Why Do Lemon Tree Flowers or Fruit Drop?

Lemon trees often produce more flowers than they can carry, so some natural fruit drop is expected. However, heavy blossom loss or premature fruit drop usually signals a fertiliser imbalance or nutrient deficiency. Correcting these problems helps your lemon tree convert more flowers into healthy, full-sized fruit.

If your lemon tree drops most of its blossoms or small fruit, the main culprit is usually poor feeding. A lack of phosphorus reduces flower formation, while potassium deficiency weakens fruit retention and development. Excess nitrogen can also cause problems, pushing leafy growth at the expense of flowers and causing the tree to shed young fruit. Without a consistent, balanced fertiliser program, the tree struggles to carry fruit through to harvest.

By supplying the right nutrients at the right time, you can reduce flower and fruit drop and enjoy a heavier, more reliable lemon harvest year after year.

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Fertiliser Problems Behind Lemon Flower and Fruit Drop

Excess Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth, suppressing flowering and causing immature fruit to fall.
Lack of Phosphorus: Needed for flower and root development. Deficiency reduces the number and strength of blossoms.
Low Potassium: Essential for fruit retention and quality. Without it, lemons form but drop before maturing.
Inconsistent Feeding: Long gaps between fertiliser applications weaken the tree during flowering and fruit set.
Wrong Timing: Fertilising too late in winter or skipping spring feeding leaves the tree undernourished at flowering.

The fix is to feed lemon trees regularly with a complete fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential trace elements. Complete Grow NPK 20-20-20 provides the right balance to support strong blossoms and fruit retention. Apply in early spring before flowering, then again in summer and autumn for sustained nutrient support.

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FAQs About Lemon Tree Flower and Fruit Drop

Is it normal for lemon trees to drop some flowers?
Yes. Citrus trees naturally shed excess flowers. But heavy loss often signals fertiliser problems or stress.

Why does my lemon tree drop small fruit?
Usually potassium deficiency or irregular feeding. Without enough potassium, lemons cannot hold on and develop fully.

Can over-fertilising cause flowers to drop?
Yes. Too much nitrogen shifts growth into leaves, causing flowers and small fruit to be shed.

How can I stop flower and fruit drop?
Feed consistently with a balanced fertiliser like Complete Grow 20-20-20 in spring, summer, and autumn. Water deeply during fruit set to prevent stress.

Do potted lemon trees drop fruit more often?
Yes, because nutrients leach from potting soil faster. Potted citrus need more frequent liquid fertiliser to reduce fruit drop.