I bought a lemon tree. Are those tiny lemons??

[CrazyConure]

Just bought a lemon tree. I'm really happy for this purchase. I see tiny fruit-like things all over the tree. Are those fruits?

Here's the tree.



And here are the balls of fruit(?)

 

[Chuck]

Just bought a lemon tree. I'm really happy for this purchase. I see tiny fruit-like things all over the tree. Are those fruits?

Here's the tree.



And here are the balls of fruit(?)

Those aren't fruits.................yet. They are future blooms which will turn into fruits of which most or all will self abort.

 

[CrazyConure]

Why will they self abort???

 

[Chuck]

Why will they self abort???

Because the tree will produce WAAAAY more fruit than it can support

 

[CrazyConure]

Because the tree will produce WAAAAY more fruit than it can support

Ah. I see.

I have one question. The container I bought the tree in says I can leave the tree in the pot. I bought a much bigger container just in case. The pot in came with is about a couple of gallons. Will I eventually need to transplant it?

 

[CrazyConure]

You can see the container I bought in the background.

 

[MaryMary]

Why will they self abort???

It's just survival of the fittest. In your second photo, I can count 15+ buds. That little tree is not big enough to support (or feed) that many lemons yet. It's just nature taking care of nature. It produces more flowers than it needs in case some of them don't get pollinated. If they do all get pollinated, it will drop the ones that are weaker.


From this website:
http://simple-green-frugal-co-op.blogspot.com/2009/11/grow-your-own-citrus-meyer-lemons.html

I found this:

It is normal for a tree to shed most lemons within a cluster in order to focus its energy on the largest few.

 

[Chuck]

Ah. I see.

I have one question. The container I bought the tree in says I can leave the tree in the pot. I bought a much bigger container just in case. The pot in came with is about a couple of gallons. Will I eventually need to transplant it?

Eventually yes, but not for at least a year. Let the tree get firmly established in its new environment before transplanting. Do not over fertilize citrus as they need very little. Watch out for scale insects, ants and whitefly. And DO NOT OVER WATER. Plant a tomato or something in your new pot

 

[CrazyConure]

Ok. Thank you so much! I won't overwater. I became really good at watering now. I always check my whole finger to see dampness. If not damp, I water with drip irrigation until it is saturated. I haven't had to water once because of the rain but it's ok.

 

[Chuck]

Ok. Thank you so much! I won't overwater. I became really good at watering now. I always check my whole finger to see dampness. If not damp, I water with drip irrigation until it is saturated. I haven't had to water once because of the rain but it's ok.

In about 2 years you will have more lemons than you can shake a stick at.

 

[CrazyConure]

Last question. If some lemons do end up growing, can I keep them on, or is it best to remove them to let the tree establish itself?

 

[Corzhens]

I have to agree with @Chuck that those flower buds will not materialize into fruits. One uncle told us that they plant citrus trees which we call calamansi, a native lemon here. On the first "budding" of the plant, they would pick the buds to remove the chance of bearing flowers. That removal would make the tree grow faster. But on the second occasion that buds would appear, they would let them develop into flowers.

However in your case, with some luck, your tree can bear a fruit or 2 for starters.

 

[IcyBC]

Since all your questions have been answered, I just want to say that your lemon tree looks very healthy. I would someday like to have one too!

 

[Chuck]

Last question. If some lemons do end up growing, can I keep them on, or is it best to remove them to let the tree establish itself?

Just leave it alone

 

[atlmom5]

I didn't have anything to add, I came to see your picture and learn from the others. I've been thinking about getting a lemon tree, but always decide against it....anyways good luck with your tree.

 

[Vinaya]

When your fruits bearing plants starts to give you should stop messing with its root. Transplantation should be avoided when the plant begins to give fruits. Wile trying to transplant, you might kill it. I say this from my experience.
Your lemon plants are bearing fruits, however, it will take time to grown. You must also be aware that lots of flowers and fruits will drop. THis is a selection done by the nature just to avoid killing of the plant.