Lemon trees, like all other fruit trees, require good-quality fertilizer that provides the nutrients needed to ensure abundant and healthy fruit production. Fertilizing citrus trees—including lemons—is essential and must be done at the right time and in the proper way. Lemon trees use more energy than many other plants and therefore need a large amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Fertilizing Lemon Trees During Blooming
Here are the key points regarding fertilizing lemon trees in general, and specifically during their flowering phase:
- Lemon and citrus trees should be fertilized once every one to two months during periods of active growth, which occur in spring and summer. They should also be fertilized once every three months during dormancy, typically between fall and winter.
- As the tree matures, it becomes less necessary to fertilize during dormancy; the interval between fertilization sessions during flowering and production should be extended to once every one to three months.
- If it is difficult for the grower to follow a regular fertilization schedule, they may use slow-release fertilizers—often sold as spikes placed into the soil. These gradually release nutrients, allowing the grower to fertilize only once a year in spring, when the tree begins to bloom.
- Lemon trees, like all citrus species, require additional nutrients during their flowering stage, regardless of their condition. Supplying fertilizer during bloom is essential for ensuring strong, healthy fruit production.
The Right Fertilizer for Lemon Trees
Like other citrus trees, lemon trees primarily need the three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, they also require secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, as well as trace elements found in very small amounts in soil, including manganese, zinc, copper, iron, boron, molybdenum, nickel, and chlorine.
Nitrogen content is especially important, as citrus trees require high levels of nitrogen to produce new leaves. These leaves improve nutrient absorption, which is essential for developing flowers and fruit. Lemon trees also need significant amounts of calcium and potassium. For this reason, acidic fertilizers are recommended, as citrus trees thrive in slightly acidic soil.
Important Tips for Fertilizing Lemon Trees
Here are essential guidelines to follow when fertilizing lemon trees:
- Fertilize lemon trees moderately, as over-fertilizing can lead to poor-quality fruit.
- Avoid placing fertilizer too close to the tree trunk.
- A 6-5-6 fertilizer is ideal during the flowering phase. Lemon trees prefer fertilizers that contain lower phosphorus levels than nitrogen.
- Experts recommend using organic fertilizers for all trees and crops because they are gentle, do not burn plants, and pose less risk of damage if overused accidentally.
