Lemon Tree not flowering - Ask Extension
I inherited a large Lemon tree from a friend who passed away a few years ago. He insisted that it bore fruit years ago. It was almost dead when I got ...
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Lemon Tree not flowering #868167
Asked May 13, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
I inherited a large Lemon tree from a friend who passed away a few years ago. He insisted that it bore fruit years ago. It was almost dead when I got it and has rebounded. I would love to know what to do to encourage it to bear fruit. Perhaps it is a variety that does not flower? It lives indoors in the winter (with minimal watering) and I move it out into full sun each Spring. Will do so soon. Trunk is about 3-4 in. diameter. Stands about 8 feet tall. In a large container about 36 in diameter. My Meyer lemon on the other hand, while much smaller, regularly flowers and bears fruit. Would appreciate any ideas.
Dutchess County New York
Expert Response
A few things you can consider.
1. Since it was stressed when you received it, it just may take some time before it flowers. It will need to flower before it can produce fruit. Without knowing the variety, I can not determine if it would flower or the conditions that are needed to get it to flower. Lighting is a factor but nutrients can also be a factor, depending on the water quality you are using to water the plant.
You seem to be watering properly with respect to timing and amount so it could be a nutrient issue. Read the following links and be patient. It can take awhile for a tree to fully recover from stress.
The following link provides info on Dwarf lemon trees, though this on may not be a dwarf.
https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/growing-dwarf-citrus-plants-in-the-northeast
The following is not an extension site but it does give more details on dealing with growing lemon trees indoors.
https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/how-to-grow-and-care-for-an-indoor-lemon-tree
1. Since it was stressed when you received it, it just may take some time before it flowers. It will need to flower before it can produce fruit. Without knowing the variety, I can not determine if it would flower or the conditions that are needed to get it to flower. Lighting is a factor but nutrients can also be a factor, depending on the water quality you are using to water the plant.
You seem to be watering properly with respect to timing and amount so it could be a nutrient issue. Read the following links and be patient. It can take awhile for a tree to fully recover from stress.
The following link provides info on Dwarf lemon trees, though this on may not be a dwarf.
https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/growing-dwarf-citrus-plants-in-the-northeast
The following is not an extension site but it does give more details on dealing with growing lemon trees indoors.
https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/how-to-grow-and-care-for-an-indoor-lemon-tree
Thank you. It should no longer be too stressed as I’ve now had it for about five years. There were no leaves when I received it and it now appears to be doing well with the exception of flowering. I will bring it outdoors soon (eventually into full sun) and fertilize it after it has adjusted to the move. I may prune the center a bit where there is a fair bit of new growth - just to open it up a bit.
I will keep my fingers crossed. It takes up a significant amount of real estate - and muscle to move - for a plant that’s not offering me any flowers/fruit!
Thanks again.
Mark
On May 15, 2024, at 12:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The pruning may stimulate flowering. I know with apples, an old method to get them to produce was to scar the limbs longitudinally.
Sunlight can be a factor for in some plants producing flowers. A quick search on line indicated that 6 hours of light is the minimum for lemon trees. When it is inside, placing it near a window may be useful as well as giving some artificial lighting.
Also, the nutrients in the soil could be a factor if it has not had a soil change or fertilizer added. This can be a bit tricky with plants in a pot. Your tree looks health so it may be getting enough from the watering and still has good drainage.
Sunlight can be a factor for in some plants producing flowers. A quick search on line indicated that 6 hours of light is the minimum for lemon trees. When it is inside, placing it near a window may be useful as well as giving some artificial lighting.
Also, the nutrients in the soil could be a factor if it has not had a soil change or fertilizer added. This can be a bit tricky with plants in a pot. Your tree looks health so it may be getting enough from the watering and still has good drainage.
