Pruning and Fruiting a Potted Lemon Tree

An 8-foot, single-stem lemon tree needs pruning to become bushy and fruitful.

Pruning

• Repeatedly cut back the central leader to force lateral branching.
• Maintain at desired height (e.g., 4–5 feet).

Fruiting

• Move outdoors after frost (June–Aug in Western WA).
• Nights above 50°F are fine.
• Bring in before frost; keep in bright window.
• Fertilize with citrus food during growing season.

Outdoor exposure triggers flowering. Indoor-only trees rarely fruit well.