Citrus lemon
Stem
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The warmer months are just around the corner and the ideal accompaniment is beautiful citrus trees. Whether you choose the classic lemon or the unique kumquat, these cheerful trees instantly add a summery and Mediterranean feel to a garden or terrace. You can read how these colourful fruit trees like to be cared for in this blog.
Citrus (Citrofortunella) lemon
This lemon tree, Citrus lemon, is the most well-known and popular citrus plant. The lemon tree is native to India and China and develops the recognisable sour fruit.
Location and temperature
Lemon plants do best in a sheltered spot with plenty of sun. In summer, this plant does well outside, although the temperature should be at least 10 °C. As the plant absolutely cannot stand frost, it should be protected during the winter months by moving it indoors. Then place the tree near a south-facing window to ensure sufficient sun hours and light.
Watering
In the spring and summer months, a lemon tree needs a lot of water to allow the fruit to ripen properly. So give the plant a generous splash of water several times a week. Make sure that excess water can drain away well, so that the plant does not remain standing in a layer of water. Let the top layer of soil dry out well before watering the plant again.
Pruning and nutrition
The branches of the lemon tree tend to shoot in all directions. To maintain a nice crown, these can be trimmed. During the growing season, from April to September, use fertiliser especially suited for citrus trees every fortnight. In winter, the plant is dormant and needs no nutrition.
Citrus (Citrofortunella) kumquat
The Citrus kumquat is native to southern China. The trees have very shiny leaves. The yellow-orange fruits resemble an orange, but are a lot smaller and more oval-shaped, like the shape of a large olive.
Location and temperature
The kumquat tree blooms best at a temperature between 25 and 38 degrees. The ideal location is therefore a sunny and sheltered spot outside. The plant is not hardy and should therefore be moved indoors before the first frost. Place the Citrus kumquat indoors near a south-facing window.
Watering
To produce enough fruit, the plant needs quite a lot of water. In summer, this means the tree needs watering at least once a week. Let the root ball dry completely before the next watering and make sure that excess water can drain away properly.
Pruning and nutrition
The ascending branches of the kumquat tree can be pruned away in spring to keep the plant in a bit of shape. Feed the plant weekly during the growing season.
Citrus (Citrofortunella) calamondin
The calamondin is an unusual fruit that is a cross between the mandarin and the kumquat. The fruit is small, orange in colour and very sour in taste. Originally, the Citrus calamondin comes from East and Southeast Asia.
Location and temperature
Unlike previous citrus trees, the calamondin can withstand somewhat colder temperatures. The plant can withstand temperatures down to about -6 °C. If it gets colder, the plant should be moved indoors. The fruits grow best in a sunny and warm spot of at least 10 to 20 degrees, but the plant can also tolerate some shade. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures will negatively affect the plant's growth.
Watering
During the growing season, the Citrus calamondin needs a fair amount of water, but it is important not to overwater this plant. The soil should remain slightly moist, but the top should be completely dried out before the next watering.
Pruning and nutrition
In spring and summer, the calamondin tree should be fed every month. To maintain the silhouette of the plant, outgrowing branches can be cut off.