use a dwarf variety only. The fact is there are no true dwarf varieties and when a lemon tree is grown in a pot, it will be dwarfed anyway. We call this the bonsai effect as when the roots are constrained, so too is the foliage growth. The Plant Company recommends the Meyer Lemon for pots as this is not only a popular variety, but is also hardy at the same time.

Potting the Lemon Tree

1. Fill the pot about one-third full with the prepared soil mix.
2. Carefully remove the lemon tree from its nursery pot and gently loosen any bound roots. You don’t need to cut or tear them apart as this actually causes injury to the plant. Place it in the centre of the pot.
3. Add more soil around the roots, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Ensure the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot.
4. Give the newly potted tree a deep watering to help settle the soil.

NB: Do not place any fertiliser in the hole with the plant. Rather, scatter indoor plant fertiliser on the soil surface after planting.

Caring for Your Potted Lemon Tree

There are a few things to get right for your tree to flourish:

• Lemon trees prefer consistently moist soil but do not like to sit in water. Water the tree deeply when the top 25 mm of soil feels dry. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule based on the season and climate.
• Make sure the tree is positioned so it gets sun or large amounts of indirect light. If the leaves start to yellow or drop, that is a sign that it needs more light.
• Feed your lemon tree with indoor plant fertiliser every six months.
• Prune your lemon tree regularly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. This will also improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which are vital for healthy growth.
• Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insect. Use an insecticide to address any issues. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding any over-watering will help to prevent diseases like root rot and fungal infections.
• If you live in a region with cold winters, bring your potted lemon tree indoors before the first frost.