How to Plant a Lemon Tree in Houston

There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly-picked lemon straight off the tree. If you're lucky enough to live in Houston, you can grow your own lemon tree right in your backyard. But before you start digging in the soil, here are some tips on how to plant a lemon tree in Houston.

Choose the right variety

Not all lemon trees are created equal, and selecting the right variety for your climate is crucial. Houston has a hot and humid climate, which means your lemon tree should be able to withstand the heat and humidity. Some of the best lemon tree varieties for Houston include Meyer, Improved Meyer, and Eureka lemons. These varieties are heat tolerant and can bear fruit even in the hot Houston summer.

Pick the perfect location

When it comes to planting a lemon tree, location is key. Lemon trees need a lot of sunlight, so it's important to choose a spot in your backyard that gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure the soil in the chosen location has good drainage, as lemon trees don't do well in soil that holds water. If you have heavy clay soil, you may need to dig out the planting hole and mix in some sand or organic material to improve drainage.

Prepare the soil

Before you plant your lemon tree, you need to prepare the soil. First, remove any grass or weeds from the planting area. Next, dig a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball of your lemon tree. The depth of the hole should be just deep enough so that the soil line on the tree is level with the surrounding soil. Mix in compost and other organic matter to the soil to enrich it and improve drainage.

Plant the lemon tree

Now that you've chosen the right variety, picked the perfect location, and prepared the soil, it's time to plant your lemon tree. Carefully remove the tree from its container and set it in the hole. Make sure the tree is straight and that the graft union (the area where the trunk and rootstock meet) is above the soil line. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down gently to remove air pockets. Finally, water the tree well and add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Care for your lemon tree

Once your lemon tree is planted, it's important to care for it properly. Water your lemon tree deeply once a week, especially during the dry summer months. Fertilize your lemon tree with citrus-specific fertilizer every three months, starting in the spring. Prune your lemon tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. And don't forget to watch out for pests such as scale, spider mites, and aphids, which can damage your lemon tree if left untreated.

With a little bit of care and attention, growing a lemon tree in Houston can be a rewarding experience. In just a few years, you could be enjoying your own homegrown lemons straight off the tree.