How To Grow Lemon Tree In Containers and Flower Pots

Lemon trees can be easily grown at home in containers and larger flower pots, with dwarf lemons growing even on windowsills.

If you have a garden, large balcony, or any kind of free space in a sunny position, protected from the cold wind, and you like the slightly acidic aroma of lemon, consider growing a lemon or two. No farmed lemon can compete with homegrown lemon in terms of aroma and taste.

Updated: March 27, 2025.

Lemon has many health benefits and regardless of whether you use it only for food seasoning or for making lemonade, lemon water, or juices, lemon is very important to any healthy diet.

And best of all, lemon is also a very decorative plant.

Lemon Growing Conditions

Position - Lemon prefers a warmer climate and plenty of sun. It can grow in partial shadow, but if possible, give it plenty of sun. Also, protect the lemon from cold winds which can damage the leaves, flowers, fruits, and even break the branches.

Temperatures - Lemon grows between 70 and 100° Fahrenheit (21 to 38°C), but the best temperature is perhaps around 85° Fahrenheit (29-30°C).

During the summer heat, when temperatures rise above 105° (40°C) lemon tree stops growing. During colder days, when temperatures drop below 50° (10°C) lemon tree goes into dormancy. During winter, temperatures below 30° Fahrenheit (-1°C) can cause plants to lose leaves, while longer exposure to such low temperatures can damage the fruits and the tree itself, killing the plant in the end.

When growing lemon trees in colder areas, it is important to grow more cold-tolerant varieties. Also, lemon trees in containers can be easily taken inside, away from snow and cold winds - just be sure to manually pollinate the flowers.

Soil and Fertilization - The lemon tree grows in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Depending on the plant onto which it is grafted, the best pH for lemon is around 6.0 and 6.5.

If you are not sure about the pH of your soil, check it easily with a home pH test kit (Amazon link, opens in the new window).

The lemon tree is not very picky about soil mixture, and it tolerates a wide range of soils. However, when the lemon is grown in the right conditions, it grows strong and bears plenty of healthy fruits.

A good flower potting mix, slightly acidic and rich in organic matter, provides the best conditions for lemons. Such a mix retains moisture and nutrients well, but it is also drained well.

Good drainage is very important for lemons since they don't like 'soggy soil' - when growing citrus plants in containers and flower pots, be sure to make enough drainage holes so that any excess water can drain away easily, allowing the air to enter the soil. Such moist and well-aerated soil will keep the root system healthy.

Lemons react very well to nitrogen, but the abundance of nitrogen will make your lemon trees tall, fragile, and susceptible to diseases.

The best lemon fertilizers contain a balanced amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) (or even slightly less nitrogen than phosphorous and potassium). Phosphorous and potassium are very important for flowering and bearing fruits.

Also, good citrus fertilizer (Amazon link, opens in the new window) should contain microelements like, for example, iron (Fe).

Organic fertilizers are much better than chemical fertilizers - they feed plants for a longer period of time, without significant spikes in amounts of available nutrients.

Container and Flower Pot Size

Container and flower pot size depends on available space, lemon variety, and growers' desire to let the lemon grow as a small tree or a shrub.

Dwarf lemon trees can grow in a small flower pot that can even fit some windowsills. Such flower pots contain just a few liters of growing medium, but for such small lemon plants, even that is more than enough.

Medium-sized lemon trees can grow in pots 16 inches (~40 cm) wide and 14-15 inches (~36-38 cm) deep.

Larger lemon trees require pots and containers some 25 inches (~64 cm) wide and 20 inches (~51 cm) deep. Of course, even larger pots and containers can be used, but larger pots are harder to manipulate and work with when filled with soil and planted trees.

Note: Larger pots should be placed permanently on trolleys and moved around when required easily. Also, regardless of the pot size, water drainage must be good!

Watering the Lemon Tree

During the summer heat, lemons require 4 - 6 inches (10-15 cm) of water per month. Plants should be watered every 3-7 days, depending on the local conditions and plant size. if possible, a dripping system should be used.

