What are the ideal conditions for growing a lemon tree?

Position:

For the best results, plant a lemon tree in a frost-free, hot spot in the garden where it will receive at least 8 hours a day of sunshine and day time temperatures that range between 15-30°C. Add a good mixture of compost to the hole when planting and sprinkle bone meal over the soil occasionally. A tip from experienced gardeners is to a few lumps of crushed charcoal to the hole when planting a lemon tree to sweeten the soil.

Watering:

Water lemon trees regularly in the period when they are flowering and setting fruit, which is from July/ August, to about march. If there is no rain, drench the roots of a lemon tree every three weeks.

Young lemon trees do well with a dose of balanced fertilizer in July, December and March. Start by giving the tree about 1 kg over a year and then gradually increase the amount until the tree is getting 7 kg per salts 3 times a year. Spread a thick layer of mulch on the roots, but keep the mulch away from the stem of the tree.

Pruning:

Pruning is very important:

• Aim to have 4 – 6 well orientated scaffold branches by the 1st year of bearing.
• Use many lighter cuts, rather then a few heavy cuts.
• Light should be able to penetrate the canopy of the tree, as high light levels increase sprouting improve fruit colour and sugar content.
• Prune, by trimming branches after fruiting. Every year, remove extra scaffold branches, crossed branches and thorny water shoots, as well as any suckers.