Things That Help Lemons Grow

Roots

• Ensure that your trees are grafted onto a rootstock that performs well on the type of soil found on your growing site. The rootstock used has an influence on everything from the cold-hardiness of the tree to the quality of the fruit produced to the ability of the trees to withstand stress. In turn, stress affects the root growth of the trees. Don’t plant your trees on a lawn, and remove any grasses and weeds beneath the trees that may compete with the developing roots. Avoid the use of herbicides, as lemon trees are sensitive to these products.

Space

• Offer your trees plenty of space, locating them at least 15 to 25 feet from structures and from other trees, based on the size the trees will achieve at maturity. Lemon trees need room for root expansion and protection from damage to their shallow-growing roots. Crowded trees have more issues with pests and disease and require more pruning, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and shady conditions negatively affect the growth of the trees and their fruit production. Proper spacing also supports good air circulation.

Fertilizer

• Provide adequate fertilizer. While the fertilizer needs vary according to the soil, the University of Florida IFAS Extension generally recommends three to four pounds of fertilizer applied two to three times each year for lemon trees. It is particularly important to get the balance of nitrogen right, as imbalances can cause fruit drop, curing and disease issues. Apply micronutrients through foliar sprays, and correct nutritional disorders as soon as possible. Adjust the soil pH to 5.5 to 6.5.

Water

• Take care when watering your trees. Lemons are susceptible to the development of fungal diseases. Avoid getting the leaves, flowers or fruits wet. If supplemental watering is needed, water deeply, but direct the water into the root zone around the tree and away from the trunk. According to the University of California's Agriculture and Natural Resources Division, poor performance in container-grown citrus trees is often caused by over-watering. Allow the top 3 inches of the soil to dry between waterings.