[TangieFanatic]

Hi,
I have started a lemon tree outdoors this summer and I was just going to watch it grow and then let it die but I changed my mind. If I wanted to grow this lemon tree under cfls in the winter, could I get by with 100 actual watts and how many hours a day should the lights be on?

The lemon tree would not survive on a windowsill in the winter because in the daytime we keep the house at 50 degrees so I would have to have it under lights in a warm closet. I want it to actually grow and thrive in the winter so that I don't have to wait 5 years for my first lemon.

[zachrockbadenof]

I doubt that u will get a lemon unless its outdoors all year round... if u have a south window, and its 50D in the winter, I'd opt for that location instead of a closet..

I have '2' lemon trees, only about 2ft tall, as I constantly trim it.. its outside may-oct, and then brought into a greenhouse room... I get lovely smelling flowers every year, but never a lemon.. the plants are about 5years old...

[Betterhaff]

I have a few citrus trees as houseplants. They over winter in the house and get moved outdoors when the weather is suitable. Indoors they receive lots of light (have big windows) but are on the natural light schedule of the season which is also affected by the light schedule of my indoor routine. Never had any fruit probably because they need strong light to produce…and one is over 30 years old but it may be a mutt from a hybrid cross.

I thought I read somewhere if under a lighting schedule it should be at least 12-14 on. Not sure of the wattage needed. And growth rate really slows down below 55*F.

Also, watch out for the thorns. I wear work gloves when pruning.

[zachrockbadenof]

Originally Posted by Betterhaff

watch out for the thorns. I wear work gloves when pruning.

ha yep lemons got thorns... I have a couple lime trees.. I don't think they have thorns...

and the thorns on a lemon tree are large.. ask me how I know...ouch...

[aridbud]

Grew lime and banana trees indoors a few decades ago (before HID) . Skylight, equal mix of N & P nutrients every 3rd watering. Fall to Spring 3 sets of shop lights (fluoro) in winter. Small but edible fruit. Root bound even in 20 gallon nursery container.

Here's some tips from web site. https://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/tip...useplants.html

Good luck.

"Citrus trees can be grown easily indoors! Key elements for success are good light, adequate humidity indoors in the winter, well-drained potting soil, additional nutrients, and consistent watering. Take any one of those away and problems can develop. Supply them as indicated below, and you'll be on your way to a beautiful tree! (Which varieties are best for indoor growing?)

Light
Citrus require 8-12 hours of sunlight each day to be healthy and productive. A South or Southwest facing window with unobstructed light is generally ideal. Citrus trees do not go dormant in winter and will tolerate slightly lower light conditions during this period of slower growth.

If your growing space receives at least 5-6 hours of full direct sun per day, supplementing with full spectrum bulbs or fluorescent plant lights can help trees perform well. IF, however, the space provides less than 5 hours per day of direct, full sun, more sophisticated grow light systems may be necessary. ACF Greenhouses is a good online source for helpful information about grow light systems.

If you live in an area with cold winters and hot summers, you might consider treating your citrus as an indoor/outdoor plant.

Temperature
Citrus grow best between 55°F and 85°F. They can usually tolerate temperatures down to 32 degrees for 2-3 hours or temperatures over 100 degrees as long as they are well watered.


Soil
We have found that a light, well-drained commercial soil mix, such as Rose Garden Soil (formulated for outdoor use) can work well. Some experts make their own mixes using wood shavings, sand, and compost.

Using dirt (native soil from your yard) in a container is not advisable. We also advise against putting gravel or any other material on the bottom of the pot, as this negatively impacts drainage over time.

Soils that are too heavy can be amended with about 1/3 – ½ volume of 1" redwood shavings or cedar hamster bedding. Pine and spruce shavings tend to break down more quickly, so are not ideal. Try to select hardwood chips that will last longer. If necessary, moisten the mix to reduce dust and make it easier to handle.

Be sure to apply a good fertilizer as appropriate.

Water
Water as needed to keep soil moist, not soggy. Generally 1/4 - 1/2 gallon of water every 5-7 days indoors is adequate. Be sure the bottom of the pot is elevated above standing drainage water. A moisture tester can be an excellent tool to help determine when roots are in need of a drink. Because most commercial moisture testers rely on an electrical conductivity method, however it is possible to get miss-readings due to high salinity or other conditions. An alternative method recently shared by a New England citrus enthusiast simply employs a plain wooden dowel about the diameter of a pencil. Sharpen it with a whittling method (sharp knife) or pencil sharpener. Then insert this into the pot at varying depths, shallow to deeper, determining moisture using your direct senses (feel, smell, etc.).


Humidity
In winter months, heated rooms may need additional humidity. Placing the pot on pebbles in a saucer will elevate the tree above the drainage area, and improve air flow and humidity for citrus. Misting citrus foliage with a simple spray bottle is another way to help citrus cope with insufficient indoor humidity in winter.

Enjoy!
When you provide these essential elements of success for indoor growing, you'll enjoy a fragrant, ornamental, and delicious houseplant unlike any other!"

[TangieFanatic]

Wow thanks for all the information. This will really help me. I want to get this lemon tree to grow and grow so that she will put off that fragrant smell of citrus for me to enjoy. Maybe one day she will even produce some lemons. It's just a seedling right now, one half a foot tall. It's still cute and smells great though. The best part is that I planted the seed from a lemon I ate.

