Repotting Lemon Trees: When Do You Repot Lemon Trees
Growing your own lemon tree is possible even if you don’t live in Florida. Just grow the lemon in a container. Container growing makes it possible to have fresh lemons in almost any climate. Lemon trees grown in pots do eventually outgrow their containers. When do you repot lemon trees? Read on to find out when the best time to repot lemon trees is as well as how to repot a lemon tree.
When Do You Repot Lemon Trees?
If you have been vigilant about watering and fertilizing your container grown lemon tree but the leaves are dropping or browning and there is evidence of twig dieback, you might want to think about repotting the lemon tree.
Another sure sign that you need to repot is if you see the roots growing out of the drainage holes. A lemon tree will generally need to be repotted every three to four years. At this juncture, you have two options. You can transplant the tree into a larger container or lift it out, prune the roots, and repot it in the same container with fresh soil.
The choice is yours. Remember that the ultimate size of the lemon is directly related to the size of the container, so if you want a larger tree, it’s time to get a bigger pot.
When you have ascertained that you are going to repot rather than prune the roots of the plant, plan to repot in the spring when the tree is gearing up for new growth. When it is actively in its growth phase it will establish more quickly in a new container.
How to Repot a Lemon Tree
There’s no great mystery to repotting lemon trees. Choose a container that is 25% larger than the one it is currently in. Fill the new pot ¼ full with potting soil and water the soil until moist and any excess drains from the drainage holes.
Using a trowel or hori hori, loosen the soil around the root ball and the container. When you feel you have loosened the tree from the pot enough, grasp the tree near the base and lift it out of the container. This is sometimes a two person job, one to hold the tree and one to pull the pot downward.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Check the root system. If there are roots that are encircling the root ball entirely, slice through them with a sterile knife. If you fail to do so, they may constrict the root ball as it grows and kill the tree off.
Set the tree atop the soil in the new pot, adjusting the depth of the soil so the root ball sits a couple inches (5 cm.) beneath the rim of the container. Fill in around the roots with more soil until the tree is potted at the same depth it was in its old pot.
Water the tree thoroughly to allow the soil to settle. If need be, add more soil. That’s it; you’re done and ready to enjoy another few years of fresh-squeezed lemonade made from your very own lemons.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
5 Plastic Products To Avoid In Your Garden – And How You Can Embrace Plastic Reduction
The less plastic we use, the healthier our planet will be. Here are some big plastic gardening products to avoid, plus some alternatives.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Small Trees For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal Without Dominating The House
Discover the best small trees for front yards, which make an impact in multiple seasons without overshadowing the rest of the yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Eureka Pink Lemon Tree: How To Grow Variegated Pink Lemon Trees
Fans of the quirky and unusual will love the Eureka pink lemon tree. These plants are beautiful and unique versions of the standard lemon tree. This little oddity produces flesh with a fascinating characteristic. Click here for tips on how to grow variegated pink lemon.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Soft Lemon Fruit – Why Container Grown Lemons Have Gone Soft
Lemon trees produce marvelous fruit that is equally at home in sweet and savory recipes. But what happens if your lemons have gone soft? Lemons may get soft before they are ripe – be it soft lemons on a tree or soft lemon fruit that occurs during storage. Learn why here.
By Amy Grant
-
Lemon Blossom Drop – Why Is My Lemon Tree Losing Flowers
Environmental consistency is essential to flower and fruit set of lemon trees. Any sudden change can cause fruit or flower drop on lemon trees. Have you found yourself wondering: why is my lemon tree losing flowers? Click on this article for more information.
By Darcy Larum
-
Transplanting A Lemon Tree – Best Time To Transplant Lemon Trees
Lemon tree transplanting is a tricky prospect. Find out when the right time is to transplant lemon trees and other helpful information of lemon tree transplanting in this article before you take on this task. Click here for additional information.
By Amy Grant
-
No Flowers On Lemon Tree – Tips For Getting Lemon Trees To Bloom
Growing lemons is a tricky business, as one wrong move and you?ll find all your effort has been for nothing. Getting lemons to bloom is about balancing the plant?s needs. Learn about the various pieces in the blooming puzzle in this article.
By Kristi Waterworth
-
Yellow Lemon Tree Foliage – Why Did Lemon Tree Leaves Turn Yellow
Lemon trees are a great addition to the landscape, but sometimes your trees will develop problems like yellow leaves. This common issue can result from several different causes, but most are simple to correct. Click here to learn more about yellow lemon tree foliage.
By Kristi Waterworth
-
Sweet Lemon Information: Tips On Growing Sweet Lemon Plants
There are a number of lemon trees out that claim to be sweet and, confusingly, several of them are just called "sweet lemon." One such sweet lemon fruit tree is called Citrus ujukitsu. Find out how to grow Citrus ujukitsu trees in this article.
By Amy Grant
-
Lemon Tree Companions: Tips For Planting Under Lemon Trees
Planting under lemon trees can reduce weeds, enhance soil fertility, and reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. You can also create a handy "kitchen garden" where herbs and other edible plants complement the recipes in which you use lemons. Learn more here.
By Bonnie L. Grant