Growing a lemon tree in a pot is a welcome idea in the world of gardening. The ideal is good because it gives you control over the growing conditions, as you can decide how tall and how fruitful you want your lemon tree to be. The most interesting part is, the lemon plant will benefit more from the pots as opposed to planting directly in the soil. Lemon trees in pots have premium care and little or no competition. Let me explain.
The planting conditions are controlled to ensure healthy growth. Starting from the potting soil used as the growing medium, contains natural ingredients that are well-drained and can retain moisture for a long time. Interestingly, most the the materials used as potting soil are organic and serve as a source of nutrients as they decompose. Also, the fertilizers applied to the lemon tree in pots are specialized fertilizers that supply all the nutrients the lemon tree needs for strong root development, growth of foliage, flowering, and abundant fruiting. The higher the quality of the fertilizer, the more productive the lemon tree becomes. Lastly, the lemon trees grown in pots enjoy regular watering.
Lemon fruits from a tree grown in pots usually come out very well with high quality, you would hardly find issues of diseases or pest attacks. The main contributor to the growth of the lemon tree planted in pots is the fertilizers. You need to get that right. Understand that lemon trees can get nutrients from the soil even without adding any fertilizer throughout their growth cycle. This is why you observe differences in growth patterns and fruiting of some lemon trees.
Fertilizers applied to lemon trees in pots must contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; most importantly are they micronutrients like sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, boron, calcium, and magnesium. You need to check the label of the fertilizer to ensure these nutrients, particularly the micronutrients, are available. The period of applying these fertilizers also matters; if you apply the right fertilizer at the wrong time, you may not get the desired result you expected.
Generally, fertilizers that contain high nitrogen and phosphorus are applied to lemon trees planted in pots at planting before flowering, these nutrients support strong root development and high foliage growth. Fertilizers with high potassium are best for high-fruitioning with large sizes, and give the lemon tree structural support as it grows. Potassium, alongside calcium and magnesium, supports flowering and abundant fruit production and the prevention of pest and disease emergence.
With these considerations, here are the top fertilizers for a lemon tree in pots:
- TPS NUTRIENTS Lemon Tree Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for fast-growing lemon tree
- Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for abundant lemon fruits
- Lemon Tree Liquid Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for growing lemon tree in pots.
- Blood meal: Best organic nitrogen fertilizer for lemon tree in pots
- Bone meal: Best mineral fertilizer for lemon trees in pots
- Banana Peel Compost: High potassium organic fertilizer for lemon tree in pot.
1. TPS NUTRIENTS Lemon Tree Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for fast-growing lemon tree
The TPS NUTRIENTS Lemon Tree Fertilizer is a liquid plant food specifically formulated for lemon trees and other citrus plants. The TPS lemon tree fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at 3.6-3-5.1 NPK ratio, alongside other essential vitamins and minerals. Considering the nutritional profile of this fertilizer, it is best applied to lemon trees during the flowering and fruiting stage.
The application of the TPS lemon tree fertilizer will enable rapid growth and abundant fruit production, eliminating stunted growth and yellowing of lemon tree leaves. The TPS lemon tree fertilizer is ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Characteristics:
– Simple Instructions for Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid lemon tree fertilizer per gallon of water
– Nutrient-Rich Formula: Crafted to deliver essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production
– Perfect for Meyer Lemon Trees: Specifically designed for various citrus plants, including Meyer lemon trees
– Addresses Common Concerns: Effective in promoting vigorous growth and healthy, green leaves
- Versatile for All Growing Conditions: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including potted trees and garden settings
Formulation Details:
– Date First Available: June 5, 2023
– Manufacturer: TPS Nutrients
– Country of Origin: USA
Additional Information:
– Customers find the fertilizer effective and a good value for their plants
– Reported benefits include new growth, green leaves, and blooms on trees
– Some customers received the bottle without a lid
Application Guide
Target Plants: The TPS liquid lemon tree fertilizer is ideal for lemon trees and other citrus tree varieties.
Application Forms: It is a liquid fertilizer.
Application Rate: 2 tablespoons of the TPS liquid lemon tree fertilizer per gallon of water.
