• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mom with Plants logo
  • Gardening Tips
  • Houseplants
  • Garden Gear
  • Garden Problems
  • Garden Prep
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Gardening Tips
  • Houseplants
  • Garden Gear
  • Garden Problems
  • Garden Prep
×

Home » Planting & Growing

How to grow a lemon tree in a pot

Published: Jun 23, 2021 · Updated: Mar 23, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. We earn commission from purchases made. ·

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
three healthy lemon trees growing in pots with text overlay that reads how to grow lemon trees in pots
infographic on how to grow a lemon tree in a pot
three healthy lemon trees growing in pots with text overlay that reads how to grow lemon trees in pots

Growing citrus trees used to happen just in tropical areas with the right climate. Lately, it's becoming popular to grow that lemon tree in a pot or container.

Why?

three healthy lemon trees growing in pots with text overlay that reads how to grow lemon trees in pots

Well, you can bring it inside when the weather gets colder. This means you can grow it wherever you live! Yay!

Jump to:
  • Lemon Tree Sun Requirements
  • How much water does a lemon tree need?
  • Lemon tree flowers but no fruit?
  • When should you repot a lemon tree?
  • Do lemon trees do well in pots?
  • Caring for lemon trees in winter

Lemon Tree Sun Requirements

Lemon trees growing in containers and pots do the best in morning sun.

It's not too harsh, but still gives them plenty of sunlight.

How much water does a lemon tree need?

This will vary depending on the season, and whether or not your tree is inside or outside.

If it's outside, you can aim for watering once a week. If the tree is inside, cut back watering to once every 10 days.

Many gardeners opt for a moisture tester for plants, but you can also use your finger to test the soil.

Lemon tree flowers but no fruit?

Most people grow lemon trees for the fruit it produces so when it's not, this can be a bummer.

If your lemon tree flowers but the flowers wilt off or turn black, typically there will be no fruit. This is because of blossom rot.

To give your lemon tree a better chance, use a 50-50 milk/water fertilizer. Pour it directly on the soil once a month in the summer to help keep your blossoms healthy.

Because lemon trees like acidic soil, sour milk is the best kind to use.

When should you repot a lemon tree?

Repotting lemon trees need to happen about every 3 to 4 years, but a good rule of thumb is if the roots are growing out of the drainage hole on your planter, it needs a bigger one.

Do lemon trees do well in pots?

They definitely can! With the proper sized pot, good drainage, sunlight and water, they will produce lemons and grow really well. I've had especially good luck with this lemon tree bought from Etsy.

infographic on how to grow a lemon tree in a pot

Caring for lemon trees in winter

During the winter, bring in your lemon tree. Place it near a window so that it can still get morning sunlight.

Also, invest in a good spray bottle to help add moisture to your plant. Most homes in the winter time get very dry, and your lemon tree won't like this.

You might also enjoy: Beginners Guide: How to Care for Orchids

Reader Interactions

Join the discussion Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

clipart mom holding her kids with clipart plants all around and text overlay that reads mom with plants

Hi, I'm Joanna! The mom behind "mom with plants". Mom with Plants was started to help beginners learn how to garden everything from strawberries to houseplants and more.

More about me →

Popular Garden Articles

  • Beginners Guide: How to Care for Orchids
  • The Best Raised Garden Beds
  • Best Gardening Gloves in 2022
  • Best Smelling Flowers

More Gardening Tips

  • 9 Flowers that attract Butterflies
  • How to grow a lemon tree in a pot
  • What's the best potting mix for Phalaenopsis Orchids?
  • Starting Seeds Indoors: A complete guide

Footer

↑ back to top

Connect

  • Contact
  • Sponsor

About

  • About Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure/Advertising

Mom with Plants creates information for educational purposes only. Posts within this website may or may not contain affiliate links. You can read more on affiliate links on our disclosure page. She's Your Friend is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program.

Copyright © 2021 Mom with Plants

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Mom with Plants
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.