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Lemon Tree Help

tashx19eZdXSSkttashx19eZdXSSkt Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi I need some help with my lemon tree. 
My nan was given it back in the spring and she kept bringing it in and outside, I think the heating in her house wasnt good for it. Anyway this made it lose all its leaves and it was just sticks with buds. She gave it to me to try and rescue. I put it in a bigger pot with some citrus compost. It is doing alot better than it was as has lots of buds and leaves on it. I feed it 10ml of seaweed fertiliser each week although sometimes I miss weeks if I forget. 
I just wanted to know if I am doing everything right or what else I can do. There is alot probably about 30 buds or more on the entire tree I was wondering if this is too many as it's only 70 cm tall? The new shoots are not green they are a browny colour is that normal? Some of the leaves are deformed, weirdly shaped or stuck together? I have included some pictures of some shoots that are so heavy with leaves they are weighing it down should I prune these? 
It gets sun most of the day and I have raised the pot up for drainage. 

Thanks in advance. 

Tash

Posts

  • ElferElfer Posts: 329
    Don't have experience with lemon tree but been researching as I want to grow kaffir lime. I thought lemon trees benefit from high nitrogen feed at this time of year whereas seaweed feed is usually high in potash! Also change in leaf colour is usually a sign of nutrient deficiency. They do like plenty of light but I don't think young plants like strong direct sun.

    Hopefully someone more experienced will provide better advice.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I have 3 citrus plants, bought since we moved here nearly 5 years ago and have learned they like a loamy ericaceous compost mixed with about 20% ericaceous MPC.   From late spring to mid autumn they need a nitrogen feed for healthy foliage and then you need to switch to one high in potash and potassium to promote healthy fruit and flowers.

    You can buy specialist citrus feeds which also contain magnesium and other essential trace elements but tomato feed will do the job too.

    I keep mine in the polytunnel all winter so they have plenty of light and protection from  strong winds and heavy frosts tho it is not heated.  Unless it's freezing, I leave the door open by day so pollinators can get in.  Once night time temps are reliably at 10C or above I bring out the pots and put them along the south facing house wall so they get full sun which can be very bright and hot here.   They love it as long as I keep them watered.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
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  • tashx19eZdXSSkttashx19eZdXSSkt Posts: 3
    Obelixx said:
    I have 3 citrus plants, bought since we moved here nearly 5 years ago and have learned they like a loamy ericaceous compost mixed with about 20% ericaceous MPC.   From late spring to mid autumn they need a nitrogen feed for healthy foliage and then you need to switch to one high in potash and potassium to promote healthy fruit and flowers.

    You can buy specialist citrus feeds which also contain magnesium and other essential trace elements but tomato feed will do the job too.

    I keep mine in the polytunnel all winter so they have plenty of light and protection from  strong winds and heavy frosts tho it is not heated.  Unless it's freezing, I leave the door open by day so pollinators can get in.  Once night time temps are reliably at 10C or above I bring out the pots and put them along the south facing house wall so they get full sun which can be very bright and hot here.   They love it as long as I keep them watered.
    Thank you. So spring to autumn high nitrogen feed, then autumn to spring high potassium? 

    Do yours have new leaves that start off deep red is that normal ?
  • tashx19eZdXSSkttashx19eZdXSSkt Posts: 3
    Elfer said:
    Don't have experience with lemon tree but been researching as I want to grow kaffir lime. I thought lemon trees benefit from high nitrogen feed at this time of year whereas seaweed feed is usually high in potash! Also change in leaf colour is usually a sign of nutrient deficiency. They do like plenty of light but I don't think young plants like strong direct sun.

    Hopefully someone more experienced will provide better advice.
    Thank you. I am also thinking about growing kaffir lime, it must be good as I saw 3 little leaves for sale at £2 in the supermarket the other day :o
  • ElferElfer Posts: 329
    tashx19eZdXSSkt said:
    Thank you. I am also thinking about growing kaffir lime, it must be good as I saw 3 little leaves for sale at £2 in the supermarket the other day :o
    Friend has one, aroma of fresh leaves are really something else. A must if you like Asian cuisine.

    Yes switch to nitrogen feed now and potash for fruit season.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    And maybe consider calling it a Thai lime or Markut Lime as the K word has an offensive etymology. I do have one and yes the leaves are great to use for cooking all year round and also great to freeze. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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