From an early age, every lemon tree must be optimally supplied with water. Only then will it grow splendidly and soon bear fruit. In this article we will tell you how to properly water the lemon tree.
To the point
- needs evenly moist soil without waterlogging
- water as needed as soon as the top layer of soil has dried
- often and a lot in summer, sparingly in winter
- Do a finger test or use a moisture meter
- Water preferably in the morning or evening
Table of contents
- Avoid dryness and waterlogging
- Check soil moisture
- Recognizing a thirsty lemon tree
- Water the lemon tree properly
- Watering the lemon tree in winter
- frequently asked Questions
Avoid dryness and waterlogging
Right at the beginning it should be said that the earth of... lemon tree (Citrus x limon) should never dry out completely. At the same time, waterlogging must not occur because it is essential for the growth and vitality of the plants Mediterranean plant just as harmful as a longer dry spell. So the lemon tree needs to be watered so that the moisture content of the soil is somewhere in the middle lies between these two extremes: regularly and with well-measured watering as soon as the soil dries.
Tip: Grow your lemon tree in a mixture of clay soil and sand. The clay portion stores water, while the sand provides the necessary permeability.
Check soil moisture
It is not possible to determine visually whether the soil of a lemon tree can tolerate some water again. Because while the top layer of soil is visibly dry, the soil underneath can still be sufficiently moist. Experienced gardeners therefore do the tried and tested finger test:
- Insert your index finger into the soil about 3 to 4 cm deep
- Feel whether the lemon tree's soil is still moist
- Wait to water if the soil is moist
- Repeat the finger test regularly
- Water immediately if there is little or no noticeable moisture
Tip: If the finger test is difficult to carry out, e.g. b. If the pot is too big or the soil is too firm, use a commercially available moisture meter for potted plants (hydrometer). With its probe that reaches deep into the earth, it can reliably measure moisture.
Recognizing a thirsty lemon tree
A lemon tree forgotten by the watering can His thirst soon becomes apparent. If you notice one or more of these changes in it, you should do the finger test as soon as possible and water if necessary:
- curled leaves (along the longitudinal axis)
- significantly lower pot weight
- wilting weeds in the pot
Similar plant species have similar needs. If the lemon tree is in close proximity to other Mediterranean plants and they show signs of a lack of water, you should also check the soil of your lemon tree.
Water the lemon tree properly
Below you will find 4 important tips for optimal water supply for your lemon.
Pouring distance can vary
When it comes to lemon trees, there are no set timings for watering. As described above, it is watered as soon as the soil has dried out. Drying can take different amounts of time. Accelerating factors are:
- temperature
- Sunlight
- air movement (wind)
- Growth intensity
In spring and autumn, watering is carried out every few days, usually once or twice a week. On hot summer days the distances become smaller. Sometimes, especially in very warm and sunny locations, daily watering is necessary.
A notice: Young, strong-growing trees need to be watered more regularly and evenly than old, well-rooted lemon trees.
Adjust water quantity
The watering quantity must be flexibly adapted to the circumstances. In addition to the moisture level of the substrate, the pot volume must also be taken into account. Water enough so that the soil is thoroughly moistened but not wet.
Use correct irrigation water
Lemon trees can be watered with both calcareous tap water and soft rainwater.
Time of day to water
Water your lemon tree preferably in the morning or evening. In the cooler times of the day, the water does not evaporate as quickly as in the blazing midday sun. This means that the plant is watered more effectively and you have to water less often.
Watering the lemon tree in winter
Lemon trees overwinter usually indoors at 5 to 10 °C and bright. They retain their green leaves and evaporate water accordingly. That's why they need to be watered a little in winter. The brighter they are, the more extensive. But since growth is at a standstill, the need is still very low. Most trees are content with two waterings throughout the entire winter period.
Tip: If the lemon tree's winter quarters are too warm and too dry, it becomes more susceptible to pests such as: Scale insects. Therefore, check the tree regularly for uninvited guests.
frequently asked Questions
Planted lemon trees, once they have grown well, can supply themselves with water through their roots. This applies to Mediterranean countries where they are native. In this country, lemon trees are not hardy enough to grow permanently in the garden.
It is important to look closely when leaves are shed, as either too little or too much water can be the trigger. Overwintering that is too dark can also lead to leaf fall.
The rain does not harm the lemon tree, it can even contribute to the water supply. But make sure that prolonged rain does not cause waterlogging. This happens easily if the lemon tree is in a planter and the water cannot drain away. If the soil is constantly wet even with good drainage, you should temporarily find a covered location or take other helpful measures.
