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A novelty hybrid of citron and lemon tree, the Ponderosa lemon tree (Citrus limon "Ponderosa") lends itself to container growing and does well indoors or on a covered patio. Ponderosa lemon trees are somewhat smaller and thornier than other varieties of lemon trees, have shiny deep green leaves, and large fruit with a thick rind, an abundance of seeds, little juice, and bright yellow bumpy skin when fully ripened. The tree grows best at temperatures from 68 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, is not tolerant of freezing temperatures, and must be moved indoors when the temperature drops. Hardy to U. S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 10 and higher for outdoor cultivation, container Ponderosa lemon trees normally reach a mature height of 6 to 8 feet with adequate light, water, warmth and fertilizer.

Effects Of Fertilizer

Ponderosa lemon trees require consistent nutrients all year long. If foliage is a deep, dark green color, the tree is receiving adequate fertilization. Fertilization impacts the size and color of the fruit, but cannot improve its flavor or culinary value. Ponderosa lemon trees are typically grown as an ornamental curiosity, valued for its rich foliage, flowers and fragrance, rather than for fruit production. A fertilizer rich in nitrogen promotes foliage growth and deepens leaf color.

Amount Of Fertilizer Required

The amount of fertilizer applied is dependant on the size of the container and the size of the tree. A 15-gallon pot works well for cultivation, as a smaller container may cause compacted roots and fertilizer build-up. Savvy gardeners establish a monthly fertilizing regime, cutting back in the fall and winter months to avoid stimulating new growth during that period. A slow-release granular fertilizer helps avoid fertilizer build-up.

Application

Container grown trees benefit from a monthly application of fertilizer. The home gardener may choose to use organic fertilizers or a synthetic chemical formulation. Fruit trees thrive on a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a formulation that also contains trace amounts of zinc, copper, iron and manganese. Fertilizer is always applied to a healthy Ponderosa lemon tree with moist soil.

Signs Of Excess Fertilizer

Salts can accumulate and may result in reduced fruit production, deformed growth or death of the Ponderosa lemon tree. Signs of excess fertilizer include a white crust that forms on the top of the soil. Once a month,water is run slowly through the fruit tree tub or growing container to leach out excess fertilizer residue, the allowed to thoroughly drain before additional fertilizer is applied.

About the Author

A passionate writer for more than 30 years, Marlene Affeld writes of her love of all things natural. Affeld's passion for the environment inspires her to write informative articles to assist others in living a green lifestyle. She writes for a prominent website as a nature travel writer and contributes articles to other online outlets covering wildlife, travel destinations and the beauty of nature.