Citrus plants are very popular in Arizona. Many homeowners choose citrus plants because it’s so easy to grow them in Arizona’s hot and dry climate. Citrus plants that tend to flourish in the area include Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Pumelos, and Mandarins, among others. But what about lemon trees? Can you grow lemon trees in Arizona? The answer is yes!
Grow Lemon Trees Indoors And Outdoors
Lemon trees certainly grow well when potted, which leads to a lot of homeowners planting them indoors. Plant the lemon tree in a place that can be drained well, while also leaving a lot of room for the plant to grow and expand. Indoor lemon trees tend to grow no larger than five feet in height. Lemon trees need a full day of sunlight, so be sure to plant this where the sun shines brightly. It’s also okay to put the tree outdoors during the warmer months and bring them back in overnight, or even for good once the temperatures begin to dip consistently. Placing the trees outdoors will allow for the necessary pollination by bees.
When you opt to plant the tree outdoors, exposure to sunlight is the most important thing. Make sure your lemon tree is placed in a spot where it can receive as much sunlight as possible. These trees are a bit sensitive to cooler temperatures, so that’s why a lot of sunlight is crucial for them to flourish. In Arizona, the best place to plant these trees tends to be on the south side of the home. Frost can be devastating for these trees, but this issue is rare in Arizona.
Watering Lemon Trees
The lemon tree needs to be moist when it is planted. After that process is completed, though, it is recommended to water the tree slowly and deeply once per week during the summer and twice per week during the remainder of the year. These trees thrive when the soil is slightly dry in between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Tree experts recommend fertilizing your lemon tree three times per year. Ideally, fertilizing them in February, May and September works best. Choose to use slow release, organic fertilizers for your trees.
Sunlight
As mentioned above, these trees need an abundance of sunlight to grow. Sunlight and heat are keys to producing sweet and delicious fruit. But what about sun damage? If you notice some leaf scorch toward the end of the summer season, this is perfectly normal, so don’t panic. Younger lemon trees will show more scorching than older trees.
Soil For Lemon Trees
A great way to keep the roots moist is to lay down a layer of mulch that is a few inches thick, running out to the drip line that is used for watering. Lemon trees prefer a slightly acidic and well-drained soil.
Protect Against Frost
It is extremely rare, but pay attention to the forecasts just in case there is a chance of frost overnight in Arizona. If there is a chance, your best course of action is to cover your young lemon trees. Protect the trees with burlap and frost cloth, if possible. A sheet or blanket can also be effective, but refrain from using any plastic coverings. Once the temperature has risen above freezing, uncover the plants and let them soak up the sun for the day.
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