Lemon growth really takes off in June. As summer begins, the days get longer, the sun is brighter and the temperatures start to soar. It is important to give lemon trees a little extra attention during this period of accelerated growth.
THE lemon tree care you provide now will lead to healthier foliage, better fruit development and fewer problems later. It doesn’t take much to give trees a big boost at this point in the season.
Follow these easy June care tips for your lemon tree – and any other citrus you grow – and your branches will be loaded with juicy fruit in no time.
1. Move the potted trees into the sun
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Lemon trees thrive in the sun, especially during the active growing season. Full sun is essential for healthy, strong growth, flower and fruit development. If you plant a lemon tree in a potyou have the flexibility to move it to find the sun.
If you had your pot lemon tree indoors to stay warm during the dormant season, you should have started moving it outside in late spring. The exact time depends on your local climate and weather conditions, but in general, citrus should be brought outside after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are around 50°F (10°C).
By June, your tree should be ready to move to a spot where it can absorb 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. After moving your plant by placing the pot outdoors for a few hours a day, find a full sun spot for the rest of the summer. A heavy-duty plant box, like this one from Amazonmakes moving large containers much easier.
2. Water Deeply & Consistently
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As temperatures rise in June, watering citrus fruits is becoming more and more important. The soil dries out faster and your tree uses more water as it puts out new growth. So in June, it’s time to increase the amount of water you provide.
For the lemon trees on the ground, focus on watering deeply once or twice a week. Deep watering encourages strong root growth and ensures that the soil does not dry out too quickly. Potted soil dries out much faster, so you will likely need to water a container tree daily during this time of year. Check the soil in the pot and water as needed. It should remain consistently moist but not soggy.
Underwater signs in citrus include dry soil, curled leaves and early fruit drop. Signs You May Be Overwatering include yellowing leaves and soil that is wet or soggy rather than slightly moist. If you need to repot or renew your potting tree’s soil, now is a good time to mix water storage crystals like those from Miracle-Gro. They help the soil in potted plants to stay at the right moisture level.
3. Add Mulch
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If you haven’t already, it’s time to add a layer mulch around your lemon tree. A 2- to 4-inch (5-10 cm) layer of mulch helps retain moisture in the soil. Citrus fruits grow best with constant humidity. The mulch also stabilizes soil temperatures during intense summer heat. Finally, a good layer of mulch helps keep weeds down.
Replace or renew any old mulch around your tree or add a layer of new mulch if you have never done so before. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk. Moisture trapped in the trunk can lead to rot.
The best mulch to use is one that is organic and will naturally break down and add nutrients back to the soil. This organic mulch from Home Depot it is an excellent choice.
4. Fertilize for Summer Growth
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You probably started feeding your lemon tree in May, but if not, now is the time to start. Regular feeding helps your tree produce more new, vigorous growth. It also supports flower and fruit development to ensure the best possible harvest.
The simplest way to fertilize a lemon tree is to find a product specifically designed for citrus, such as the one from Espoma. These fertilizers have nitrogen to promote new growth. Citrus fruits also have a special need for the micronutrients iron and magnesium.
How and when you feed your lemon tree depends on whether you use a liquid or slow-release fertilizer. The latter is best for trees in the ground, while liquid fertilizers work well for trees in pots. In any case, follow the product instructions. Resist the urge to overeat. Overfertilization it can damage roots or even reduce fruit harvest by promoting foliage over flowering.
5. Beware of pests
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Summer is the season for your tree to thrive, but insects also thrive on the increased warmth and light. Inspect your tree regularly in June to catch and manage any common pests of lemons early, before they become unmanageable and destructive.
Some typical pests of lemons are aphids, scale, mitesand citrus leaf miners. Look for the pests themselves, including the undersides of the leaves, as well as signs of pest damage. This can be sticky residue, curled leaves, sooty mold or leaf spots.
A spray of water can usually dislodge the pests and end a light infestation. You can also try neem oil or insecticidal soap, both available from Amazon.
6. Fine clusters of fruit
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Depending on where you garden, you may already see clusters of fruit on your lemon trees in June. While it’s fun to see all the possible new lemons, too many fruits can really stress a tree. This is especially true for young trees and small trees in pots. Branches holding large clusters of lemons now may break under the weight later as the lemons grow.
Thin out some of the smaller lemons from any emerging group. In addition to protecting the branches, this will improve the quality of the rest of the fruit. Citrus dilution it also provides more air flow, which reduces the risk of rotting and more common lemon diseases.
June is one of the most important months of the year for lemon care. Regular water, fertilizer application, pest management and fruit thinning will ensure your tree grows strong and healthy through the warmer part of the year, resulting in a good harvest of juicy, tasty fruit.
