Lemon (Citrus limon) is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. Lemon is a valuable fruit crop that produces fruits with a pleasant taste and aroma.
Lemons are native to tropical and subtropical regions, but they grow best in regions with warm, humid climates.
1. Variety selection
When choosing a lemon variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation. For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yields and good quality fruits are selected. For cultivation as an ornamental plant, varieties with a beautiful crown and flowers are selected.
- Winter hardiness. Some varieties of lemon can tolerate short-term frosts, while others require shelter for the winter.
2. Soil preparation
Lemon is a light-loving and moisture-loving plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and well-drained place.
The soil for planting lemon must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic.
3. Landing
Lemon seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
Seedlings are planted in planting holes with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm. A layer of drainage made of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Lemon is an unpretentious plant, but to obtain a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering. Lemon is a moisture-loving plant, so during the growing season it is necessary to water the plants regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Feeding. During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Trimming. To form the crown of a lemon, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases. Lemon is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.
5. Harvest
Lemon begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Lemon fruits ripen in October-November. The ripening of lemon fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Lemon fruits are harvested by hand, cutting them off with the stem.
6. Diseases and pests
Lemon is susceptible to the following diseases:
- Cercospora
- Powdery mildew
- Scab
Lemon is susceptible to the following pests:
- Aphids
- Lemon scale
- Lemon spider mite
Additional Tips
- To get an earlier harvest of lemon, you can grow it with seedlings. Lemon seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of lemon, you can grow it next to other crops that repel pests.
Notes
- To grow lemon in open ground in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant varieties.
- To protect lemons from pests and diseases, it is necessary to use insecticides and fungicides.
- To get a good lemon harvest, you must follow the watering and fertilizing regime.
To obtain a good harvest, it is necessary to follow the agricultural techniques for growing lemon.