how do I grow a lemon tree indoors?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
bazbear Birmingham, United Kingdom Oct 06, 2008

I want to have a go at growing a lemon tree, but I don't have a garden and was wondering if it could be grown indoors. Any advice welcome!

Post #5638674
Quote
Nan SW, WI(Zone 4b) Oct 07, 2008

I'm growing a variegated Lemon indoors (it's at home so I don't have it's name available.)

I keep it in my sunniest window, a bright south exposure with some direct sun during the day.

During the summer, I take the plant outdoors. I gradually acclimate it to direct sun, and it stays there until the first frost (last week!) Then I take it back indoors and place it in front of my south window again. I usually get a few lemons with this treatment....I doubt I'd get any if it grew 'exclusively' indoors, though.

Post #5643704
Quote
growgirl59 Saint Louis, MO Oct 07, 2008

I agree with Nan. Even if you could provide your tree with sufficient light indoors, pollinating would be a problem. I guess it could be hand pollinated, but I'm not very knowledgeable about that.

Post #5644081
Quote
bazbear Birmingham, United Kingdom Oct 08, 2008

thanks for the feedback guys......... as i'm sure you're aware, we don't get alot of sun light in England and it gets very cold too!!
so i guess i would have to grow indoors to keep the tree warm! what temperature should I keep it at? also, i've heard that it's possible to solve the lack of natural sun light problem by using an artificial light. any ideas what wattage the tree requires and how many hours per day?

Post #5646215
Quote
growgirl59 Saint Louis, MO Oct 09, 2008

Citrus trees of all kinds can take very cold temperatures (not freezing) and actually do better with a winter rest in an unheated room. If you bring in your lemon tree, it will need about 14 hours of light, but it doesn't need to be a strong light. Lemons do best with a winter rest. Decrease watering, no feeding and keep in a bright spot. They will do well with no direct sun if you don't have a good spot in a south facing window. Artificial light works fine. I don't buy special grow lights, I use fluorescent tubes. I keep the plant about a foot below the light.
Chris

Post #5649788
Quote
Kaytucci Pella, IA Oct 13, 2008

I started a lemon tree from seeds of a store-bought lemon. It's now a very healthy 5 foot indoor potted tree which I put outdoors from spring to fall. I haven't had flowers because I prune it severely in the fall to "fit" in the house. when the trunk gets to be about 1.5 inches in diameter, I plan to make it a bonsai. It should take about one more year. It's about 4 years old now.

Post #5666101
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP