Lemons are mostly round or oval in shape and they have a thick skin. The juice of these fruits has a sour, acidic taste due to the presence of citric acid in it. Lemons are treasured for their high vitamin C content. They are used to add flavor to baked goods, cocktails, salad dressings, sauces, and desserts.

Nutrition

It contains a good amount of vitamin C, and a small amount of a number of vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins as well as potassium, zinc, and magnesium.

Soil

Lemon trees can tolerate a range of different soils but they mostly prefer slightly acidic, well-drained potting soil.

Planting

Citrus will thrive in large containers. Choose a planterbox or drum  with a diameter of 50cm or more, with plenty of drainage holes, and fill with a premium quality potting mix .Place your plant in a sunny place in the garden, and make sure the plant is kept moist at all times

Water

Lemons grow best in soils that are moist but not soggy. Water your tree every seven to 10 days during the summer, providing it with 4 to 6 inches of water each month. Over watered lemon trees may suffer from crown and root rots, while those not watered enough frequently shed blossoms and don’t produce as much fruit.

Lemon produce loads of fruit! All that flowering and fruiting is a big consumer of energy so make sure you feed up your lemon tree to ensure further crops. If less nutrients are given, leads to poor stunted growth or yellowing leaves. 

Pruning

Pruning lemon trees is important for growing healthier and more plentiful fruit.

It’s best to prune your lemon tree from late winter to early spring, right after harvest. Young trees should be pruned to establish a good shape, remove any sprouts or weak limbs so the plant can focus on growing a strong canopy.

Harvesting

Lemon trees generally take around two to three years to bear fruit and harvesting depends on the variety of plant.

Lemons are ready to harvest when they have developed full color and flavor. Harvest lemons when their peels are yellow or only a green tinge, with a slightly glossy appearance. The longer the fruit stays on the tree the sweeter it will become so some suggest picking and tasting your fruit to determine how the crop is developing. 

To pick lemons, use the twist, tilt and snap method. Take the the entire fruit in your hand and twist it gently, tilting and pulling away until it breaks free. 

Health benefits:

1. Support heart health.
2. Help control weight
3. Prevent kidney stones.
4. Protect against anemia
5. Reduce cancer risk.
6. Improve digestive health.
7. Manages hypertension .

Key words: 

Lemon, vitamin c, pruning, planter boxes, drums , drainage cells

Write up by:

Kavita B M

Bsc. Agri