It’s been a while since I provided an update on our lemon tree. For anyone keeping track, Desiree coaxed the tree to emerge from a seed in October of 2022. Simple math provides that the tree has been growing for four years now. It has suffered attacks from both spider mites and aphids. To save it from the mites, Desiree trimmed it down to what looked like an artless collection of sticks.
Today, the lemon tree is healthy, pest-free, has
grown as tall as it has ever been, and is even leafing out with new growth. The
only shadow is cast by the plant’s reluctance to produce either blossoms or
fruit.
I asked ChatGPT about the blooming thing. This was
the response: “A seed-grown lemon may take 5 to 10 years to reach flowering
maturity. Some never produce particularly good fruit. So your tree may not be
doing anything wrong at all. It may simply be taking the scenic route.”
Apparently, grafted trees are much friskier than
those grown from seed. Maybe next year.
I’ve posted a photograph of the lemon tree with me
standing behind it. I’m also holding a can of Cold Smoke beer for accuracy in
reference to size.
—Mitchell Hegman
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