Why is my lemon tree not making fruit?

[#1]

There are many different reasons why a lemon tree might not be producing fruit.

First, ensure your tree receives ample sunlight, as lemon trees thrive in full sun. You also should protect it from strong winds and extremely cold temperatures, as they can hinder fruit production.

Adequate watering, especially during dry spells and flowering, is also crucial to promote fruit set. And regular feeding during the growing seasons of spring, summer, and autumn is essential, as lemon trees have high nutrient requirements.

Pruning should be minimal, and restricted to mainly controlling height and removing any dead or affected branches. If you prune and there wasn't enough time for the plant to produce new growth over the warming months, then you've likely set it back for a year.

We have also previously seen on Workshop examples from members where grafted trees have suffered from rootstock taking over. Normally a tree should have a singular trunk that branches off well above the soil. If you have many smaller branches coming from the soil like the picture above, that is a good indication the branch structure is coming from the rootstock (below the graft line) and no fruit will ever be produced from these branches. Rootstock typically grows vigorously but does not bear fruit or only in limited quantities. If it does bear fruit, it's generally seed ridden and not palatable. Another key detail to look for to indicate rootstock is huge thorns - citrus varieties these days don't have huge gnarly thorns.

Finally, be vigilant for pests and diseases that can affect fruiting, such as citrus leaf miner, citrus gall wasps, scales, and others. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can help restore fruit production.

I have a neglected citrus plant in my yard. This year I've applied Scotts Osmocote 500g Citrus and Fruit Controlled Release Fertiliser, giving the plant some PowerFeed 600mL Fertiliser Liquid Concentrate and mulched around it with Sugar cane. I'm now seeing far more flowers produced and fruit set.

Here's a helpful guide: How to grow and care for a lemon tree. - MitchellMc

Do take care with pruning citrus - this can sometimes encourage the trees to bear good crops only every second year as they put their efforts into growth immediately after a hard prune, rather into regular flowering and fruiting. Biennial bearing is a common problem when citrus are pruned after a good crop. - Noelle

[allyassessor]

2 nd year fruit trees   Finger lime     Lemon   Lime   Last year nothing.  This year tiny fruit buds  , who knows maybe proper size fruit ????

[EricL]

Hello @allyassessor 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thanks for sharing the progress of your lemon tree.

It sounds like very good progress. I hope your tree produces a lot of fruit this coming season. Please keep an eye on your lemon tree and make sure to water it properly, I propose adding Seasol 600ml Complete Garden Health Treatment.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric