Lemon Trees: How to Feed, Grow & Harvest Juicy Lemons

Nothing beats the flavour and aroma of lemons picked straight from your backyard tree. Whether you’re growing in the ground or in a large pot, lemon trees are heavy feeders and need the right fertiliser strategy to produce lush leaves, fragrant flowers, and juicy fruit. This guide covers when to fertilise lemon trees, how to feed them, and the best products to use for consistent results.

Planting & Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Lemon trees need full sun—at least 6 hours of direct light daily. North-facing spots are ideal.
Soil: They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If planting in clay, mix in compost and sand or plant in raised beds.
Climate: Suitable for most of Australia. In cooler zones (like Melbourne), protect young trees from frost with covers or wrap.

For small spaces or patios, dwarf varieties like ‘Eureka’ or ‘Meyer’ perform well in pots 40–50cm wide. Use a premium potting mix and raise off the ground for drainage.

How to Fertilise a Lemon Tree

Lemon trees are nutrient-hungry. A lack of fertiliser leads to yellowing leaves, small or bitter fruit, and poor flowering. They benefit from two main stages of feeding:

Growth phase (spring–early summer): Focus on nitrogen-rich fertiliser to fuel leaf, stem, and branch growth.
Fruit phase (late summer–autumn): Switch to a bloom-boosting fertiliser rich in potassium and calcium to encourage flowering and juicy, full-sized fruit.

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Seasonal Fertiliser Guide

Knowing when to fertilise your lemon tree is just as important as knowing what to feed. Here’s the general schedule:

Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser to support strong foliage and new shoots as the tree comes out of winter dormancy.
Late Spring to Summer: Continue feeding every 2–3 weeks to sustain growth and encourage flower development.
Autumn: Switch to a bloom and fruit formulation to improve fruit set and prepare the tree for colder months.
Winter: Reduce or pause feeding while the tree rests. Resume once new growth begins.

Feeding Frequency

In-ground trees: Feed every 2–3 weeks during spring, summer, and autumn. Water deeply after feeding.
Lemon trees in pots: Feed more frequently—every 2 weeks—at half strength. Ensure pots have good drainage to avoid root rot.

Mulch around the base (away from the trunk) to retain moisture and protect soil biology. Reapply mulch after each season change or heavy rain.

How Often to Fertilise Lemon Trees in Melbourne

In southern states, fertilise from September to May. Pause feeding during the coldest months (June–August), and restart once the weather warms and new leaves appear.

What Is the Best Fertiliser for Lemon Trees?

The best fertiliser for lemon trees provides the right mix of nutrients to support healthy growth, abundant fruit, and strong tree resilience. CompleteGrow Citrus Fertiliser is specifically formulated to meet the needs of citrus trees, offering balanced nutrition that encourages vibrant leaves, robust roots, and juicy, flavorful fruit. Our Citrus Fertiliser is rich in potassium, essential for fruit development, with added nutrients like calcium and magnesium that help build strong tissues and improve fruit quality. Regular feeding ensures that your lemon tree remains healthy, productive, and resistant to environmental stress. Apply the fertiliser as a liquid feed using a watering can or hose-end sprayer, ensuring the root zone is soaked in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn.

Common Signs of Deficiency in Lemon Trees

A consistent feeding routine with CompleteGrow Citrus Fertiliser can help prevent and correct common nutrient deficiencies in lemon trees, such as:

Yellowing leaves: Often a sign of nitrogen deficiency, which is corrected by a proper balance of nutrients.
Leaf drop or premature fruit fall: May result from low potassium, which is essential for fruit retention and overall tree health.
Small or poor-quality fruit: This is often a result of insufficient potassium and other essential minerals needed for fruit development.

Regular applications of CompleteGrow Citrus Fertiliser will ensure your lemon tree thrives with strong foliage, healthy roots, and better fruit quality.

The Complete Grow Lemon Tree Feeding Program

Follow this simple feeding schedule to ensure your lemon tree gets the nutrients it needs throughout the year:

Spring to early summer: Feed every 3–4 weeks to promote new foliage growth and root development.
Mid to late summer: Feed every 2–3 weeks to support flowering, fruit set, and fruit swelling during the peak growing season.
Autumn: Reduce feeding to allow the tree to prepare for dormancy in cooler months.

By using CompleteGrow Citrus Fertiliser consistently, you’ll ensure your tree stays healthy, productive, and ready to reward you with a bounty of sweet, aromatic lemons.