There’s something magical about stepping out onto your patio or balcony, picking a lemon straight off your own plant, and immediately smelling that bright, zesty citrus scent. For years, I thought growing a lemon plant was something only people with sprawling gardens and a warm climate could manage. But then I discovered the joy of growing lemons in pots, and let me tell you—it’s life-changing.
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your own lemon plant in a pot and enjoy a steady supply of fresh, fragrant fruits, here’s everything I’ve learned from my own citrus-growing journey.
Why Grow Lemon Plants in Pots?
When I first started gardening, I didn’t have much space—just a small patio. But I desperately wanted my own lemon tree. The solution? A pot! Growing lemons in pots means you can control their environment, move them around to catch the sun, and even bring them indoors if it gets too cold. Plus, there’s something so charming about a lush green plant with bright yellow fruits right outside your door.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Lemon Variety
The first time I tried growing lemons, I made the rookie mistake of picking a standard tree that was far too large for my pot. Lesson learned. For container gardening, opt for dwarf varieties like *Meyer* or *Eureka*. They’re compact, manageable, and produce plenty of fruit.
When I brought my first Meyer lemon plant home, I couldn’t stop admiring it. Its glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers smelled heavenly, even before the fruit appeared.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Pot
Choosing the right pot was a surprisingly fun part of the process. I went with a large terracotta pot—about 40-50cm in diameter—with good drainage holes. Lemons hate soggy roots, so I also added a layer of gravel at the bottom to help with drainage.
Pro tip: Go for a pot with handles if you can. Lemon plants love sunlight, and you’ll likely be moving the pot around to catch those golden rays.
Step 3: Use the Right Soil
I quickly learned that ordinary garden soil won’t cut it for lemons. They need a well-draining mix with plenty of nutrients. I used a special citrus potting mix and mixed in some compost for extra goodness. My plant seemed to love it—the leaves perked up almost immediately.
Step 4: Find the Sunniest Spot
Lemon plants are sun worshippers, and they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. I placed mine in the sunniest corner of my patio, and during the winter, I moved it indoors near a bright window. Watching it thrive under my care gave me such a sense of accomplishment.
Step 5: Watering Wisely
If there’s one thing I learned quickly, it’s that overwatering can be a lemon plant’s downfall. I only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, that’s about once a week for me. In winter, it’s less frequent.
One time, I forgot to water for a bit too long, and the leaves started to droop. Thankfully, a good soak brought my plant back to life, and I haven’t made that mistake since!
Step 6: Feed Your Plant Regularly
Lemon plants are heavy feeders, especially when grown in pots. I use a citrus-specific fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). The first time I added fertiliser, the difference was astonishing—new growth sprouted within days!
Step 7: Pruning and Pollination
Pruning your lemon plant helps it stay healthy and productive. I remove any dead or damaged branches in early spring and keep the plant’s shape tidy.
If your plant is indoors or not attracting many pollinators, don’t worry—you can pollinate it yourself. I use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers. It’s a fun little task that makes me feel like a bee for a day!
Step 8: Protecting Your Plant in Winter
Cold weather can be tough on lemon plants, especially in the UK. I bring mine indoors when temperatures drop below 10°C. A sunny windowsill or conservatory works wonders. If your plant stays outdoors, a frost cover or fleece can help keep it safe.
The Reward: Fresh and Fragrant Lemons
There’s nothing quite like the first time your lemon plant bears fruit. I still remember spotting tiny green lemons for the first time—they were adorable! It took about six months for them to ripen, but the wait was worth it.
Now, I always have fresh lemons for cooking, baking, and even cocktails. The flavour is so much better than store-bought, and there’s a special kind of pride that comes with saying, “I grew this!”
Final Thoughts
Growing a lemon plant in a pot has been one of the most rewarding gardening experiences of my life. It’s not just about the fruit—it’s about the connection to nature, the joy of nurturing something, and the delight of watching it thrive.
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own citrus fruits, give it a go. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the bright, sunny scent of lemons to lift your spirits—even on the dreariest days.