Why Is My Lemon Tree Not Fruiting? Fertiliser Mistakes Explained

Lemon trees are heavy feeders, and the wrong fertiliser balance often leads to plenty of lush green leaves but few flowers and fruit. If your lemon tree is not setting fruit, the problem may not be pollination — it’s more likely an issue with when and how you fertilise.

Too much nitrogen is the most common cause of poor fruiting. Nitrogen fuels leafy growth, and while this makes the tree look healthy, it directs energy away from flowering. Without enough phosphorus and potassium in the mix, the tree struggles to form buds and develop fruit. Skipping seasonal feeds also weakens the tree, making it drop blossoms before fruit set.

By correcting fertiliser ratios and feeding at the right times, you can bring your lemon tree back into balance and encourage reliable fruit production year after year.

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Fertiliser Problems That Stop Lemons Fruiting

Excess Nitrogen: Encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Common when using lawn fertilisers near citrus trees.
Lack of Phosphorus: Needed for flower initiation. Without it, fruit set is poor or absent.
Low Potassium: Reduces fruit size and flavour, leading to small, acidic lemons.
Infrequent Feeding: Citrus need nutrients every season. One annual feed is not enough to sustain heavy cropping.
Wrong Timing: Fertilising too late in winter or early spring can delay flowering, reducing harvests.

The fix is a balanced fertiliser with equal NPK levels plus trace elements. Complete Grow NPK 20-20-20 provides the right balance to support both healthy foliage and consistent flowering. Feeding in spring and summer ensures nitrogen doesn’t dominate, while potassium levels remain high for fruit development.

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FAQs About Lemon Trees Not Fruiting

Why does my lemon tree have leaves but no fruit?
Too much nitrogen fertiliser causes leafy growth and delays flowering. Use a balanced fertiliser instead.

How do I encourage my lemon tree to fruit?
Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser such as Complete Grow 20-20-20. Prune lightly after harvest to direct energy into new fruiting wood.

Can under-fertilising stop lemon trees fruiting?
Yes. Without regular feeding, trees lack phosphorus and potassium, which are critical for flower and fruit development.

Should I fertilise during flowering?
Yes, but lightly. A liquid feed during flowering and fruit set supports energy demands without overwhelming the tree.

What’s the best fertiliser to promote fruiting?
A complete, balanced NPK fertiliser with potassium — such as Complete Grow 20-20-20 — encourages strong blossoms and better fruit set.