How to prune potted lemons

When to prune potted lemons

Lemon pruning can be done all year round. Winter and spring pruning is done before the spring buds sprout in the second year after the lemons are harvested. Old trees, weak trees and trees that need to be renewed can also be pruned in spring and summer.

The most suitable time for lemon cuttings is late May, and it can also be done in September. The length of the cuttings should be about 15 cm. Cut off the leaves on the upper part of the branches, leaving the top 2 to 3. Use a cotton swab to insert the medium into the small hole, water it after insertion, and place it in a cool place.

Pruning branches and leaves of potted lemon

During the growing season, lemon pruning mainly includes pinching, scissoring, thinning, pinching, twisting buds, cutting main branches, and cutting roots.

Pinching refers to removing the tops of new branches that have not stopped growing during the growing season of lemon; pruning refers to shortening a part of the annual shoots or perennial branches of lemon.

Twisting the tips means tightening the lemon branches by hand 3~5cm from the base, twisting them greatly or twisting them downward; bud removal means removing the tender buds when the new shoots of the lemon grow to 1~2cm in summer and autumn.

Tips for pruning potted lemons

Lemon trees are pruned in winter, mainly in areas with high temperatures. While pruning, dead leaves, diseased leaves, etc. can be cleaned up. In areas with low temperatures, pruning can be delayed until spring.

Lemon trees are pruned during the growing season, mainly in summer and during the flowering period. The main activities are bud removal, pinching and pruning, which can control branch growth and promote fruit development.

Potted lemon pruning results

Because the root system of potted lemons is limited, each flower needs a certain amount of branches and leaves to provide nutrients for normal development and fruiting. The limited amount of branches and leaves of potted plants cannot ensure that all flowers can bear fruit. Therefore, during the flowering period of potted lemons, it is best to cut off 1/3 to 2/3 of the flowers to ensure the normal development of the remaining flowers.

Notes on pruning potted lemons

When pruning lemon trees during their growth period, pay attention to disinfection to prevent the plants from diseases and insect pests. If the number of branches of the planted lemon trees is small and the light and ventilation are good, the overgrown branches can be cut back by 1/2-2/3.