If you like the idea of growing lemons but don't have acres of backyard space, dwarf lemon trees are perfect for you. Here we will look at how tall lemon trees grow and some other tips!
Unlike huge standard lemon trees, dwarf varieties are much simpler to prune, tend to, and care for. You can easily reach all the branches and fruit without a ladder! And if winter temperatures drop too low where you live, it's no problem to move the whole tree pot inside the garage.
Popular dwarf plants include Meyer lemon, Ponderosa lemon, and Bonnie Brae dwarf lemon. Their roots limit size while still producing full-sized, juicy lemons.
Let's look at how big a lemon tree gets and other details about the plant!
What is a Dwarf Lemon Tree?
Dwarf lemon trees are simply miniature versions of standard lemon trees, with all the same delicious fruit in a smaller size.
How big does a lemon tree get? Dwarf lemon trees are an increasingly popular option for home gardeners, especially those with limited space. They reach from 6 to 10 feet at maturity.
Dwarf lemon trees thrive happily in modest containers and smaller gardens, producing mounds of fruit. They grow beautifully in patio pots, indoor garden rooms, or backyard orchards where heavy-duty ladders aren’t required for harvesting!
Growth Size of a Dwarf Lemon Tree
How tall do lemon trees grow? Left alone, a dwarf lemon tree will typically reach 6-10 feet tall at full maturity. Their genetically dwarfing rootstock limits vertical increase. With regular careful pruning, however, home gardeners can maintain dwarf Meyer lemons, dwarf Ponderosa lemons, and other varieties to even smaller dimensions of just 3-5 feet in height.
In terms of width, an unpruned dwarf lemon tree grows 3-4 feet wide on average once fully established. Grown and pruned in containers, dimensions can be restricted further to keep trees a more compact size indefinitely. The ideal pruning regimen involves tipping long stems in early spring annually, then pruning every 2-3 years as needed.
How long do dwarf lemon trees grow? The principal benefit of miniature lemon trees like these is their suitability for tiny backyards and gardens with limited planting space. While regular, full-grown lemon trees stretch over 20 feet tall and wide in the ground, dwarf types flourish beautifully. They readily adapt to containers 12 inches or larger without stunting fruit production. For any gardener lacking acres of space, dwarf Meyer, Bonnie Brae, or Ponderosa are perfect selections!
Also Read: How to Grow and Care for the Meyer Lemon Tree?
Ideal Growing Conditions
Dwarf lemon trees thrive best under certain conditions that enable their small frames to flourish and produce abundant fruit. Here are the ideal environmental factors to provide:
Sun Exposure Needs
Dwarf lemons require at least 6-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. This fuels growth and stimulates prolific blossoms and lemon production. When planting outdoors, choose a sunny southern-facing location without shade cast by buildings or trees. Rotating indoor pots prevents one-sided stretch.
Soil and Drainage
Plant dwarf lemon trees in rich, loose, and well-draining soil. Heavy clay leads to wet roots vulnerable to root rot. Incorporate plenty of compost into container plantings to improve drainage and nutrients. Test soil pH and amend if needed to a slightly acidic 6.0-6.5 pH ideal for citrus. Ensure outdoor planting holes and pots have sufficient drainage holes.
Watering Habits
Dwarf lemon trees need regular water for lustrous growth, but take care not to create overly soggy soil. Water well after planting, then allow the top inch of soil to slightly dry before watering again. During fruiting, take care not to under or overwater potted dwarf lemon trees.
Container Growing Tips
Dwarf lemon trees adapt beautifully to containers, making them suitable for patio gardening.
Follow these top tips for successfully growing healthy, thriving dwarf Meyer lemons, Ponderosa lemons, and other dwarf citrus in pots:
Choose an Adequately Sized Pot
When selecting a container for dwarf lemons, bigger is better in terms of depth and diameter. Opt for a pot at least 12-15 inches wide and deep to accommodate root growth. The dwarfing rootstock limits tree height to more than the width underground. An overly small container stunts proper maturation.
Provide Optimal Drainage
Ensure your chosen container has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Elevate pots to improve drainage after watering. Consider lining the bottom inch with gravel or stones before adding acidic potting soil amended with compost.
Fertilize Regularly
Dwarf citrus trees flourish with regular feedings of balanced fertilizer, especially during the active growing season from early spring to mid-fall. Use a citrus-specific formula if possible. Follow label-recommended dilutions and feeding schedules to encourage lush leaves and abundant lemons.
Refresh the Potting Mix
To maintain optimal nutrition and moisture, repot dwarf lemon trees into fresh soil every 2-3 years. Early spring is an ideal time. Gently loosen the root ball and prune any circling roots before placing them into a clean container filled with new potting mix amended with slow-release granular fertilizer.
The right container, drainage, fertilization schedule, and occasional repotting into refreshed soil keep a dwarf lemon variety thriving for years!
Conclusion
Searching for gorgeous, thriving dwarf lemon trees for sale? Look no further than Everglades Farm! We proudly offer a wide variety of container-grown lemon trees for sale. Our plants arrive in peak health, expertly propagated and nurtured in climate-controlled greenhouses year-round.
Expect robust roots, luscious green leaves, and even a blossom or two on your new baby dwarf tree! We also have a wide variety of other plants like mangoes, kiwi, etc. Contact us today!
FAQs
When will my young dwarf lemon tree produce fruit?
Grafted dwarf lemon trees often yield lemons in 1-2 years from planting if grown in ideal conditions. Fruit production increases as the lemon tree matures, reaching full yield around 3-5 years old. Pick all ripe lemons promptly to encourage more blossoms.
How big do dwarf lemon trees get?
Good question! Dwarf lemon trees are deliberately kept small, topping out at 6-10 feet once mature. The secret behind their petite size is the dwarfing rootstocks they're grafted onto - it restricts upright growth. So you wind up with an adorable dwarf lemon tree that takes up little space but still pumps out full-sized, juicy lemons.
What container size is best for dwarf lemons?
From what I've learned, a 10-12 inch wide and deep container gives dwarf lemon tree roots plenty of room without taking over your patio. Make sure to pick pots with drainage holes too, so wet roots don't rot.
How often should I prune my dwarf tree?
Annual pruning in early spring is best to shape your dwarf lemon and get those branches growing nicely outward. Remove suckers and inward buds each year. Only do major chopping to contain size every 2-3 years.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about dwarf lemon trees.