Our lemons this year were much smaller than normal. They also have a lot of seeds in them. What could be the cause? Thank you.
This is typically a sign that the rootstock has taken over the tree. This inferior fruit is what you would expect a rootstock tree to produce. Did you have any significant dieback on the tree in the past year? Did you notice any changes to the branches, such as odd leaf shape or extra thorniness? This would also be signs that the rootstock has overtaken the tree.
If this is the case, you can try removing the rootstock branches, but if the entire scion has died (the tree you originally planted), then there is not much you can do.
My Eureka lemon tree this year is producing small lemons. The tree is 7 years old. I feed it and water it regularly. I live in Australia.
Your tree may have too much fruit. Fruit trees only have so much energy they can dedicate to their fruit, weather that be 10, 50 or 100 fruit. The fewer fruits on the tree, the more of that energy is dedicated to each fruit. Citrus trees typically self-thin, but sometimes, they need a little help.
Next year, if you see an unusually large number of fruit developing, try removing 1/3-1/2 of the fruit.
Have been growing a Ponderosa lemon tree for a couple of years. The tree is growing great, but no blooms or fruit. How do I pollinate the tree, presuming that is the problem? Thank you.
Lemon trees typically need to be about 4 years old to fruit. If yours is not yet 4 years old, I would give it a little more time.
If it is 4 years old and you are not seeing blossoms, it may be that the soil is lacking phosphorous. Have the soil tested at your local extension office. If you are seeing blossoms but you get no fruit, this is a pollination problem. You can hand pollinate with a small paintbrush. Just go from flower to flower and swirl the brush inside the blossoms.
I was able to grow quite a few lemons on my lemon tree. Do I need to cut the tree back for the winter?
I would hold off on pruning just yet, especially if it's outdoors. Pruning lemon trees isn’t generally required, but there are several good reasons to do so. Pruning helps improve airflow, reduce disease, strengthen limbs and makes it easier to harvest fruits. The best time to prune is early spring or late summer or anytime prior to blooming. Prune every year or two, which will help keep them from becoming too large. If you have frost damage, wait until the trees have shown new growth. Prior to pruning trees, pick off any remaining fruit. Prune all dead, damaged, weak or diseased branches to the base. Weak stems cannot withstand the weight of heavy fruit production.
Lemons require little pruning beyond cutting out damaged or dead branches, or opening up the interior so light and air get to all the greenery. These are not the kind of plant you cut back for the winter. Here's some more information on growing lemons: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/how-to-grow-a-lemon-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm
I would like to cultivate a lemon, papaya and curry leaf farm. Please advise me.
First, let's be clear on your question. If by farm you mean growing these things as a commercial crop meant to produce a product and (hopefully) profits, you'll need to study agricultural methods in your area. Probably the best source of advice for you in this case would be from the nearest university with an agriculture department. Perhaps you should do more online research into farming before you start such a venture.
If, however, what you're asking about is gardening, that is growing plants for consumption only by your family and possibly a few friends, here are some articles to get you started.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/how-to-grow-a-lemon-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/papaya/growing-papaya-fruit.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/curry/growing-curry-leaf.htm
We have an indoor lemon tree (8+ years old) which has never flowered or fruited. What (if anything) can we do to get lemons? We live in Alaska, but it has much sunlight and good temperature. Thanks for your help.
The soil may be lacking phosphorus. Add bone meal. This article will explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
Additionally, it may not be getting quite enough water or fertilizer, or it may have too much nitrogen, which inhibits flowering and fruiting. I would make sure you are watering well and give it some high phosphorus fertilizer to counter any nitrogen overload the plant may have. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-not-fruiting.htm
This area is iron ore rich and cold, sticky red mud. Average rainfall is 80+". Misty and cloudy for 6-8 months annually with elevation 3800msl.
My first concern would be the drainage, and second would be the winter temperature. As long as the winter temp doesn't get down to freezing for more than a few hours, once or twice in a season, you could grow lemon outdoors. You may need to do something about the drainage of the soil, and also the pH. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/how-to-grow-a-lemon-tree.htm
You may want to think about growing lemons in containers. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm
I recommend you seek specific advice about your area from the horticultural assistance program available to you. Try calling the botanical garden in the city nearest you for information.