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Dwarf Lemon Tree

June 13th, 2011

If you would like to grow a citrus tree but unfortunately live in an apartment then you do have a solution for it. You can grow dwarf citrus tress like Meyer lemons, oranges and tangerines in a container or tub and savor the tangy fruits. It is not difficult to grow a dwarf lemon tree indoors, as although lemon tress in general are tropical plants, they can survive very well even in colder climate. For those of you who are wondering if it is possible to grow a dwarf lemon tree from a seed, the answer is yes. As long as the dwarf lemon tree seed used from the fruit is not damaged or cut in any way, there is a good possibility that you can grow them. But the catch is that lemon trees grown from a seedling, take a very long time to bear flower and fruits. So, you might have to wait a good six to seven years before you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. More on houseplant.

How to Grow a Dwarf Lemon Tree

Dwarf lemon tree actually is a kind of bonsai, and it requires a bit of care before you can see the tree bearing fruits. Like a fruit tree cultivation, the dwarf lemon tree is also grown by the process of grafting a cutting from another tree. To cultivate a dwarf lemon tree from a cutting, you have to first obtain a softwood cutting from a healthy lemon tree. Choose the cutting from a young dwarf lemon tree during late spring or early summer. While getting a cutting from the tree, make sure that the tree is neither too young or too mature. Take a sharp knife and dip it in alcohol to prevent any transmission of diseases. Make a clean, asymmetrical cut which is about 4 to 6 inches deep and has 3 to 4 leaves. Take the cutting of the dwarf lemon tree only when you are ready to plant the cutting, as otherwise the cutting will just shrivel up and it will not be of any use.

Now pinch the top half of the leaves from the cutting and plant it in a potting mixture that has been kept in a tray. Now spray the potting mixture with water and cover the leaves of the cutting with a clear plastic bag. Make sure that the leaves of the cutting are not in contact with either the bag or the potting mixture. Place the planting tree in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Regularly water the planting tree when you feel that the potting mixture is beginning to get dry. » Read more: Dwarf Lemon Tree

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Planting Fruit Trees

June 13th, 2011

Fruit trees, as the name implies are the trees that bear fruits, some of which can be consumed by human and animals. In general, the term ‘fruit tree’ is used to refer to those trees that produce fruits, which can be consumed by human. Growing such fruit trees can be a really rewarding experience, as you would be able to enjoy those delicious fruits for years to come. Besides, planting fruit trees is not so hard, if done with patience and diligence. Here are some simple tips on how to plant fruit trees.

Before Planting Fruit Trees

Before planting your fruit tree, you have to decide about the size of the tree that can be grown in your yard. If you do not have much space, you can go for the dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties of the tree. However, you can go for the standard variety, if your yard has space enough to accommodate a large fruit tree. Next to tree size, the other important point is to find out what type of soil your fruit tree prefers. It depends on the particular type of fruit tree. As for example, apples prefers drier soil, while plum tree grows well in damp soil. So, it is better to do some preliminary research on the different types of fruit trees and their specific needs. However, most of the fruit trees can tolerate a wide range of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. Find out more about dwarf fruit trees.

Planting Fruit Trees

Once you have decided about the size of the tree and soil type, it is time to plant your fruit tree. However, do not forget to soak the root before planting. Now, dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the root ball of the tree. Usually, the hole should be a bit wider than the size of the root ball of the tree and deep enough to completely cover the roots. The depth of the planting hole is very important, especially if you are planting the grafted fruit trees. For planting grafted fruit trees, the hole should be so deep, that it can provide space to a growing root system. After digging the hole, loosen the soil around the hole, so that the tree can easily expand its roots. Put some soil at the bottom of the hole in order to make a mound in the center.

Now, carefully place the root ball of the plant just on top of the mound. You have to take adequate care to plant fruit trees in such a way that the graft union or graft line of the tree lies slightly above the level of the ground. The graft line can be identified as a diagonal scar on the trunk or as a lump, a few inches from the soil. After placing the tree in the hole, you can fill it up with soil. Be sure to pat or firm the soil around the tree gently and then water it, so as to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of mulch or organic material like, leaves around the base of the tree to help retain moisture. However, be sure to not place mulch or leaves near the graft line of the tree. You can plant fruit trees in winter or spring, which is the best time to plant fruit trees. But, if there is frost, then it is better to not plant fruit trees in fall, and instead, wait till early spring. » Read more: Planting Fruit Trees