Lemon botanically known as Citrus limon is a small shrub cum tree from Rutaceae family. Fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. The pulp and rind are also used in cooking and baking. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid with a pH of around 2.2, giving it a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods also fruit is used in indian traditional medicines also.

Growing Tips

Citrus species, grow in tropical and subtropical humid regions. pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. If acidity is high, it is necessary to apply lime to achieve the optimum level.
Easy to grow even in pot/direct soil wherever direct sunlight are available. Soon after planting, plants should be supported with bamboo stick and irrigated thoroughly.
While planting care should be taken to see that the bud-joint should always be above the ground level.
Temperature ranging from 15-35℃ is suitable for cultivation of the crop.
The bearing trees require little or no pruning. All diseased, injured and drooping branches and dead wood are to be removed periodically.
Citrus Variety requires consistent watering to produce healthy fruits. Giving it too much or too little water can lead to blossom and fruit drop and sometimes plant may die too.
Check top 2-inch layer of soil for dryness before watering. On windy and hot days, it requires more frequent watering.
Micro-nutrients (zinc, copper, manganese, iron, boron and molybdenum) are required in ample quantities. It should be supplied through foliar spray.
Application of organic mulch surround the basin, improves the fruit quality and maintain moist environment.
Fruit drop in citrus can be controlled in early stages of fruit development by applying two sprays of growth regulators- 2,4 D (15 ppm.) or GA3 (15 ppm) along with Benomyl (1000 ppm.) and urea (1%) at the time of flowering and after the fruit set.
Never prune the plants during monsoon and wet climates.