In the fall of 2021, I was gifted a large beautiful blue planter for my birthday. I just knew I had to put something special in it. I debated whether to use it for a large houseplant or plant a seasonal arrangement. I went to Maryland over Thanksgiving and visited a garden center one afternoon. That’s when I saw it—An Improved Meyer Lemon dwarf tree.
As a passionate gardener, I’ve discovered that growing lemon trees in pots isn’t just possible – it’s actually quite rewarding! After years of experimenting, I’m excited to share our comprehensive guide that’ll help you successfully grow and maintain a potted lemon tree, whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener.
Why Grow Lemons in Pots?
Growing lemons in containers offers several advantages
- Perfect for small spaces and apartments
- Protection from harsh weather
- Mobility to move indoors during winter
- Decorative element for patios and balconies
- Fresh lemons year-round (especially with Meyer lemons)
Best Lemon Varieties for Container Growing
We’ve found these varieties work exceptionally well in pots:
- Meyer Lemons – Most popular choice
- Eureka Lemons
- Improved Dwarf
- Lisbon
- Ponderosa Dwarf
Essential Container Requirements
Choosing the Right Pot
- Material:
- Terra-cotta is ideal (helps prevent root rot)
- Glazed ceramic pots work well for moisture retention
- Avoid plastic containers
- Size:
- Start with a pot 15% larger than current root ball
- Ensure adequate drainage holes
- Don’t go too big too fast
- Shape:
Pro tip: Avoid pots that taper at the top – they make future transplanting super difficult!
Soil and Planting Requirements
Soil Mix
Best soil composition:- Cactus or citrus-specific potting mix- Well-draining structure- pH level: 6.0-6.5Planting Steps
- Fill pot with appropriate soil mix
- Create planting hole
- Place tree at same depth as nursery pot
- Backfill with soil
- Water thoroughly
Watering Guidelines
Getting the watering right is crucial! Here’s what we’ve learned
- Check moisture levels regularly
- Water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Reduce watering in winter
- Use a moisture meter for accuracy
- Consider drip irrigation for consistency
Sunlight and Location
Your lemon tree needs:
- 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
- Protection from intense afternoon sun
- Proper air circulation
- Humidity levels around 50-60%
Fertilizing Schedule
Feeding Timeline
- Late winter feeding
- Spring feeding
- Fall feeding (before growth slowdown)
Fertilizer Type
- Use 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 NPK ratio
- Choose citrus-specific fertilizers
- Avoid combining zinc and phosphate nutrients
Temperature Management
Keep your tree happy with these temperature guidelines:
- Ideal range: 70°F – 100°F
- Bring indoors when temps drop below 50°F
- Protect from frost at all costs
- Gradual transition when moving outdoors
Common Problems and Solutions
Issue #1: Yellow Leaves
- Possible causes:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Solution: Adjust fertilizer and watering schedule
Issue #2: Leaf Drop
- Possible causes:
- Temperature shock
- Dry conditions
- Low humidity
- Solution: Maintain consistent environment and humidity
Issue #3: Poor Fruit Production
- Possible causes:
- Insufficient light
- Improper pollination
- Overcrowding
- Solution: Ensure adequate sunlight and thin fruits
Pruning and Maintenance
We recommend:
- Prune in late winter/early spring
- Remove dead/crossing branches
- Maintain multi-trunk structure
- Don’t over-shape the tree
- Remove suckers below graft line
Fruit Management
For best results:
- Thin fruits when pea-sized
- Leave one fruit per growing point
- Support heavy branches
- Harvest when fully colored
Special Care Tips
-
Humidity Management
- Use pebble trays
- Regular misting
- Run a humidifier indoors
-
Winter Care
- Reduce watering
- Maintain bright light
- Watch for drafts
- Consider grow lights
Troubleshooting Tips
If your tree isn’t thriving, check these common issues:
- Root rot from overwatering
- Insufficient drainage
- Nutrient imbalances
- Pest infestations
- Poor light conditions
Final Thoughts
Growing a lemon tree in a pot isn’t super hard – we’d rate it about 6 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. With proper care and attention to these guidelines, you’ll be enjoying your own home-grown lemons in no time!
Remember, every garden is different, and what works for us might need tweaking for your situation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust these guidelines based on your specific conditions.
Got questions about growing your lemon tree? Drop them in the comments below – we’d love to help!
Happy gardening!
P.S. Don’t forget to check with your local nursery about specific varieties that work best in your area – they’re usually super helpful with regional advice!
How Big of a Container Does a Lemon Tree Need?
One of the keys to success with growing a Meyer lemon in a container is choosing the right container size. Even though it’s a dwarf, it still needs ample room to grow roots and enough soil volume to hold a reserve of water and nutrients. When starting with a two or 3-gallon nursery-grown plant, I recommend planting it into a 7 to 10-gallon container. Doing so allows room to grow for a couple of seasons. For larger specimens, plant into containers up to 15 gallons.
Keep in mind that you may need to move the plant on occasion. Large potted plants become extremely heavy, but a few tricks will help make them less cumbersome. Choose a lightweight plastic or foam pot instead of traditional stoneware to reduce weight. If you plan to grow your tree in a place with hard floors, leaving it on a plant dolly or a furniture dolly with a plant saucer on top makes it infinitely easier to move. Avoid common soil-saving strategies, such as filling the pot halfway with mulch before planting, since your tree will need all the soil it can get as it grows.
Pick the Right Variety
Not all citrus trees are suited for life in a pot. Citrus trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and just as wide. The key is to pick a dwarf variety. Dwarf citrus trees have a compact growth habit but will still produce full-size fruit. The Improved Meyer Lemon dwarf tree can grow between 6 and 10 feet tall—still larger than many houseplants, but it’s a reasonable size plant to grow in a planter. It’s possible to keep its size under control with regular pruning. My dwarf variety is self-pollinating, so only a single tree is required to bear fruit.
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