Growing lemons at home and how to do it

Fresh yellow lemons are a symbol of sunshine, energy and cleanliness. Who doesn’t love them? Their great advantage is that they can instantly create a Mediterranean atmosphere, without you having to travel to the far south. The good news is that you can grow them at home too. All it takes is patience, the right conditions and a few tricks we’ll share with you today.

Growing lemons doesn’t have to be complicated

It probably won’t surprise you that growing lemons is not only a lovely hobby but also a stylish addition to your interior. If you buy a lemon tree that is already taller, this elegant little tree can work wonders. Plant it in a terracotta pot and you’re onto a winner. On a balcony or terrace, the tree creates an oasis of calm alongside herbs such as lavender, rosemary or basil. The road to success is a long one, though. You can start either:

From seed: this is the romantic option. Simply wash a seed from an organic lemon and plant it in a pot with light compost. Then all you can do is wait, because at this stage the plant grows very slowly.

With a bought plant: this is the more practical and faster route. You get a young tree that is more resistant to disease and able to produce beautiful, juicy fruit. If you are a beginner, this is the best choice for you.

It needs light

Remember that light is the most important thing when growing lemons. The more light, the better. You should  therefore place the plant facing south or south-west. Before planting it, make sure you have bought a suitable compost. Lemon trees like a mix of soil with sand and a little perlite, because their roots cannot tolerate waterlogging. Finally, don’t forget a large pot with drainage at the bottom. Mature lemon trees grow quickly and need space.

In the warmer months, lemon trees thrive on a balcony or terrace, so don’t be afraid to put them there. If you have a garden, it’s a no-brainer. Give them fresh air but protect them from draughts. Water regularly.  The compost should always be slightly moist but not waterlogged, as lemon trees don’t like that. We also strongly recommend buying a citrus fertiliser and adding it every two weeks. It encourages flowers and fruit to form.

However, as soon as temperatures drop below 10 °C, it’s time to bring the lemon tree indoors. A bright, cooler spot is ideal. Do you have a conservatory? Don’t hesitate to put it there. An unheated room will also do the job with no problem. The temperature should be around 12 to 15 °C, which  is optimal. Don’t water the plant much in winter.

They flower several times a year

Growing lemons has one more advantage: lemon trees flower several times a year. Their fragrant white flowers are not only beautiful but also attractive to pollinators. Indoors, however, there are no pollinators, so the plant needs a helping hand. Gently transfer pollen from one flower to another with a small brush. If for some reason you don’t feel like doing this, simply give the flowers a light shake.

If all goes well, small green fruits will start to form. According to Love the Garden, they ripen slowly, sometimes taking 6–9 months.

Our tips:

• If the leaves turn yellow, it may be a lack of nutrients or you may be overwatering.

• As for pruning, lemon trees really benefit from being trimmed regularly

• Repot them at least every 2 to 3 years

Why grow lemon trees at all?

Admittedly, it’s a bit of a challenge, but also a great joy. Besides lemons, you can also grow oranges or other exotic fruit, depending on your enthusiasm. Another reason to get one is the pleasure of watching the tree grow, new leaves sprout, flowers appear and gradually turn into small green balls. Even if the fruit doesn’t ripen, you’ll have a plant that fills your whole home with fragrance. It brings fresh energy and reminds you that you can have a little piece of the Mediterranean here too.