Radek Tesár 27. 6. 2025 clock 3 minutes video
Lemon trees need more than just sun and water. For a rich crop of juicy fruits, you have to give them the right nutrients. Their fertilization is thus the key to healthy growth and quality harvest.
Lemonovník, with its shiny leaves and fragrant flowers, is a popular part of not only Mediterranean gardens, but more and more often Czech greenhouses and balconies. However, in order for this citrus tree to benefit and breed regularly, it is not enough just enough light and water. The right fertilization, which gives the tree of nutrients necessary for healthy growth, durability and fruits, also plays a crucial role. The right choice of fertilizer and its application at a suitable time can decide whether to see a rich harvest or just a few leaves and flowers.
YouTube video about what you need to know before you start growing citrus in the Czech Republic can be found on the channel Garden for pleasure:
What does the lemon tree really need
Lemon trees have specific nutritional requirements. The basic elements are nitrogen (n), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), while nitrogen promotes leaves, phosphorus strengthens the root system and potassium improves the overall health of the plant and the quality of the fruit. In addition, the tree also needs secondary elements such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur and in smaller quantities also microelements such as iron, manganese, zinc or copper. These substances help prevent diseases and ensure the proper functioning of plant metabolism.
The most suitable period for fertilization is the vegetation season, ie from late winter to early autumn. In the first year after planting, it begins to fertilize about a month after planting. In adult trees it is recommended to apply fertilizer 3-4 times a year. Granulated fertilizers are spilled around the tree around the perimeter of the crown and subsequently poured with water. Liquid fertilizers can also be used as spraying on the leaves to speed up their effect. This is ideal for acute nutrition deficiencies.
You can choose either mineral or organic fertilizers. The first provides a quick effect, but requires accurate dosage. On the other hand, organic fertilizers such as compost, ripe manure or seaweed look more gradual, improve the soil structure and reduce the risk of over -fertilization. A combination of both types is also suitable. In young trees, it is recommended to add dolomitic limestone and Epsom salt due to calcium and magnesium. In older trees it is also possible to use leaf sprays with microelements.
How to tell that the lemon tree suffers?
The lemon tree says for help alone, just look well. The lack of nitrogen can be recognized by the yolles of older leaves, in the absence of phosphorus the leaves are dark green to mauve and the plant blooms slightly. If the potassium is missing, the edges of the leaves are brown and the fruits are smaller with harder peel. In micronutrients such as iron, zinc or manganese, mosaic spots, deformations or unusual coloring of the leaves appear.
Too much fertilizer is also harmful. Over -fertilized lemon trees have rich foliage, but a weaker crop. Fruits tend to be smaller, less sweet and ripen later. In addition, nutrient excess changes soil pH and can block the intake of other necessary substances.
The ideal pH of the soil for lemon tree is between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the nutrients will become unavailable for roots, even if they are present in the soil. Regular land testing or leaf analysis will help you find out what the plant really needs and what to avoid. So, are you running to gardening for your new family addition?
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