How to Apply: Shake the bottle well before applying. Dilute 2 tablespoons of the TPS liquid lemon tree fertilizer in a gallon of water. Use a watering can or knapsack sprayer to apply to the leaves and root zones of the lemon trees.
When to Apply: Apply the TPS liquid lemon tree fertilizer in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Apply every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in fall and winter for best results.
2. Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for abundant lemon fruits
The Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer is a nutrient-dense plant food formulated with about 18 vitamins and essential minerals. It is a complete fertilizer with high potassium and an appreciable amount of nitrogen and phosphorus. This fertilizer supports vibrant growth and abundant lemon fruit production. It is highly recommended and best applied when the lemon tree is at the fruiting stage. The Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer is ideal for indoor and outdoor application. It is organic and safe for regular use without fear of burni the lemon tree roots or leaves.
Characteristics:
– Specifically crafted for Lemon Trees
– Contains essential nutrients for healthy growth
– Promotes juicy lemons, lush foliage, and delightful aroma
– Concentrated formula for customizable care
– NPK formulation of 1-0.03-13
– Suitable for all soils and growing media
– Packed with 18 balanced super nutrients
– Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and microbial index
– Sustainable production process
- Long-lasting effect, never expires
- Universal application for all plants
– Pet and environment friendly
- Bloom booster for bigger, better blooms
– Convenient and simple to use
– Trusted results in the gardening community
Formulation Details:
– Date First Available: January 24, 2024
– Manufacturer: Gardenera
– Country of Origin: USA
Additional Information:
– Customers find the fertilizer effective and good value for money
– Promotes healthy plant growth and maximizes fruit production
– Easy to apply and use
– Overall customer satisfaction with performance and value
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for lemon trees and other citrus fruit trees.
Application Forms: It is a liquid fertilizer.
Application Rate: 2 tablespoons of Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer per gallon of water
How to Apply: Shake the bottle well before application. Dilute 2 tablespoons of Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer in a gallon of water. With the aid of a watering can or knapsack sprayer, apply the solution to the leaves and root zones of the lemon trees.
When to Apply: Apply the Gardenera Lemon Tree Superfood Fertilizer throughout the growing season, starting from spring.
3. Prevegenics Lemon Tree Liquid Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for growing lemon tree in pots.
The Lemon Tree Liquid Fertilizer is a liquid plant food that contains amino acid complexed macronutrients and micronutrients for healthy growth and vibrant fruit production. This liquid fertilizer is high in nitrogen alongside magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc to support foliage and vegetative growth. The Lemon Tree Liquid Fertilizer is best applied when the lemon plant is still very young; the high nitrogen content will boost the production of leaves and increase the photosynthetic activity. With high photosynthetic activities, the young lemon tree will have more food resources and grow healthily. This liquid fertilizer is ideal for lemon trees grown in pots and the nursery.
Characteristics:
– High nitrogen content (5-0-0 NPK)
– Contains magnesium (3.5%), copper (1.6%), manganese (2.1%), and zinc (2.1%)
– Promotes lush, green foliage and vigorous growth
– Enhances chlorophyll production
– Supports enzyme activation and lignin production
– Important for amino acid and protein production
– Essential for growth hormone synthesis
– Strengthens tree’s natural defenses
– Increases size and quantity of lemons produced
Formulation Details:
– Manufacturer: Prevegenics LLC
– ASIN: B0DBRJKWFC
– Country of Origin: USA
Additional Information:
– Designed to promote robust growth and bountiful fruit production in lemon trees
– Quick to absorb and ensures essential nutrients are readily available to the roots
– Eco-friendly and easy to apply
– Suitable for both garden and container-grown trees
– Regular use guarantees healthier foliage, stronger branches, and larger, juicier lemons
– Suitable for use during all growing seasons
– Simple to mix and apply with water
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for lemon trees and other citrus tree varieties.
Application Forms: It is available in liquid form.
How to Apply: Mix the lemon tree liquid fertilizer in water and apply using a knapsack sprayer or watering. Apply to the lemon tree leaves and root zone.
When to Apply: Apply the lemon tree liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season, starting from spring.
