How effective lemons are in daily life and how to grow them at home?

Squeeze some on your fritters or fried chicken – and the taste enhances

Keep a sliced piece of it in your refrigerator – all the foul odor vanishes

Scrub your utensils with its juice – the stubborn stains are erased

Clean your oven with its juice – and the shine is back

Do you need more clues to understand what is being talked about?

Yes, you guessed it right! Its lemons – the small, round, oval, green, or yellow citrus fruit—are essential in every home.

From keeping your skin glowing to adding taste to your fruits and salads or cleaning your sink – this fruit is incredibly skilled.

The abilities of lemons don’t just stop here!

Lemons and their leaves have a reviving scent that can improve your mood, ease stress, and promote mental clarity.

Also, Vastu experts say keeping lemon trees in your home can bring good luck and prosperity.

We will walk you through the growing process of lemon trees at home. Here is what we will cover: -

• Interesting facts about lemons
• How to grow lemons at home
• How to take care of lemon tree
• Health benefits of lemon

So, let’s get started.

Interesting facts about lemons

1. In the flowering plant family Rutaceae, the lemon is a species of small evergreen trees indigenous to Asia, particularly Northeast India (Assam), Northern Myanmar, and China.
2. Lemons entered Europe in 200 AD in southern Italy, and it was not before 700 AD that people in Oran and Egypt started planting them.
3. Did you know it was Christopher Columbus who brought lemon seeds to America? Lemon was introduced to America in 1493.
4. On average, a lemon tree, if provided with regular care, can live up to 50 years.
5. A large lemon tree can produce at least 1000 lemons annually, around 226 kg approximately.
6. A great tip from a chef – you may keep various fruits from rotting and becoming brown by spraying them with a few drops of lemon juice.
7. You would be surprised to know that something called "lemon festival" or "Fête du Citron" is held annually in Menton, France. This event honors Menton's yearly production of premium lemons and other citrus produce. The carnival's floats and sculptures are all made entirely from lemons and oranges.

How to grow lemons at home

Lemon trees are evergreen citruses that produce sour, yellow fruits and have a lovely scent. Although lemon trees thrive outside, they can also be planted indoors with the proper care. Here is a guide to how you can grow lemons at home.

• Go to a local nursery and check for the most adaptable lemon tree that will grow inside without much problem. Also, ask the nursery expert about the tree's expected production of lemons, and based on that, buy a tree. Please get a lemon tree that is 2-3 years old.
• You can also grow lemon trees from seeds you discard after use, but they may not adapt to the indoor environment.
• Now buy a deep and large plastic pot to grow your lemon tree. The depth should be good because that will help the tree develop a robust root system and support. Also, the depth of the pot will further determine how long the tree can grow. The recommended size is 15 gallons, or 57 liters.
• Plastic would be the preferred material because it is light and you can move them easily.
• Also, check for drainage holes in the pot because lemon trees won't survive in soggy conditions.
• You have to keep a saucer under the plant pot. Find a few pebbles or gravel to spread over the saucer and sprinkle some water on it. The saucer with water will help keep the damp air surrounding your tree.
• Lemon trees require slightly acidic soil. So, you can bring a well-draining acidic potting mix or mix some peat moss into regular soil.
• Dedicate a sunny spot in your home, balcony, or terrace to a lemon tree. They require 8-12 hours of direct sunlight to flourish properly. You can pick a spot next to a window. Set up a grow light near the plant and leave it on for up to 12 hours a day if you live in a place with little sunlight.
• Before putting your lemon tree in the pot, pour roughly half of the soil mixture and pat it nicely.
• You must now pull the plant from the nursery pot you bought to keep it in the new pot. Be careful and do not rupture any roots. With your hands, gently pull the roots apart while massaging them with your fingers. This will enable the roots to swell more quickly and absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.
• After setting it upright in the pot, add soil to the remaining space. Make sure that no roots are left exposed or out of the soil. So, gently press the soil down around the plant's base. Just remember to plant the tree at the same depth as in the previous pot. Also, avoid putting soil on the trunk because doing so might lead to fungus diseases.
• Now, water the plant adequately. As your plant adapts, moistening the soil will help make it more hospitable. Water the tree just enough so the soil is wet but not soggy.
• Ensure good air circulation around the lemon tree. In warm weather, open a door or window close to your plant to simulate outdoor conditions. Install a revolving fan next to the lemon tree if the air is too chilly to keep it well-ventilated.
• Lemon trees will require fertilizer every month. Opt for a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
• Prune out sick, dead, and broken branches and thin the tree to manage its height and spread. This can be done once a year.
• The plant's stamens and anthers, the pollen-covered buds in the center of the flower, should be rubbed with the paintbrush. Put the pollen on the pistil, the bulb that is buried deep inside the flower.
• To guarantee pollination, repeat this procedure once daily. Lemons generally harvest in 6 to 9 months following good pollination. The tree will produce fruits even when you don't pollinate, but the fruits will be bigger if you pollinate.

