How to Plant Lemons in the Field for High-Quality Fruit Yield

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      how to plant lemon

      Lemons are fruits that thrive at elevations of 500-1100 meters above sea level, making them suitable for cultivation in both medium and highland areas. The ideal environment for lemon trees is one with temperatures ranging from 22-30°C, humidity between 50-70%, rainfall of 1500-2500 mm/month, and a soil pH of 5.5-6.5. Lemons can be harvested within 1-3 years of planting. 

      The productivity of lemons can reach 10-40 tons per hectare per planting cycle. Cultivating lemons is best done in a wide, open space where the plants can receive sufficient sunlight, at least 10-14 hours per day, good air circulation, and easy access to water and nutrients. Here’s a guide on how to plant lemons in the field for high-quality fruit yields!

      1. Choosing the Right Variety

      The first step in planting lemons is to choose the right variety for your land. Ensure that the variety selected matches the conditions of your planting site.

      The most popular lemon varieties in Indonesia include Meyer, Montaji Agrihorti, Bali, Eureka, Lisbon, and Kunci. These varieties are favored for their high yields, ranging from 10-30 tons per hectare, as well as their resistance to pests and diseases.

      2. Soil Preparation

      soil tillage for lemon tree
      soil tillage for lemon tree

      Before planting lemons, it’s essential to prepare the soil to ensure the plants grow healthy and strong. Steps for soil preparation include selecting the right location, clearing and loosening the soil, and preparing planting beds.

      • Choose a location with loose, well-drained soil that gets plenty of sunlight for at least 8 hours a day.
      • Clear the land of weeds and debris.
      • Loosen the soil using a hoe or tractor to a depth of 30-40 cm.
      • Check the pH of the soil. If the pH is lower than 5.5, apply dolomite lime at a rate of 1.5 tons per hectare, spreading it over the beds 2-4 weeks before planting. Allow the beds to rest for 1-2 weeks before they are ready for planting.

      3. Basic Fertilization for Lemon Plants

      To improve soil fertility, organic fertilizer should be added before planting lemon trees. The purpose of basic fertilization is to increase the availability of natural nutrients in the soil to meet the plant’s needs and enhance soil quality to make it fertile.

      The basic fertilization for lemon trees involves mixing the soil mound with 8 kg of manure, 200 g of ZA (Ammonium Sulfate), 100 g of SP-36 (Superphosphate), and 100 g of KCl (Potassium Chloride). After applying the basic fertilization, let the soil rest for a week to allow the nutrients to improve in the soil.

      4. Seed Preparation and Treatment

      Lemon can be planted using either seeds or seedlings. Both methods of obtaining lemon seeds have their advantages and disadvantages. Lemon trees grown from seeds typically require about 5 to 6 years to bear fruit, while those grown from seedlings can be harvested within 1 to 3 years. 

      Lemon seedlings can be obtained through methods like grafting, air-layering (cangkok), or inoculation from a parent plant. The seedlings chosen for planting must meet several criteria. They should be of high quality to ensure that the lemon trees grow healthy and productive. 

      Additionally, the selected seedlings should ideally be older with strong roots. The source of the lemon seedlings should be from parent plants that have superior traits, are quick to fruit, and are in healthy condition, free from disease. 

      5. Lemon Planting

      planting lemon
      planting lemon

      Lemon seedlings with a height of 50-80 cm can be directly planted in the field. The planting process includes transferring the lemon seedlings to the land, watering the area, creating planting holes, adjusting the planting distance, planting the seedlings, and watering them.