4. Blood meal: Best organic nitrogen fertilizer for lemon tree in pots
Blood meal is a natural fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and other essential nutrients. Blood meal contains 13.25% nitrogen, 1.0% phosphorus, and 0.6% potassium. With this nutrient profile, blood meal will support lush foliage growth, strong root development, and overall health of the lemon tree. Blood meal is slow-release, meaning it decomposes slowly to release nutrients to feed the lemon tree for a very long time.
You can boost the vegetative growth of your lemon trees if you apply bloodmeal at the point of transplanting the lemon tree seedling into the pot. In fact, some potting soils for lemon trees contain bloodmeal because it is a good source of nitrogen for plants. Blood meal will increase the growth of the lemon tree for more photosynthetic action. Most importantly, blood meal will correct nitrogen deficiency in lemon trees, such as yellowing of the lemon leaves and stunted growth.
For best results, apply blood meal alongside other fertilizers, particularly fertilizers that are rich in potassium, to support abundant lemon fruit production. Too much application of blood meal can cause delay in fruiting and flowering because of the high nitrogen content; as soon as your lemon tree starts flowering, stop the application of blood meal. Overall, blood meal is good for lemon trees planted in pots.
How To Apply: Blood meal is best applied to the lemon tree during planting or when the seedling is just transplanted into pots. Reason is because blood meal is more useful to lemon trees at a young age. Mix the blood meal with the potting soil at a ratio of 1:4. Water immediately after application and watch your lemon tree grow healthy.
When To Apply: Apply blood meal every 6 months, starting from spring when the lemon tree is actively growing.
5. Bone meal: Best mineral fertilizer for lemon trees in pots
Bone meal is a natural fertilizer for plants; it is very good for lemon trees that are grown in pots. Bone meal contains 12% calcium, 5% phosphorus, and 1% nitrogen. Bone meal helps lemon trees develop strong roots and stems as well as increase their resistance to citrus pests and diseases. Bone meal supports blooming and fruiting of lemon trees; the majority of the diseases affecting lemon fruits, like blossom rot, will be prevented when bone meal is applied. You will harvest abundant fruits with no defects by regular application of bone meal.
How to Apply: The best time to apply bone meal is when the lemon is about to start flowering and fruiting. Evenly spread bone meal around the base of the lemon tree in the pot; gently work the bone meal into the potting soil and water immediately after application.
When to Apply: Apply bone meal when the lemon tree starts flowering in spring. You can also apply bone meal during fall when the lemon tree is resting and preparing for new growth.
6. Banana Peel Compost: High potassium organic fertilizer for lemon tree in pot.
Banana peel compost is good for lemon trees in a pot. Banana peel is a rich source of potassium, as it contains 42% potassium alongside micronutrients like magnesium and sulfur. Banana peel compost is essentially useful for lemon trees planted in pots during fruiting. The high potassium in banana peels, alongside magnesium, supports abundant fruit production with large sizes. Also, potassium and magnesium help the lemon tree build resistance against plant diseases like blossom rot and improve the overall health of the lemon tree.
How To Apply: The banana peels are evenly chopped into smaller pieces and incorporated into the potting soil to decompose slowly. Being a slow-release fertilizer, the banana peel compost can feed the lemon tree for up to 6 months of slow decomposition. Water the lemon tree after application and every day to aid the decomposition and release of the nutrients for the lemon tree to use.
When to Apply: In spring, when the lemon tree starts flowering in preparation for lemon fruit production. You can reapply in the fall to strengthen the lemon tree during the dormancy period.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Generally, lemon tree needs both NPK and organic fertilizer to grow well in pots. The organic fertilizers like bone meal, blood meal, and the banana peel compost are slow release, they can remain in the soil for a very long time, releasing required nutrients. Though they are not enough to feed the lemon tree, you need to supplement with the NPK fertilizer to give the lemon tree complete nutrition. From the above-listed fertilizers, select the ones with high nitrogen and phosphorus when the lemon tree is still growing and yet to resume flowering. As soon as the lemon tree starts flowering, select a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more potassium.
Happy Gardening!!!