Holly's Homestead — Citrus Tree
Lemon
Citrus limon · Rue family
DIFFICULTY Easy–moderate
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
Sun
Full, sheltered
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Spacing
3–4m
Depth
graft above soil
01Planting depth
Keep the graft union — the knobbly join near the base — 5–10cm above soil level. Bury it and the tree can revert to rootstock, or rot at the join. Stake loosely for the first year.
02Planting
Method
Plant with the graft union 5–10cm above soil level; never bury the trunk.
Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic. Use raised mounds in heavy clay.
Timing
Plant in spring, once frost risk has passed, in a warm sheltered spot.
03Growing care
- Water deeply and regularly, especially through flowering and fruit set.
- Feed with a citrus fertiliser in early spring, late summer, and autumn.
- Mulch around the drip line, kept clear of the trunk.
- Prune lightly after harvest to open the canopy and remove crossing growth.
04Problems
- Leaf miner — silvery trails on new growth; prune tips, avoid nitrogen flushes.
- Gall wasp — swollen stems; prune out galls before spring emergence.
- Sooty mould — follows sap-sucking pests; treat the pest, mould washes off.
- Fruit drop — irregular watering or stress; keep care consistent.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour, slight give when squeezed. Taste-test one to confirm.
Method
Cut or twist fruit from the stem rather than pulling, to avoid tearing bark.
Curing
None needed — pick as required, fruit holds well on the tree.
Storage
Room temperature 1–2 weeks, or refrigerated up to a month.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
ComfreyMarigoldGarlicNasturtiumAvoid nearby
Close tree plantingRotation note
Not applicable — perennial tree. Renew soil before replanting citrus on old citrus ground.