Perfume lemons are a very popular variety of lemons. They are large, beautifully colored, and lack the bitter taste of ordinary lemon peels, making them perfect for juicing. The market demand for perfume lemons is very high. So, how do you plant perfume lemons? Let's take a look.
How to Plant Perfume Lemons?
Step 1: Prepare for Planting
Perfume lemons prefer warm environments and are not very demanding regarding soil and terrain. Follow these steps to prepare for planting:
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Select healthy, pest-free seedlings.
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Choose a planting site with good sunlight exposure and well-drained soil.
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Ensure the planting site is free of weeds and debris.
Step 2: Planting Method
Once you have prepared the planting site, follow these steps to plant the perfume lemon seedlings:
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Plant the seedlings with a spacing of 3×2.2 meters.
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When planting, trim the leaves appropriately to reduce water loss.
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Dip the roots in a rooting agent mixed with yellow mud slurry.
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Place the seedlings in the planting holes, fill with fine soil, and compact it gently.
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Water adequately to settle the roots.
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Cover the tree base with mulch to retain moisture and aid in survival.
Step 3: Water and Fertilizer Management
Proper water and fertilizer management are crucial for the healthy growth of perfume lemons. Follow these guidelines:
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Apply thin, frequent applications of well-composted organic fertilizer.
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In the first and second years after planting, apply nitrogen fertilizer to promote the formation of the canopy and the growth of branches and leaves.
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Use organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer in the fall, combined with foliar fertilization during the growth period.
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The main fertilization periods for perfume lemons are during the fruit enlargement phase after flowering and the autumn shoot period. Apply farmyard manure and frequently top-dress with urea and phosphate-potassium fertilizers based on growth conditions.
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Dilute chemical fertilizers with water and apply every 10 days, using small amounts each time.
Step 4: Cultivation and Weeding
Proper cultivation and weeding help maintain soil health and reduce competition for nutrients. Follow these steps:
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During the dry summer and autumn seasons, cultivate the soil before droughts to keep it loose and reduce water evaporation.
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In summer, plant leguminous green manure between the rows of fruit trees to prevent soil erosion.
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Remove weeds under the canopy and use them to cover the soil around the tree to retain moisture.
Step 5: Pruning
Pruning helps shape the tree and promote healthy growth. Follow these pruning guidelines:
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Young perfume lemon trees grow vigorously and have a strong flowering tendency. Prune lightly to retain more branches and leaves, allowing a small amount of sunlight to penetrate the canopy.
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In spring, summer, and autumn, pinch or shorten vigorous shoots in a timely manner.
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In winter, primarily remove pest-infested branches, dead branches, and fruiting branches.
Step 6: Controlling Excessive Growth
Lemons have a tendency to grow excessively. Follow these steps to control excessive growth:
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For fruit-bearing trees, use methods such as root pruning, water control, and branch girdling to control excessive growth.
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Spray a 500 times solution of paclobutrazol 2-3 times during the early growth stage of shoots to inhibit growth.
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Spray in September-October before the autumn shoots mature to promote flower bud formation.
Important Considerations
The above information provides a detailed guide on how to plant perfume lemons. For those interested in planting perfume lemons, mastering these planting methods and proper management is crucial, along with timely prevention of pests and diseases.
