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Local Lemons (Citrus limon)

ZK65.00

The lemon tree (Citrus limon) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree known for its bright green leaves, fragrant flowers, and, of course, its sour and juicy yellow fruit, known as lemons.

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The lemon tree (Citrus limon) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree known for its bright green leaves, fragrant flowers, and, of course, its sour and juicy yellow fruit, known as lemons. Here’s a detailed description of a lemon tree:

Appearance:

  • Size: Lemon trees typically range from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) in height, although they can be pruned to smaller sizes for easier cultivation.
  • Leaves: The tree has elliptical or lance-shaped leaves that are glossy green, and they can be 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The leaves are often aromatic when crushed.
  • Flowers: Lemon trees produce fragrant, white or pale pink flowers that are usually five-petaled. These flowers are often clustered together and can bloom throughout the year, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
  • Fruit: The most distinctive feature of the lemon tree is its fruit. Lemons are typically round or oval, with a bright yellow to pale yellow skin when ripe. They are usually 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in diameter and are known for their tart flavor.
Best Planting Time

The best time to plant lemon trees depends on your local climate and weather conditions. In general, lemon trees thrive in warm, subtropical, or tropical climates and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures well. Here are some guidelines for planting lemon trees:

Spring or Early Summer:

In regions with a Mediterranean climate or similar, where winters are mild and summers are warm to hot, the best time to plant lemon trees is in the spring or early summer.
This allows the tree to establish its root system before the onset of the hot summer months.
Late Winter or Early Spring:

In cooler regions or areas with cold winters, it's often best to plant lemon trees in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Planting at this time gives the tree a chance to acclimate to its new environment and start growing when temperatures are on the rise.
Avoid Frost:

Regardless of your region, avoid planting lemon trees during the winter months or when there is a risk of frost.
Lemon trees are sensitive to cold temperatures and can suffer damage or even die if exposed to frost.

When planting a lemon tree, make sure to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Proper care, including regular watering, fertilization, and protection from extreme weather conditions, will help your lemon tree thrive and produce an abundance of fruit.

Marturity

Fruit Production:

Lemon trees can start producing fruit at a young age, often within 3 to 5 years of planting.
Fruit production can vary depending on the variety of lemon, climate, and care provided. Mature trees can yield a significant number of lemons throughout the year.
Lemons are typically harvested when they are fully ripe and have a bright yellow color.

Size Of The Hole

The size of a hole for a Lemon tree when planting should be 60cm (length) by 60cm (width) by 60cm (height).
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting.

Spacing

The ideal spacing for Lemon trees is 4m between rows and 4m within the row, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that Lemon trees thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Irrigation

Establish a Watering Schedule:
Water at least 3 times a week during all seasons.
Water deeply to saturate the root zone at least twice a week.

Deep Watering:
When irrigating, apply water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth. This helps the plants to access water stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to drought.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw or compost, around the base of the plants to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Micro-jet irrigation is an excellent choice for the plants because they deliver water directly to the root zone.

Water atleast 3 times a week.

The best time to water is in the early morning hours before sunrise and in the evenings when the rate of evaporation is very low. You may choose either time for you to water your plants.

Fertilization

Organic fertilization for plants involves using natural and sustainable materials to provide essential nutrients to the plants. Here are some organic fertilization methods and tips for growing healthy trees:

Organic Liquid Fertilizers: You can make organic liquid fertilizers by steeping comfrey/ tithonia or compost or rotten manure or other organic materials in water. Use the strained liquid as a foliar spray or soil drench to provide nutrients to your plants. Apply liquid fertilizer every after 2 weeks.

Compost: Compost is a valuable organic fertilizer that improves soil structure and provides a wide range of nutrients. You can make compost from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Apply a layer of compost around the base of your plants every 2 months.

Well-Rotted Manure: Well-rotted manure from animals like cows, goats, horses, or chickens is rich in nutrients and can be used as an organic fertilizer. Apply it as a top dressing around the fruit tree, avoiding direct contact with the stem to prevent the plant from rotting. Apply this every 2 months.

Organic Mulch: Organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to conserve moisture and provide slow-release of nutrients as it breaks down. Replenish whenever the mulch reduces.

Worm Castings: Worm castings, also known as vermicompost, are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Incorporate worm castings into the soil or use them as a top dressing for the plants. Apply every 2 months.

Common Diseases

Lemon trees, like all plants, can be susceptible to various diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect lemon trees:

Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis): Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that causes raised, corky lesions on leaves, fruit, and stems. These lesions can be surrounded by a water-soaked halo. Citrus canker can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit quality.

Citrus Black Spot (Guignardia citricarpa): Citrus black spot is a fungal disease that affects the fruit's skin. It causes raised, black, and often sunken lesions on the fruit. Severe infections can result in fruit drop and reduced marketability.

Citrus Greening Disease (Huanglongbing or HLB): Citrus greening is a devastating bacterial disease that affects the entire citrus plant. It is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect and can result in misshapen, bitter-tasting fruit, leaf yellowing, and eventual tree decline. There is no known cure for citrus greening, making prevention and insect control crucial.

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides): Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect citrus fruit, causing dark, sunken lesions with pink or orange spore masses. It can also impact leaves and stems. Proper pruning and air circulation can help prevent this disease.

Botrytis Rot (Botrytis cinerea): Botrytis rot is a fungal disease that affects fruit, causing brown, rotting spots. It thrives in damp and humid conditions, so maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent it.

Melanose (Diaporthe citri): Melanose is a fungal disease that affects citrus fruit, leaves, and stems. It causes raised, dark brown to black lesions on the fruit's surface. Pruning infected branches and practicing good sanitation can help control melanose.

Root Rot (Phytophthora spp.): Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by various Phytophthora species. It affects the roots, leading to root decay and reduced nutrient uptake. Proper drainage and avoiding overwatering can help prevent root rot.

Powdery Mildew (Oidium spp.): Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves, stems, and fruit. It can affect photosynthesis and fruit quality. Pruning for better air circulation and using fungicides as needed can help control powdery mildew.

Prevention and early detection are essential for managing these diseases in lemon trees. Practices such as proper watering, regular pruning, and the removal of infected plant material can help reduce the risk of disease.

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