Lemon Tree Care
Everything you need to know about caring for the lemon tree (Citrus limon): location, watering, feeding and – very important – frost-free overwintering.
Lemon Tree (Citrus limon) care
Lemon tree care tips in brief
| Guarantee | Fresh from the grower | |
| Delivery type | Outdoor plant delivered in nursery pot | |
| Latin name | Citrus limon | |
| Location | Full sun | |
| Water requirements | Approximately 2-3 times per week | |
| Toxic | Mildly toxic if ingested | |
| Winter hardiness | Not winter hardy, overwinter frost-free (5-10°C) | |
| Maintenance | Medium | |
| Fruit | Bears lemons after about 3 years |
“The lemon tree (Citrus limon) has stood on Italian and Spanish squares for centuries in large terracotta pots, where the scent of the blossom can be smelled far down the street. Give it a sunny summer outdoors and a cool winter indoors, and with a little patience you'll one day pick your own lemon.”
Frequently asked questions about the lemon tree
Quick answers to the most common questions about overwintering, watering, feeding and pruning.
Is the lemon tree winter hardy and how do I overwinter it?
No, the lemon tree (Citrus limon) isn't winter hardy in the Dutch and Belgian climate: even light night frost can damage the tree. Bring it indoors before the first night frost, to a cool, bright spot of around 5-10°C, such as a conservatory, unheated garage or draught-free room. Give hardly any water and no feed in winter, and only put the tree back outside after the last night frost, usually from mid-May.
Why is my lemon tree losing leaves?
Leaf loss in a lemon tree is usually caused by incorrect overwintering: too warm and too dark, draughts, or too sudden a transition from outdoors to indoors. Place the tree somewhere cool (5-10°C) and bright, and most leaves will come back on their own after a while.
Why does my lemon tree have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves with green veins often indicate iron deficiency (chlorosis), a common problem with citrus plants. Give special citrus feed with iron and check that the soil isn't too wet or too chalky.
How often should I water my lemon tree?
During the growing season you should water about 2 to 3 times a week, especially if the tree is in a pot. Let the top few centimetres of soil dry out slightly between waterings, and never let water stand in the saucer, that quickly leads to root rot.
When do I prune my lemon tree?
The best time to prune your lemon tree is after winter, just before the new growing season begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and prune for a nice, compact shape. Remove no more than a third of the crown at a time.
When does my lemon tree bear fruit?
A lemon tree usually blooms from March to June with fragrant white blossom. With a grafted tree, like most lemon trees you buy, the first small fruits follow after a few years. From flowering it then takes about 9 to 12 months before a lemon is fully ripe.
Is the lemon tree toxic to pets?
The leaves and peel of the lemon tree contain substances that are mildly toxic if ingested and can cause irritation. The fruit itself isn't toxic, but make sure dogs and cats don't eat too many leaves or too much peel.
