Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:16 pm
In order for it to grow healthy and strong and produce lots of lemons, you need to repot your lemon tree and give it new soil. With these 3 simple steps, it’s guaranteed to work. We’ll show you how to do it and what to look out for.
Why and how often do I need to repot my lemon tree?
Lemon trees grow slowly and need to be repotted about every 2-3 years. You need to repot your lemon when it needs fresh, nutrient-rich soil or has run out of room in the pot. You can tell if your lemon is growing even slower than usual, or if the roots are creeping out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Also, if there are pests or diseases in the soil and roots, you should transplant your lemon tree. Likewise, if waterlogging has occurred and the roots are in danger of rotting.
Repotting a lemon tree: timing is crucial
If your lemon tree has too little space or needs new soil, it will produce fewer flowers and fruits. Then, at the latest, you should treat it to a larger pot and replant the lemon. The best time to repot is in spring, when the lemon gradually awakens from its winter dormancy. This is around the end of March or beginning of April. Then the lemon tree can grow directly into the new and nutrient-rich soil.
Can I repot my lemon tree in the fall?
Since the lemon tree slowly prepares for the cold season in the fall and gradually stops growing, you should definitely not repot it in the fall or winter. Lemons are very sensitive to cold and need to spend the cold season in a frost-free place. The lemon tree prepares for this in the fall and begins to conserve energy.
Repotting means stress for the little tree. In the fall, it no longer has enough time and energy to root properly before going into winter dormancy. As a result, the lemon tree would be weakened and get diseases and pests in winter. Because the lemon tree uses virtually no nutrients during this time, it can sit quietly in its old soil through the winter.
Do I necessarily have to repot my lemon tree after buying it?
In principle, it is not a “must” to repot the lemon tree immediately after purchase. However, lemon trees have usually been standing in their old soil for quite a long time before they end up in their new home. As a result, it’s too crowded in their pot on the one hand, and the nutrients in the soil have been depleted on the other.
So after a few days of settling in, you’d better repot your new lemon tree and give it a bigger pot with fresh soil.
Can I repot my lemon tree when it is bearing fruit?
Yes, it’s not a problem. Our Bloomify lemon bears fruit and flowers most of the year, and it doesn’t mind being repotted at the same time.
The right soil for your lemon tree
Lemon trees prefer a loose, well-drained soil with a rather acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can buy special citrus plant soil in stores or simply mix ordinary potting soil with sand, gravel or crushed stone. You can also add a layer of expanded clay or gravel to the bottom of the pot as drainage to prevent waterlogging. A portion of compost or slow-release fertilizer in the substrate will ensure that your lemon tree has enough nutrients throughout the spring and summer.
How big does the pot need to be?
The pot for your lemon tree should be large enough to fit the full root ball comfortably, but not much larger. This is because lemon trees like to be a bit more confined in their pots, as they grow in stony, narrow soils in the wild. The pot should also definitely have drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.
Repotting a lemon tree: 3 steps to the goal
Once the time has come to repot, it’s best to choose a day that is as sunny and warm as possible.
- First, remove the lemon tree from its old pot and carefully examine its root ball. Remove any old, diseased or stunted roots and carefully shake out the old soil.
- Now fill a thin drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay (about 5 cm high) and then a little fresh planting soil into the pot. Then place the lemon tree in the new pot and fill it up with the new soil until the root ball is completely covered. Make sure that the roots are completely covered with soil, but that the little tree is not too deep in the soil.
- Finally, give your lemon tree a good drink of water and place it in a warm and sunny spot.
There your lemon tree can take root in peace. Soon you can enjoy new leaves, fragrant flowers and juicy lemons!