However, when growing lemons in pots, the amount of water depends on the soil mix, container volume, plant size, local weather conditions, etc. Lemons in pots can be watered almost on a daily basis and when temperatures are around or even go above 105 degrees (40°C) they must be watered daily, preferably with a dripping system, which keeps moisture level more or less constant.

Regular watering helps in bearing plenty of healthy and very tasty fruits. Lack of water can force the plant to drop the leaves and fruits.

Lemon Tree Varieties Suitable For Growing in Flower Pots and Containers

Here’s a concise list of lemon tree varieties well-suited for growing in flower pots and containers:

• Meyer Lemon (compact, easy to grow, and produces sweet, juicy lemons.)
• Ponderosa Lemon (small tree, large fruit, ideal for patio or indoor spaces.)
• Improved Meyer Lemon (dwarf version, thrives in containers, disease-resistant.)
• Eureka Lemon (moderate size, productive, excellent for container gardening.)
• Lisbon Lemon (hardy, adapts well to containers, abundant fruiting.)
• Variegated Pink Lemon (Pink Eureka) (attractive foliage, unique striped lemons, grows well indoors.)
• Dwarf Bearss Seedless Lemon (compact size, seedless fruit, ideal for small spaces and containers.)
• Villafranca Lemon (vigorous, container-friendly, bears fruit year-round.)
• Genoa Lemon (small-sized tree, suitable for indoor or patio container gardening.)
• Dwarf Femminello Lemon (productive, compact growth, excellent for indoor cultivation.)

These varieties adapt easily to limited spaces, making them perfect for container and indoor gardening.

Obtaining the Lemon Tree Plants

Personally, I think the best way to obtain a lemon tree plant is to buy it from certified growers, locally, or from online shops with fast shipping.

Plants can be purchased as small 'starter plugs' ready to be planted in larger pots or as larger plants ready to bloom and bear fruits.

If you have time and patience, it is also possible to grow lemon trees from seeds, however, such plants are not certified to be disease-free, and disappointments are more frequent.

On the other hand, such lemons can grow stronger and bear more fruits than any commercial lemon tree - one never knows :)

Planting the Lemon Trees

After deciding where to keep your lemon tree and obtaining everything you need, do the following:

• make enough drainage holes in the growing container or pot,
• it is not absolutely necessary, but if possible, put one inch of gravel on the bottom of the growing container,
• fill the growing container with growing soil with some fertilizers added (since some settling of the soil occurs over time, fill the container almost to the top),
• plant the lemon tree to the same height it was in the previous container,
• position the container in a permanent location and water the lemon generously.

And that is it.

Also, adding the mulch can prevent moisture loss during summer. Also, decomposing mulch can help in feeding the plants and keeping the soil slightly acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about growing lemons in flower pots and containers.

Do lemon trees grown in containers need direct sunlight?

Lemon trees grown in containers require direct sunlight to grow and produce healthy fruit. Ideally, these citrus trees should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day. Sunlight provides the essential energy lemon trees need to photosynthesize, grow vigorously, develop blossoms, and eventually bear abundant, quality fruit.

When growing lemon trees in containers indoors, place them near a sunny south-facing window or in an area where sunlight exposure is most consistent. If indoor natural sunlight is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light to ensure your lemon tree continues to receive sufficient brightness, especially during darker winter months.

Without adequate direct sunlight, lemon trees grown in pots may become weak, leggy, and more susceptible to pests and diseases. Leaves can begin to yellow or drop, flowering may decrease significantly, and fruit production might be minimal or entirely absent. To avoid these issues, consistently provide your container-grown lemon tree with ample sunlight, adjusting its position seasonally if necessary.

How long does it take a container-grown lemon tree to bear fruit?

Container-grown lemon trees usually begin producing fruit within 2 to 4 years, depending on the variety, growing conditions, and care provided. Trees started from nursery-grown plants grafted onto rootstocks often bear fruit sooner, typically within 1 to 3 years, while lemon trees grown directly from seeds might take significantly longer—sometimes up to 7 years or more.

