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Lemon Trees

Why Are My Lemons Soft? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Preventing Soft Lemons

by Donna December 28, 2022

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Why Are My Lemons Soft? A Guide to Understanding and Preventing Soft Lemons

Lemons are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. However, sometimes lemons can become soft before they are ripe, which can be frustrating for gardeners. In this article, we will explore the causes of soft lemons and provide tips on how to prevent and use them.

Causes of Soft Lemons

There are several reasons why lemons may become soft before they are ripe:

1. Over-ripening: Lemons, like other citrus fruits, will continue to ripen after they are picked. If lemons are left on the tree for too long, they will eventually become soft and mushy.

2. Dehydration: Lemon trees need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. If a lemon tree does not receive enough water, the lemons will become dehydrated and soft.

3. Disease: Certain diseases, such as brown rot and sour rot, can cause lemons to become soft and discolored.

How to Prevent Soft Lemons

There are several steps you can take to prevent lemons from becoming soft:

1. Pick lemons at the right time: Lemons should be picked when they are fully ripe but still firm. The best way to tell if a lemon is ripe is to taste it. A ripe lemon will be juicy and tart, but not bitter.

2. Water lemon trees regularly: Lemon trees need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the tree deeply and evenly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to the roots.

3. Protect lemon trees from disease: Keep lemon trees healthy by providing them with proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Remove any diseased or damaged fruit from the tree to prevent the spread of disease.

Uses for Soft Lemons

If you find yourself with soft lemons, don’t despair! There are still several ways you can use them:

1. Cooking: Soft lemons can still be used in cooking, although they may not be as juicy as ripe lemons. You can use soft lemons to make lemon bars, lemon curd, or lemon juice.

2. Cleaning: Lemons are a natural cleaning agent. You can use soft lemons to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on the surface you want to clean.

3. Air freshener: Lemons can also be used to make a natural air freshener. Slice a few lemons and place them in a bowl of water. The lemon slices will release a fresh, citrusy scent into the air.

Additional Tips

If you have a lot of soft lemons, you can freeze them for later use. Frozen lemons can be used in cooking or baking.
You can also dry soft lemons to make lemon powder. Lemon powder can be used to add a lemony flavor to dishes.
If you are growing lemon trees in containers, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to soft lemons.

By following these tips, you can prevent soft lemons and enjoy fresh, juicy lemons all season long.

Fruit Gardening

Ultimate Guide to Pollinating Lemon Trees Indoors for Bountiful Harvests

by Gregory April 8, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Pollinating Lemon Trees Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide

Growing lemon trees indoors can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a bit of extra care to ensure successful pollination and fruit production. Unlike outdoor trees, which rely on bees for pollination, indoor lemon trees need to be pollinated manually.

Understanding Lemon Flower Anatomy

To effectively pollinate lemon trees, it’s important to understand the anatomy of their flowers. Each lemon flower has both male and female reproductive parts:

Pistil: The female part, located in the center of the flower, consists of the stigma (the sticky tip) and the style (the long stalk).
Stamen: The male part, surrounding the pistil, consists of thin filaments with anthers (sacs containing pollen grains) at the tips.

Pollination Process

Pollination occurs when pollen from the anthers is transferred to the stigma. The pollen grains contain sperm cells that will fertilize the ovules in the ovary, leading to the development of fruit.

Manually Pollinating Lemon Trees

Since bees are typically not present indoors, manual pollination is necessary for indoor lemon trees. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Identify the Ripe Flowers: Look for lemon flowers that have just opened and have a sticky stigma.
Collect Pollen: Gently touch the anthers of a ripe flower with a small paint brush or bird feather to collect pollen grains.
Transfer Pollen to the Stigma: Brush the paint brush or feather against the stigma of each flower to transfer the pollen.
Repeat for Multiple Flowers: Repeat the process for as many flowers as possible to increase the chances of successful pollination.

Troubleshooting

Lack of Pollen: If you’re not seeing any pollen on the anthers, the flowers may not be ripe yet. Wait a few days and try again.
Dry Stigma: If the stigma is not sticky, it may not be receptive to pollen. Look for flowers with a moist, sticky stigma.
Poor Fruit Set: If pollination is successful but you’re not getting fruit, there may be other factors at play, such as poor soil conditions, lack of sunlight, or inadequate watering.

Tips for Success

Use a Soft Brush: Avoid damaging the delicate flower parts by using a soft paint brush or bird feather for pollination.
Don’t Over-Pollinate: While it’s important to pollinate multiple flowers, over-pollination can damage the stigma and reduce fruit production.
Pollinate Early: Pollinate the flowers as soon as they open to increase the chances of success.
Patience is Key: It may take several attempts to successfully pollinate all the flowers. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get results immediately.

Conclusion

By understanding the pollination process and following these tips, you can successfully pollinate your indoor lemon trees and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, juicy lemons. Remember to be patient, observe your trees closely, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

Fruit Trees

Repotting Lemon Trees: The Ultimate Guide to When, How, and Pot Size

by Donna February 24, 2020

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Growing Lemon Trees in Containers

Growing your own lemon tree is possible even if you don’t live in a warm climate. By growing your lemon tree in a container, you can enjoy fresh lemons almost anywhere. However, container-grown lemon trees will eventually outgrow their containers. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about repotting lemon trees, including when to repot, how to repot, and how to choose the right pot size.

When to Repot Lemon Trees

There are a few signs that indicate it’s time to repot your lemon tree. One sign is if the leaves are dropping or browning. Another sign is if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to repot your lemon tree.

How to Repot a Lemon Tree

Repotting a lemon tree is not difficult, but there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure success.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

The first step is to choose the right pot for your lemon tree. The new pot should be about 25% larger than the current pot. It should also have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away.

Step 2: Prepare the New Pot

Fill the new pot with about 1/4 of potting soil. Water the soil until it is moist and any excess water drains out the drainage holes.

Step 3: Remove the Lemon Tree from the Old Pot

Using a trowel or hori hori, loosen the soil around the root ball and the container. Once the tree is loose, grasp the tree near the base and lift it out of the container.

Step 4: Inspect the Roots

Check the root system for any roots that are encircling the root ball. If you find any, slice through them with a sterile knife. If you don’t, the roots may constrict the root ball as it grows and kill the tree.

Step 5: Plant the Lemon Tree in the New Pot

Set the tree atop the soil in the new pot, adjusting the depth of the soil so the root ball sits a couple of inches below the rim of the container. Fill in around the roots with more soil until the tree is potted at the same depth it was in its old pot.

Step 6: Water the Lemon Tree

Water the tree thoroughly to allow the soil to settle. If need be, add more soil.

Choosing the Right Pot Size

The size of the pot you choose for your lemon tree will depend on the size of the tree. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is about 25% larger than the current pot. However, if you want to encourage your lemon tree to grow larger, you can choose a pot that is even larger.

Other Tips for Repotting Lemon Trees

The best time to repot a lemon tree is in the spring when the tree is gearing up for new growth.
When repotting a lemon tree, it is important to be careful not to damage the roots.
After repotting, water the tree thoroughly and place it in a warm, sunny location.

By following these tips, you can successfully repot your lemon tree and enjoy fresh lemons for years to come.