Lemon is one of the most popular ingredients in our dinner table. It not only enhances the taste of dishes but also offers unique nutritional benefits. The leaves of the lemon tree are rich in vitamin C. A glass of lemon juice mixed with hot or cold water can quickly alleviate fatigue. Lemon is suitable for people of all ages and is a versatile ingredient. An average adult needs 30 mg of vitamin C daily. Among fruits high in vitamin C, lemon is the only one available year-round. I enjoy having lemon on the dinner table and in my salad throughout the year.
Rich in vitamin C.
Herbal Properties
Drinking lemon juice mixed with honey, ginger, or salt relieves colds and coughs. My family and I have always benefited from this home herbal treatment.
Suitable Land and Soil
Lemons thrive in moderately acidic soils with light loam and good drainage.
Breed Introduction
Bari Lembu-1 (Cardamom Lemu):
Bari Lembu-1 is a high-yielding lemon variety with a prominent aroma. The trees are large, with broad leaves, and when well taken care of, they produce fruit twice a year. The fruits are ready for consumption in July-August and mature trees can yield up to 150 fruits, each weighing an average of 195 to 260 grams.
Bari Lembu-2:
Bari Lembu-2 is a high-yielding variety. It is a medium-sized, bushy tree that bears fruits abundantly throughout the year. The fruits are round, of medium weight, with smooth skin and relatively few seeds. This lemon variety is suitable for cultivation all over the country.
Bari Lembu-3:
Bari Lembu-3 is a late-ripening (nabi) variety. The plant and leaves are small in shape. The fruit is round and small, with very smooth skin, thin peel, and 18-22 seeds. The juice content is very high (37.7%). Fruits are suitable for eating in September-October, and with proper fertilizer and water, the fruit can be produced twice a year.
Planting
Guti grafts and cuttings should be prepared and planted at a distance of 2.5 m from May to September, which are suitable for planting.
Fertilizer Management
For each tree, apply 400 grams of TSP fertilizer, 400 grams of MOP fertilizer, 500 grams of urea fertilizer, and 15 kg of dung. The first installment of fertilizer should be applied from September to October, the second installment in February, and the third installment in June.
Limb Pruning
Every year, in the month of September to October, the unwanted branches of the tree should be pruned.
Irrigation and Weed Management
2-3 irrigations are required during the dry season, ensuring that water does not accumulate.
Harvesting
Fruits should be harvested while green and fully matured.
Types of Lemons
There are many varieties of lemons in Bangladesh, including Pati Lemon, Kaji Lemon, Elachi Lemon, Sidless Lemon, Sorbati Lemon, Batabi Lemon, Kamla Lemon(orange), and Malta Lemon. However, oranges are grown in hilly areas, and the rest are grown in the plains.
Caring for Lemon Trees
For the first 2-3 months after planting, simply water the tree regularly and remove any weeds that may appear. If the tree is larger, dilute mustard leaves with water and apply the mixture at the base of the tree every 20 days. Lemon trees typically start bearing fruit in one to one and a half years. It’s advisable to spray fungicide several times at seven-day intervals before the start of the monsoon season. Additionally, it’s recommended to use a good insecticide three to four times a year. However, it’s best not to spray the lemon tree while it is in flower. After two years, at the end of each monsoon season, fill the tub with water that is two inches wide and six to eight inches deep. Remove the old soil, and replace it with new soil mixed with manure. The climate of our country is ideal for lemon cultivation, especially in tubs, where the yield is high and the cultivation is relatively easy.
