Lemon tree

[Lindsay]

I couldn't resist it yesterday - I bought a small (1m50) lemon tree that should have been £30 reduced to £5. The reduction was because it looks like it hasn't been watered in ages, is losing some leaves and has a broken branch.  It does have five lemons on it though, and some flowers that smell lovely!

How should I start to look after it? I've read you should re-pot it, but not in a pot too big. I guess it is losing its leaves because the soil is so dry - so I intend to soak it, then repot it, then leave it to hopefully recover.  Is this ok? Should I leave the lemons on, or take them off to give strength to the tree?

And then what to do with the broken branch?? It is hanging down, not completely broken through. Would it be best cutting it right off, or is it possible to try and support it in some way?

Sorry - lots of questions!

[Lindsay]

[saddad]

You could bind the branch and it might graft... but I'd cut it off clean...
If the lemons are ripe I'd take them off to give the tree less to worry about...
I don't know if citrus ripen off the tree but I doubt it.
If you'll pardon the pun "suck it and see" that'll take the smile off your face!!  ;D

[Jokerman]

Could always give it to me...   ;D

[ACE]

If the lemons are yellow they will not take any nourishment from the tree as they are ripe. The reason it has flowers on it is because it has been neglected, it is a proven way to get a citrus to bloom and fruit. You make it seem like it will die and it will reproduce, as nature intended. Give it a good water and throw in a handful of dried chicken manure, cut off the broken bit with a clean cut to stop disease. Put it ouside after  the cold nights have stopped then bring it in again next winter, they love the summer rain.

[Lindsay]

Thanks all - I will do as suggested.  The lemons are yellow - so they will be used as needed, and with a bit of luck the tree will survive.   Here in Avignon it is quite warm overnight already (well, no more frosts anyway), so its outside now until the winter.