Lemon farming in Kenya has experienced substantial growth, driven by increasing demand both domestically and internationally. Kenyan lemons are a face of attraction in the global markets due to their vibrant flavor and high vitamin C content. The diverse agro-ecological zones in Kenya have made it suitable for cultivating lemon in all parts of the country making Kenya stand as one of the largest lemon producers in Africa.
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| Lemon Farming in Kenya. |
Step
by step guidelines for planting lemons.
1.
Site Selection/ Soil preparation
Choose
a location that has well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging which can affect
your lemon trees. The area should also have a full sun light exposure. Once you
have selected a suitable site, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and
nutrient levels of the soil, you can then incorporate organic matter such as
compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its structure and nutrient
content.
2.
Choose the right varieties
Any
successful farming begins with choosing suitable varieties of the plant or crop
you want to cultivate. In Kenya, several lemon varieties are cultivated, each
with its unique characteristics and adaptability to the diverse agro-climatic
conditions. Eureka and Lisbon varieties are the most popular choices for lemon
farmers in Kenya. These two thrive well in the country’s tropical and
subtropical climates, displaying resilience to various environmental
conditions.
· Eureka
Lemon
Eureka
lemons have a medium to large size with an oval shape and a bright yellow
color. They are characterized with a smooth thin skin and a high juice content
that makes them popular for both commercial purposes and home uses.
Eureka
lemons are well-suited to areas with warm temperatures and can tolerate a range
of soil types. They are generally suitable for planting in various regions in
Kenya. Eureka is an early maturing variety that starts to produce from around
the 8th to 12 months after planting. Its productive throughout the year, making
it a consistent source of harvest.
· Lisbon
Lemon
They
are similar in appearance to Eureka lemons. They have a tangy flavor and soo
much juice.
They do well in subtropical climates with well -drained soils that benefit from regular watering. Depending on the amount of care you give to your Lisbon plants, they can be productive throughout the year providing a steady supply for both local consumption and commercial markets.
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| Lemon Seedlings For Sale at Richfarm Kenya. |
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order.
3.
Planting
During
planting, dig holes with dimensions of approximately 1.5ft in depth and 2ft in width.
Space the holes at least 10 to 15 feet if planting standard sized lemons and 6
to 8 feet if planting a dwarf sized variety to allow for proper growth. If
planting from a seedling, place the tree in the centre of the hole then
backfill the hole with the soil while gently pressing it down to create
firmness.
4.
Watering
Once
you are done with planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil. Maintain
consistent watering, especially during the establishment phase. You can also
carry out mulching around the base of the plant to help in retaining moisture.
5.
Pruning
Prune
the lemon tree to shape it and encourage a strong structure and to allow free air
circulation.
6.
Ongoing care
ü Regularly
inspect the lemon tree for signs of stress, pests, or diseases.
ü Adjust
water based on weather conditions.
ü Provide
additional support during heavy fruit-bearing seasons.
Market
opportunities
Kenyan
lemons hold a tremendous market potential with a growing demand for fresh
produce and processed citrus products. Export markets in Europe and the Middle East
offer lucrative opportunities for farmers, encouraging the adoption of quality
assurance measures to meet international standards.
Related links:Lemon Farming in Wajir.
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