Originally Posted by aridbud

Grew lime and banana trees indoors a few decades ago (before HID) . Skylight, equal mix of N & P nutrients every 3rd watering. Fall to Spring 3 sets of shop lights (fluoro) in winter. Small but edible fruit. Root bound even in 20 gallon nursery container.

Here's some tips from web site. https://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/tip...useplants.html

Good luck.

"Citrus trees can be grown easily indoors! Key elements for success are good light, adequate humidity indoors in the winter, well-drained potting soil, additional nutrients, and consistent watering. Take any one of those away and problems can develop. Supply them as indicated below, and you'll be on your way to a beautiful tree! (Which varieties are best for indoor growing?)

Light
Citrus require 8-12 hours of sunlight each day to be healthy and productive. A South or Southwest facing window with unobstructed light is generally ideal. Citrus trees do not go dormant in winter and will tolerate slightly lower light conditions during this period of slower growth.

If your growing space receives at least 5-6 hours of full direct sun per day, supplementing with full spectrum bulbs or fluorescent plant lights can help trees perform well. IF, however, the space provides less than 5 hours per day of direct, full sun, more sophisticated grow light systems may be necessary. ACF Greenhouses is a good online source for helpful information about grow light systems.

If you live in an area with cold winters and hot summers, you might consider treating your citrus as an indoor/outdoor plant.

Temperature
Citrus grow best between 55°F and 85°F. They can usually tolerate temperatures down to 32 degrees for 2-3 hours or temperatures over 100 degrees as long as they are well watered.


Soil
We have found that a light, well-drained commercial soil mix, such as Rose Garden Soil (formulated for outdoor use) can work well. Some experts make their own mixes using wood shavings, sand, and compost.

Using dirt (native soil from your yard) in a container is not advisable. We also advise against putting gravel or any other material on the bottom of the pot, as this negatively impacts drainage over time.

Soils that are too heavy can be amended with about 1/3 – ½ volume of 1" redwood shavings or cedar hamster bedding. Pine and spruce shavings tend to break down more quickly, so are not ideal. Try to select hardwood chips that will last longer. If necessary, moisten the mix to reduce dust and make it easier to handle.

Be sure to apply a good fertilizer as appropriate.

Water
Water as needed to keep soil moist, not soggy. Generally 1/4 - 1/2 gallon of water every 5-7 days indoors is adequate. Be sure the bottom of the pot is elevated above standing drainage water. A moisture tester can be an excellent tool to help determine when roots are in need of a drink. Because most commercial moisture testers rely on an electrical conductivity method, however it is possible to get miss-readings due to high salinity or other conditions. An alternative method recently shared by a New England citrus enthusiast simply employs a plain wooden dowel about the diameter of a pencil. Sharpen it with a whittling method (sharp knife) or pencil sharpener. Then insert this into the pot at varying depths, shallow to deeper, determining moisture using your direct senses (feel, smell, etc.).


Humidity
In winter months, heated rooms may need additional humidity. Placing the pot on pebbles in a saucer will elevate the tree above the drainage area, and improve air flow and humidity for citrus. Misting citrus foliage with a simple spray bottle is another way to help citrus cope with insufficient indoor humidity in winter.

Enjoy!
When you provide these essential elements of success for indoor growing, you'll enjoy a fragrant, ornamental, and delicious houseplant unlike any other!"

[aridbud]

The best part is that I planted the seed from a lemon I ate.

Doesn't get much better than that!

[zachrockbadenof]

Originally Posted by TangieFanatic

The best part is that I planted the seed from a lemon I ate.

ain't that great.. I twisted off a pineapple top a few years ago, let it dry for a week, then planted in soil, in a small pot... and it grew... wonder of wonders, I think in the 2nd year ...a pineapple... needless to say it was small,but I did cut it up and gave a sliver to everyone in my house...

just started an avocado... washed it off, 4 toothpicks in it, and 1/4 of it into a glass with water.. in a couple/few weeks the shell should break, and on my way to another plant... my wife hates when I start more plants...

[aridbud]

Originally Posted by zachrockbadenof

ain't that great.. I twisted off a pineapple top a few years ago, let it dry for a week, then planted in soil, in a small pot... and it grew... wonder of wonders, I think in the 2nd year ...a pineapple... needless to say it was small,but I did cut it up and gave a sliver to everyone in my house...

just started an avocado... washed it off, 4 toothpicks in it, and 1/4 of it into a glass with water.. in a couple/few weeks the shell should break, and on my way to another plant... my wife hates when I start more plants...

Ahhh, nice! Recall doing those projects (avocado and pineapple) in grade school. Nothing better than watching something from seed, a cutting, graft grow! However, I'm partial...I like watching cannabis grow & morph into hardy bud structure! ;o)

[exploziv]

From what I know, you won't get lemons from a planted seed unless you graft shoot from another fruit bearing lemon on your lemon plant rootsystem. Ofc, there may be exceptions to the rule, but I've never heard of a planted lemon plant to bear fruits.
If your plant can bear fruits, then you just need a sunny windowsill + water and nutrients during summer to enjoy lots of fruits (depending on your plant size). I have a qumquat that gives me 10-20 fruits per season at only 40-50 cm height. But it was grafted when i bought it.. otherwise I doubt It would have fruits on it.