A lemon tree pays a visit, complete with luscious, large fruit.
One of my ambitions has always been to be grown up enough to have my own lemon tree. It’s the sort of thing that only a real adult who doesn’t trip over paving slabs or spill their soup down their front could own.
That day has arrived, or at least, someone sent me a lemon tree to review, so I suppose it’s time to grow up.
It came in a big exciting box from Plants4Presents, with its own smart little wicker pot. And look what else it had:
Real lemons! Almost ready to harvest. That’s a clever touch as it means that even if I manage to make the poor plant miserable because I’m not quite grown up enough to really have a lemon tree, I’ve still won. It’s also clever because if you’re buying this as a present, then you’re basically giving someone their own G&T supplies. In fact, I note Plants4Presents actually have a G&T lemon tree, which makes me approve of them even more.
Now, the slightly nerve-wracking thing is actually keeping the darned thing alive. This lemon tree apparently flowers and fruits throughout the year, although the fruits can take around 10 months to grow and ripen. It came with a pack of slow-release fertiliser, and instructions to water every 7-10 days in the winter. I’ve put it in our warmest room, which is our kitchen/sitting area, right by the window. In the summer, apparently the lemon tree enjoys being outside when the weather is really, truly warm, and so I might put it out on the balcony to let it wriggle its toes in the sunshine and fresh air.
It does look rather splendid, sitting next to my rubber plant and the bougainvillea as I sit and read on the sofa.
Do enjoy your new baby. I put my citruses outside once the night time temperature is above 55F. I’ve had horrible problems with scale insects on them over the years and never really found a good solution – regular checks and wiping over with soap based spray on a soft cloth is the best I can manage. I’m lucky as local water is soft but I water with rain water just to stay on the safe side as they like an acid soil. Currently eating lemons and limequats.The latter are even easier than lemons and delicious
Lovely post and what a lovely idea of sending on as a present might send the link to my hubby you never know he might get the hint have a fab weekend from Linda
Alissa @ Garlic & Sapphire
We think lemon trees make a great gift too! A great perennial in the glasshouse at Perch Hill
Kathryn
Do enjoy your new baby. I put my citruses outside once the night time temperature is above 55F. I’ve had horrible problems with scale insects on them over the years and never really found a good solution – regular checks and wiping over with soap based spray on a soft cloth is the best I can manage. I’m lucky as local water is soft but I water with rain water just to stay on the safe side as they like an acid soil. Currently eating lemons and limequats.The latter are even easier than lemons and delicious
Linda
Lovely post and what a lovely idea of sending on as a present might send the link to my hubby you never know he might get the hint have a fab weekend from Linda