Tip #1 – Prune at the right time of year: The best time of year to prune dwarf lemon tree branches can change depending on which geographical location you live in. But most of North America will prune their fruit trees sometime between January and March. Pruning your tree too late in the season can cause unnecessary stress to the root system which will affect the trees ability to grow worthwhile fruit.

Tip #2 – Sharpen your Tools: Sharp and clean tools are essential when caring for and pruning dwarf lemon trees. To make sure that your tools do not carry a disease from one plant to another sterilize the blades using an alcoholic wipe.

Tip #3 – Remove the right branches: One of the most important points to consider when planning to prune dwarf lemon tree branches is that you want as much sunlight as possible to reach the center of the tree. For this reason, the first branches to remove are those which cross over the center and seem to be blocking the trees trunk. Once you have removed all of the intrusive branches you will also want to prune any sick, marked or dying branches.

Tip #4 – Cut the branches properly: To prune dwarf lemon tree branches properly you will need both a pair of sharp pruning shears as well as a pruning saw. To remove the branches make a smooth, continuous vertical cut as close to the trunk as possible. If you are unable to simply snip the branch with sheers, carefully saw the branch off without ripping the trunk bark.

Tip 1. When purchasing a key lime tree, first check with your local nursery. Purchase a grafted key lime tree, I wouldn’t try and grow one from seed. If you purchase a tree online, check if there is a guarantee and how the tree will be shipped. It is best to get a tree at least one year old.

Tip 2. A plastic pot with great drainage should be purchased. Be sure the pot is at least 16 inches across. Also, be sure to put some stones in the bottom of the pot before you put in the soil. This will help with draining the water.

Tip 3. Use soil that is light and well draining, and has at least 25% compost material. Plant the tree so that the root crown is just below the surface. Don’t cover the trunk.

Tip 4. Place the tree in a spot where it will get 8 or more hours of direct sunlight. Keep the room temperature around 70 degrees during the day. If the temperature goes below 55 degrees, your key lime tree will become dormant.

Tip 5. Protect the tree from cooling and heating vents as this will damage the leaves.

Tip 6. Water the tree sparingly. Don’t use sterile water, use rain water if possible. Water it well, and then let the soil dry out before you water again. If you use too much water, the tree will get root rot.

Tip 7. Mist the tree with water in a spray bottle as this will give it the humidity it needs.

Tip 8. I recommend using fertilizer specific for citrus trees. Using the wrong or too much fertilizer may kill you tree.

Tip 9. Because the key lime tree is indoors, the bees and bugs from outside can not pollinate your tree. The Tasteful Garden says, “To ensure the setting of fruit when plants are growing indoors, use a small brush to lift the pollen from the stamen (male part of the flower) of one blossom and gently dust it onto the pistil (female part of the flower) in the center of another. Within a few days the pistol should begin to develop a tiny new fruit.”

Tip 10. The key limes will appear in clusters of 6 after the blooms have died. Thin these clusters to around 2 or 3 so your key limes will flourish. If you don’t, you will still get key limes, they will just be smaller.

The dwarf kumquat tree does not exceed 4 feet in height, though some hybrids can grow to 6 feet. Their foliage is attractive and has few or no thorns. Kumquats have scented white blossoms that will turn into red orange colored fruit.

The fruit resembles a tiny orange, but the kumquat fruit is eaten whole, peel and all. If you have a sweet tooth, you only have to eat the peel. Kumquats can also be made into salads, candy, breads, pie fillings and sauces for duck, lamb, chicken and other meats.

The dwarf kumquat tree is easy to grow in areas where temperatures during the day are high and the nights are cool. The hybrid trees are able to handle a light frost. All types of trees require a small amount of pruning and the smaller varieties make perfect container plants.

In growing zones 9 and 10, the blooms appear in early spring or late spring. These blooms are white and are approximately 1 to 2 inches in size. They are not as fragrant as the orange or lemon trees but their fragrance is noticeable.

Young trees require considerable water to get well established, and then water only when necessary. As for fertilizer, I recommend using one made specifically for citrus trees. The kumquat is not really a citrus tree, but the fertilizer works well on the kumquat trees.

The dwarf Kumquat tree requires moist, well drained soil and needs to be in the full sun though some are able to thrive in just a little partial shade. The trees are also very resistant to disease and pests so there is no need for pesticides. The only pest you might see is the leaf miner. However, the leaf miner really doesn’t hamper the tree in the home garden.

Some common and wonderful varieties are the “‘Nagami, “Meiwa,” “Fukushu,” and “Marumi.” Check your local nursery for the trees, and if you do purchase one from online vendors, be sure to get a guarantee and make sure the tree can be shipped to your state.

Step One:

Take your time choosing your tree’s container.

The best container to use will be approximately 6 inches larger than the container your tree was sold in. You will also want to look for a container that has larger than average drainage holes. A dwarf eureka lemon tree needs well drained soil to maintain a healthy root system, a container that has smaller drainage holes will lead to soggy and weak roots.

Step Two:

Take your time choosing your potting soil.

A dwarf eureka lemon tree will actually prefer sandy, dry soil and will not do well in most retail brands of potting soil. To begin planting your tree start by filling your container half way with loose, dry soil.

Step Three:

Take your time planting your tree.

Citrus trees as a species are less hardy than other tree types and can be fragile while being transplanted or placed into a new container. To begin planting your dwarf eureka lemon tree carefully remove it from its original pot and lightly shake the access soil from the roots. Be carefully not to damage the smaller, newly formed roots. Now, place the tree into your container and fill the remaining space with your sandy potting soil, packing it down firmly as you go.

Step Four:

Take your time watering your new citrus tree.

Dwarf eureka lemon trees love moist soil and need to be watered every day. If you are keeping your container tree indoors you may want to keep a small misting bottle and give the leaves a light spray every morning. You may also wipe the leaves of your citrus tree with a damp cloth to remove dust; this is not necessary for plant health but will improve the appearance of an indoor tree.

Step Five:

Take your time enjoying the fruits of your labor.

A dwarf eureka lemon tree is a great house or container plant and can be a lot of fun to own! It is a good idea to replant your tree into a larger pot once every year and you will enjoy bright, juicy fruit every season! Remember, always make time to stop and smell the lemons!