How to take care of a lemon tree

One of the basic requirements for growing a lemon tree is a tropical or sub-tropical climate, making India a great place to produce them. Just follow the care instructions given below and grow lemons without any hassle.

Sunlight

Lemon trees grow best under full sun. Ensure the tree receives at least 8 hours of sunlight daily.

Location

As lemon trees love the sun, choose a sunny spot in your garden, terrace, or balcony. But remember that lemon trees need protection against strong winds. In that case, you can place it on the southwest side of your house along a wall to protect it against the wind.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for lemon trees would be between 23 and 18 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer

Lemon trees require a lot of energy, as other citrus fruit trees do. Use an 8-8-8 NPK fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) to promote fruit output and healthy growth.

Soil

Lemon trees like slightly acidic soil, so the pH should be between 5.7 and 6.5. A well-draining loamy soil is suitable for the cultivation of lemons.

Water

A successful harvest depends on understanding your lemon tree's watering needs. More frequent watering will be necessary throughout the establishing phase, sometimes even once or twice per week. Lemon trees become increasingly drought resistant as they age. The soil needs to be moist during the summer, especially for young trees. Be careful to avoid creating waterlogging because soggy situations are dangerous.

Health benefits of lemon

Lemon is an essential fruit in all our households. From squeezing on our salad bowls to our chicken recipes, lemon adds uniqueness. Besides culinary purposes, lemons have been in use since time immemorial for a variety of medical purposes too. Note the nutritional value of half cup of lemon and the general health benefits of lemons below: -

Good friend to your heart

Lemons are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. One medium-sized lemon has almost 31 mg of vitamin C, equal to 51% of your daily recommended value intake. When you consume vitamin C-enriched foods, the risk of heart disease decreases. Besides vitamin C, lemons are also rich in dietary fiber and plant compounds and contribute to a healthy heart.

Aids in digestion

Ayurveda says that consuming a glass of water with lemon juice in the morning clears your digestive system. The presence of soluble fibers in lemons aids in regular bowel movements and improves digestion. Pectin – the primary fiber in lemons, promotes a healthy gut by increasing the digestion of starch and sugar.

Immunity booster

Any citrus fruit is endowed with immunity-boosting abilities. The dominance of antioxidants and vitamin C in lemons strengthens our immune system. It provides our body with enormous power to fight against free radicals. Common colds, flu, fever, and cough can be treated with lemons. Nutritionists say lukewarm water with lemon and honey works wonders to cure coughs and colds.

May prevent kidney stones

Kidney stones are, to the uninitiated, little lumps that develop when waste materials crystallize and accumulate in your kidneys. The citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stones by raising the volume and pH of the urine and reducing the conditions that encourage kidney stone formation.

Helps in losing weight

A popular health drink believed to help people lose weight is – one whole lemon in a glass of lukewarm water with a tablespoon of honey. Pectin, a type of fiber in lemon, expands after ingestion and makes one feel fuller for a long time. As you stop snacking or overeating, your weight is controlled.

Good for oral health

Lemons can promote oral health because of their content of vitamin C. They take good care of teeth and gums. Scurvy is a condition resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to swollen and bleeding gums. Lemon is a powerful remedy for such diseases. Lemon juice can also relieve toothaches.

Glowing skin

Vitamin C is required to produce collagen, giving skin a youthful glow and plumpness. Lemons bring that glow back to your skin. Also, it helps in reducing fine lines and clears your complexion. Adding lemons to face packs can help remove dark spots.

One excellent habit that might help you escape the stresses of daily life is gardening. Well, what's better than a lemon tree? Maintaining a lemon tree at home will keep you busy, and the luscious fruit will be good for your health. The gleaming leaves and vivid fruits will further enhance the beauty of your interiors. So, start preparing your lemon tree right away!

FAQs related to lemons

How many lemons can be consumed in a day?

Lemons contain antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They help you stay hydrated and healthy and flush out toxins from the body. In the summer, you can consume two lemons per day, while in the winter, you may have one.

Is lemon a good source of vitamin C?

Yes, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. In 100gms lemon juice, there is 53mg of vitamin C.

How long will it take my lemon tree to bear fruit?

If you have brought a grafted lemon plant, it may bear fruit the same year. If you are growing a lemon tree from a seed, it will take at least five years to bear fruit. When you grow lemon trees outside, directly in the soil, under favorable conditions, fruits will appear in 5- years.

How much sunlight does a lemon tree require?

A lemon tree will require at least 8 hours of sunlight.

How to know if my lemon tree is overwatered?

If the area around the tree is wet, the lemon tree is probably suffering from overwatering. You will also see that the new leaves that appear will be weak. They will also wither away before fully developing.