      • Lemon seedlings should be moved to the field after 2-3 months, with the plant height around 10-15 cm. Choose healthy seedlings that appear fresh and free from pests and diseases 
      • Transplanting can be done in the afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, to avoid the intense midday heat 
      • Water the soil beforehand. Create planting holes that are 30-60 cm wide and about 30 cm deep, with a planting distance of 3 x 4 meters. However, the planting distance should be adjusted based on the variety and climate conditions at the time of planting. 
      • Carefully transfer the seedlings with their soil from the nursery. 
      • Place the seedlings into the planting hole, add some soil, and pack it lightly to keep the lemon plant upright. 
      • Water the seedlings thoroughly, ensuring they receive enough water
      • Ensure the lemon seedlings get adequate sunlight. Ideally, newly planted lemon seedlings need 10-14 hours of sunlight per day. Avoid placing them under shade such as from canopies or large trees, as lemon trees require ample sunlight for optimal growth and quick fruiting.

      6. Routine Watering

      watering lemon tree
      watering lemon tree

      Lemon trees require sufficient water to grow optimally. The water needs depend on weather conditions and the type of soil in which the lemon tree is planted.

      It is recommended to water lemon plants 2-3 times a week. Ensure that the soil around the plants remains moist, but not overly wet. 

      7. Supplementary Fertilization

      fertilizing lemon tree
      fertilizing lemon tree

      Supplementary fertilization is important because lemon trees need enough nutrients to support growth and produce high-quality fruit. Fertilization should be done every 1-3 months.

      Use 25 kg of compost or 50 kg of manure per tree for supplementary fertilization. Before flowering, provide high-phosphorus fertilizer, such as SP-36, at a dose of 40 kg per hectare.

      Additionally, apply ZA fertilizer and KCl at a rate of 20 kg per hectare when the lemon tree reaches one year old to ensure successful flowering. For trees that are two years old, increase the dosage of ZA and KCl by 2x compared to the first year, and continue this pattern as the tree matures. Fertilizer should be spread around the base of the lemon tree.

      8. Weeding 

      Weeding should be done regularly to remove weeds around the plant. Weeds should be pulled out because they can hinder the growth of the lemon tree.

      Moreover, weeds compete with lemon trees for nutrients in the soil. Weeding can be done every 3 months, but if any weeds are spotted during plant monitoring, they should be removed immediately. 

      9. Pruning

      pruning lemon tree
      pruning lemon tree

      Lemon trees require pruning of their branches to maintain their health and promote abundant fruit production. Pruning is essential for removing branches affected by pests or diseases, dead branches, or those growing inward.

      Pruning should be done regularly to ensure the proper growth and shape of the tree, which helps the lemon tree grow optimally. It is best to prune after supplementary fertilization, fruit thinning, and fruit harvest. 

      10. Pest and Disease Control

      pest and disease control on lemon tree
      pest and disease control on lemon tree

      Monitoring the plants is crucial for prompt and accurate pest and disease management. Common pests that affect lemon trees include aphids (Aphis spp.), mites (Scirtothrips citri), mealybugs (Planococcus citri), fruit flies (Bactrocera correcta), and lemon worms (Papilio demodocus).

      Common diseases that affect lemon trees include root rot and collar rot (Phytophthora sp., Fusarium sp.), fruit cancer (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri), and huanglongbing disease (Candidatus liberibacter).

      11. Lemon Harvesting

      harvesting lemon tree
      harvesting lemon tree

      Lemon trees can be harvested after 1-3 years of planting. The signs that lemons are ready to be harvested include bright yellow skin, a fresh acidic aroma, and a sufficiently large size.

      Lemons can be harvested daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. The harvesting process involves carefully picking the lemons using scissors or a knife. When harvesting, be cautious not to damage the tree’s branches.

      12. Post-Harvest Treatment

      After harvesting, lemons should be collected in baskets. Clean them from any remaining dirt or debris using a damp cloth. The harvested lemons should be stored in a shaded area with good air circulation.

      Next, lemons should be sorted into two categories: those that are marketable and those that are not. Marketable lemons should be packed using airtight packaging.

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      Widy Naftani
      I am a writer focused on providing practical information about cultivation, agricultural innovations, and food sustainability with the goal of raising public awareness about the world of agriculture. Know more about her on Linkedin

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