Gardener reveals the best time to plant lemon trees for a good harvest

The sight of a lemon tree full of yellow fruit is truly something special and it's actually very easy to achieve, even if you're a beginner gardener.

It's also a an easy way to save money on groceries, with the cost of lemons $1.60 each at Coles and $1.38 each at Woolworths, at the time of publishing.

You don't even need a lot of space with horticulturalist Reagan Nelson from If You Mow You Mow recommending dwarf varieties for those with small courtyards or balconies.

He shared with nine.com.au his top tips for growing a thriving lemon tree in your own backyard, including the tricky pest you need to watch out for.

When is the best time to plant a lemon tree?

The best time plant a lemon tree is spring, preferably early spring when the soil has had time to warm up from the heat of winter.

Planting in summer can be tricky due to the heat so trying to establish a plant may not always be successful. By planting in spring you're ensuring and encouraging the lemon tree to be ready for the hot Australian sun. 

What light and water needs do lemon trees have?

Lemon trees need full sun and a lot of water. Very thirsty drinkers! A common issue I see with people growing citrus is not watering enough, even when you think you have. The leaves start to curl slightly and the leaves go from a green to pale green with yellow. 

Depending on the size of lemon tree, watering once to few times a week is great for them. 

READ MORE: What flower seeds to sow in spring

READ MORE: How to grow veggies and flowers on a small balcony

READ MORE: Increase your home internet speed by 500% for little extra

How often should lemon trees be fertilised?

Giving it a good citrus fertiliser once planted in spring will boost and aid its establishment. 

What pests and problems are lemon trees prone to?

Biggest pest I deal with is gall wasps. If your neighbours have them, unfortunately you will most likely get them eventually. 

They lay eggs in the young stems that take over the lemon tree causing woody stems, less leaf and fruit production. Be wary of fertilising at certain times as gall wasps may be encouraged to go for the fresh new sappy stems. 

Citrus leaf miner is another pesky pest. They burrow and eat the leaf leaving a trail all over. By sucking the sap of the leaves, the lemon tree struggles all over and will start to grow pale and look sick. Easiest way to tell is the curling of the leaves and thin silvery trails on the leaf. 

When are lemons ready to harvest?

Depending on the variety of lemons, fruit production can take seven to nine months and lemons will be growing and ready to harvest late autumn all into winter. 

Once the flower has fallen and the lemon has started to appear, it needs to go from green to yellow. Aim around winter time and see the sizing of your fruit, simply pluck one off the tree. 

When should we prune lemon trees?

The best time for pruning is late winter and early spring. The new growth after the prune has time to grow and get ready for the heat. If you were to prune close to summer or during summer the sun most likely will burn new shoots. 

I generally like to shape the tree so it's even all around and remove crossing branches and stems growing towards the centre. You want to create an aerobic environment which will help with sunlight on the fruit and reducing pest and disease.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.