Lemon, rich in Vitamin C, forms an integral part of our daily kitchen needs. So, why not have it as domestic produce? A lemon tree is an easy-to-grow, non-fussy friend of garden lovers. With little care, it’s a delight to have it flourish in our kitchen garden. India proudly grows the most lemons in the world and exports them to other nations like Thailand, Japan, and Bangladesh. The size of Indian species is, however, not as large as found in other nations.
Lemon Varieties
We should choose the variety that is suitable for our climate and space. Kagzi lemon is known for its thin-skinned, juicy lemons, superior flavor, and its adaptability to various climatic conditions in India. Seedless varieties and those that bear fruit through the year are much in demand. Seedless lemon varieties often grow faster and bear fruit in about two years. Balaji, Vikram, Pramalini, PKM, NRCC-8, PhuleSharbati, and SaiSharbati are high-yielding varieties. Pat Nebu, Nepali round, and oblong are other commonly grown varieties. Some prefer to grow Chinese lemons, which are much smaller in size and look ornamental.
Choosing the Sapling
If you are unsure about which variety to buy, visit a nursery and choose the lemon sapling that has a healthy main stem and is either flowering or fruiting. This will indicate that it is suitable for your region. Seed-grown saplings take about 6-7 years to produce fruit, so one should always opt for grafted or air-layered saplings
Soil
The lemon tree grows well in rich and well-drained soil having about 40 percent organic manure or fertilizer. Heavy clay soil can suffocate the roots and hamper the growth of the plant. Light loamy soil allows the tap roots to penetrate deep and remain aerated. If your soil is clayey and heavy, sand and compost can be added to improve drainage and fertility. It prefers acidic to neutral soil in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Container
Lemon is best grown in the ground, but for city dwellers, space crunch necessitates them to grow it in a pot. Lemon tree spreads its branches and roots wide; therefore, it is recommended to grow it in a 16–18 inch wide pot. If the roots get suffocated in a small pot, it leads to root binding and shall hamper the growth. Sunlight Lemon trees grow well and form fruits in full sunlight, so they should be placed where the plant can receive 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Remove any overhanging branches or obstructions that may shadow the plant.
Water requirement
The lemon trees like moist soil but do not respond well to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. During summers, the plant should be watered regularly. In other seasons, water the plant only when the upper 4-inch layer of the soil is dry, which may be after a gap of 2-3 days. At the time of bud formation until the fruit setting, watering should be carefully regulated. Excessive water or under-watering can lead to flower drop and reduce the quantity of fruit formation. Once the fruit formation starts, water deeply yet cautiously, as these juicy fruits need a lot of moisture to develop.
Fertilizer
While preparing the soil for the plant, besides compost, a handful of sarsonkhali, neemkhali, seaweed granules, bone meal, rock phosphate powder, and humic acid can be added to provide additional nutrients to the lemon plant. About 20g of calcium nitrate added to the soil boosts the calcium content in the soil, which aids in fruit setting and durability.
Potassium is needed for bearing good-sized fruits, nitrogen promotes healthy, lush plants, and phosphorous is required for developing strong roots. These nutrients should be supplemented periodically before the flowering starts in spring. However, compost should be limited as time for bud formation nears as nitrogen is no longer needed by the plant. Instead, sarsonkhali, which is rich in potassium and micronutrients, can be added as a liquid fertilizer at the time of bud formation and again at the time of fruit setting.
Pruning
The plant should be pruned after the fruits have been harvested to remove dead and diseased branches and to encourage new growth for bearing flowers and fruits during the spring season. It is good to hard prune the plant during the monsoon season to prepare it for fruiting after winters. If the plant goes out of shape, then soft pruning can be done to maintain it in compact shape.
Repotting
Plants grown in pots tend to get root bound and need repotting every couple of years. Monsoon season is apt for repotting as the moisture in the air prevents the plant from going into shock. Prune about 50 percent of the roots, taking utmost care to protect the root ball. Now, change the soil, water well, and leave it in shade for 5 days. Gradually expose it to sunlight.
Many a time, a network of roots, called jala, is formed near the surface of the soil. This network should be removed as it prevents the formation of fruits.
Prevention of fruit splitting
Extreme fluctuations in soil moisture as well as temperature and humidity cause fruit splitting. Dry spells followed by heavy rainfall or vice versa can unsettle the plant and cause physical stress. Proper watering during dry spells can reduce the splitting. Deficiency of macronutrients like potassium and micronutrients like calcium can lead to the formation of thin skin on the fruit, thus leading to stress and splitting. Calcium nitrate spray covering the entire fruit reduces this problem.
Pest and disease management
Lemon trees usually remain pest-free but occasionally may suffer pest attacks from aphids, whiteflies, scales, and mites. Excessive water in the soil may lead to fungus attack and damage the roots. A pesticide made by boiling neem leaves, followed by adding alovera and turmeric, and spraying the plant helps in reducing the infestation. Alternately, neem oil mixed with a small amount of soap solution can be sprayed on the plant.
Follow the above tips and enjoy your juicy, tangy lemons!