Factors such as adequate sunlight, proper watering, regular fertilization, and suitable container size all affect how quickly a lemon tree matures and fruits. Consistent care helps ensure steady growth and encourages earlier fruiting. Frequent pruning and repotting when necessary can also accelerate fruit production by maintaining tree health and vigor.

Although patience is needed, with proper care, your container-grown lemon tree will reward you with fresh, homegrown lemons each year once established. Regular monitoring, proper feeding, and ensuring optimal growing conditions are the keys to successfully producing fruit in containers within the expected time frame.

Should I prune lemon trees grown in pots?

Pruning lemon trees grown in containers is beneficial and often necessary to maintain their health, size, and productivity. Regular pruning helps keep the tree compact, promotes better air circulation, and ensures sunlight reaches all parts of the plant. This practice prevents the tree from becoming too large or unmanageable in a limited space.

Prune your potted lemon tree by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. Additionally, trimming away branches that cross or rub against each other improves overall tree structure and prevents potential damage or infections. Focus on maintaining an open canopy, which enhances light penetration and encourages better fruit development.

The best time to prune lemon trees is typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, although minor pruning to remove dead or damaged growth can be done at any time during the year. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, reducing the risk of infections. Regularly pruning your container-grown lemon tree supports healthier growth, boosts productivity, and results in a stronger, more attractive plant.

How do I repot my lemon tree, and how often should I do it?

Repotting your container-grown lemon tree helps maintain its health and encourages steady growth. Most lemon trees should be repotted every two to three years, depending on their growth rate. Signs indicating it’s time to repot include slowed growth, roots visible on the soil surface, or roots growing out of drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

To repot your lemon tree, first select a new container that is about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) larger in diameter than the current one. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes, as proper drainage is essential for citrus trees. Prepare a fresh, well-draining potting mix designed for citrus or mix your own using equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand.

Remove the lemon tree gently from its existing pot, carefully loosening the roots with your fingers to encourage new root growth. Place a layer of potting mix at the bottom of the new container, set the tree inside, and add more soil around the root ball, lightly pressing it down to eliminate air pockets. Position the tree at the same depth it previously grew, leaving a small gap below the rim for watering.

After repotting, water your lemon tree thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom. Place it in a sunny, protected spot for a few days to help it recover from transplant stress. Repotting periodically ensures your lemon tree continues to thrive, grow vigorously, and produce healthy, abundant fruit.

How do I protect my container-grown lemon tree from pests and diseases?

Protecting your container-grown lemon tree from pests and diseases involves regular care, monitoring, and preventive practices. Inspect your tree frequently, checking both the leaves and stems for early signs of pests such as aphids, scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs, and citrus leaf miners. Early detection helps manage issues before they escalate.

Maintain healthy growth conditions to naturally reduce vulnerability to pests and diseases. Provide ample sunlight, proper watering (avoiding overwatering), and regular fertilization to strengthen your lemon tree’s natural defenses. Keeping the area around the container clean and free of debris further reduces pest habitats.

If pests appear, address them quickly using non-toxic methods such as insecticidal soap sprays, neem oil solutions, or horticultural oils, which effectively control many common citrus pests. For diseases such as fungal infections, prevent excess moisture around leaves and ensure proper airflow. Prune damaged or infected branches promptly and always use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading pathogens.

Regular monitoring, prompt intervention, and maintaining optimal growing conditions are effective ways to keep your container-grown lemon tree healthy, pest-free, and productive.

Long Story Short: if you like the taste and scent of homegrown lemons, note that they are easy to grow. They just need some space, water, good soil, and plenty of sun.

Varieties that bear fruits all year round are the best choice for the home gardeners - with just a few (larger) plants, one can have a fresh lemon almost on a daily basis, year long. Smaller plants bear plenty of fruits, too, but not as larger lemon trees.