Growing Lemon Myrtle: A Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Caring For, and Harvesting Your Own Native Australian Citrus Delight
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a native Australian rainforest tree renowned for its intensely lemon-scented leaves. More than just an attractive ornamental, lemon myrtle offers a range of culinary and medicinal applications, making it a highly rewarding plant to grow at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of cultivating your own thriving lemon myrtle tree, from selecting the right variety to harvesting its fragrant leaves.
## Why Grow Lemon Myrtle?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore the compelling reasons to add lemon myrtle to your garden:
* **Intense Lemon Flavor and Aroma:** The leaves possess a strong citrus scent and flavor, far exceeding that of lemons. This makes them a versatile ingredient for cooking, teas, and aromatherapy.
* **Native Australian Plant:** Lemon myrtle is well-adapted to Australian climates, requiring less water and maintenance than many other citrus plants once established.
* **Attractive Ornamental Tree:** With its glossy green leaves and graceful form, lemon myrtle adds beauty to any garden. It can be grown as a tree or pruned into a shrub.
* **Culinary Uses:** The leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, desserts, and beverages.
* **Medicinal Properties:** Lemon myrtle oil possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and relieve stress, and in skincare products for its antibacterial benefits.
* **Sustainability:** Growing your own lemon myrtle reduces your reliance on commercially produced citrus fruits and herbs, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
## Choosing the Right Lemon Myrtle
While *Backhousia citriodora* is the most common and sought-after species, understanding the available options is crucial for success. Seed-grown plants exhibit significant variation in oil composition, leaf size, and growth habit. Grafted varieties, propagated from superior parent plants, offer consistency and predictability.
* **Seed-Grown Plants:** These are the most readily available and affordable option. However, be aware that the lemon scent and flavor intensity can vary significantly. Some seedlings may produce leaves with a weaker or less desirable aroma.
* **Grafted Varieties:** Grafting ensures that the new plant possesses the exact characteristics of the parent plant. Look for grafted varieties from reputable nurseries that guarantee a high citral content (the compound responsible for the lemon aroma).
Consider the mature size of the tree when selecting a location. Lemon myrtle can reach heights of 5-8 meters (16-26 feet) if left unpruned. Dwarf varieties are available for smaller gardens or container growing.
## Planting Lemon Myrtle
Proper planting is essential for the long-term health and productivity of your lemon myrtle tree.
### 1. Selecting the Right Location
* **Sunlight:** Lemon myrtle thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny location will promote vigorous growth and abundant leaf production.
* **Soil:** Well-drained soil is crucial. Lemon myrtle is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
* **Wind Protection:** Young trees are vulnerable to strong winds. Choose a sheltered location or provide wind protection, especially during the first few years.
* **Space:** Allow ample space for the tree to grow to its mature size. Consider the spread of the branches when selecting a planting site. If planting multiple trees, space them at least 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) apart.
### 2. Preparing the Soil
* **Soil Testing:** Ideally, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Lemon myrtle prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). If the soil is too alkaline, amend it with sulfur or peat moss.
* **Amending the Soil:** Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the lemon myrtle tree. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. This will improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient content.
* **Adding Fertilizer:** Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer formulated for native Australian plants into the soil. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients during the initial growth phase.
### 3. Planting the Tree
* **Gently Remove the Tree from its Container:** Carefully remove the lemon myrtle tree from its pot, being mindful not to damage the roots. If the roots are pot-bound (tightly circling the root ball), gently loosen them with your fingers or a small trowel.
* **Position the Tree in the Hole:** Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Avoid planting the tree too deep, as this can lead to root rot.
* **Backfill the Hole:** Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the root ball. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil.
* **Mulching:** Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the tree. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few centimeters away from the trunk to prevent rot.
* **Staking:** If the tree is young or exposed to strong winds, provide support with a stake. Secure the tree to the stake with soft ties, ensuring that the ties are not too tight and do not damage the bark.
## Caring for Lemon Myrtle
Once planted, proper care is essential for the continued health and productivity of your lemon myrtle tree.
### 1. Watering
* **Initial Watering:** Water the newly planted tree deeply and regularly for the first few weeks to help it establish its roots. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.
* **Established Trees:** Once the tree is established, it will require less frequent watering. Water deeply during dry periods, especially in summer. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
* **Watering Method:** Water at the base of the tree, avoiding wetting the foliage. This will help to prevent fungal diseases.
### 2. Fertilizing
* **Frequency:** Fertilize lemon myrtle trees in spring and autumn with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for native Australian plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
* **Fertilizer Type:** Avoid using fertilizers high in phosphorus, as this can inhibit the uptake of other essential nutrients. Look for fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) or a slightly higher nitrogen content.
* **Organic Fertilizers:** Organic fertilizers, such as compost, worm castings, and seaweed extract, are also beneficial for lemon myrtle trees. They improve soil health and provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
### 3. Pruning
* **Purpose:** Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the tree, promote bushier growth, and increase leaf production. It also allows for air circulation within the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
* **Timing:** The best time to prune lemon myrtle is after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Avoid pruning during winter, as this can damage the tree.
* **Pruning Techniques:** Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out the canopy to improve air circulation. Shorten branches to encourage bushier growth. You can also prune the tree into a specific shape, such as a hedge or a standard.
### 4. Pest and Disease Control
* **Pests:** Lemon myrtle is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally be affected by scale, aphids, or spider mites. Inspect the tree regularly for signs of infestation.
* **Scale:** Scale insects appear as small, immobile bumps on the leaves and stems. They can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
* **Aphids:** Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted growth. They can be controlled with a strong jet of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
* **Spider Mites:** Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause stippling on the leaves. They thrive in dry conditions. Increase humidity around the tree and treat with miticide if necessary.
* **Diseases:** Root rot is the most common disease affecting lemon myrtle. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Prevent root rot by planting the tree in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering. Other diseases that may affect lemon myrtle include leaf spot and powdery mildew.
* **Leaf Spot:** Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
* **Powdery Mildew:** Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Improve air circulation and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
### 5. Mulching
* **Benefits:** Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil health. It also provides a source of organic matter as it decomposes.
* **Materials:** Suitable mulching materials include wood chips, shredded bark, leaf mold, and compost.
* **Application:** Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few centimeters away from the trunk to prevent rot. Replenish the mulch as needed.
## Harvesting Lemon Myrtle
Harvesting lemon myrtle leaves is a simple process that can be done throughout the year.
### 1. Timing
* **Mature Leaves:** Harvest mature leaves for the strongest flavor and aroma. Mature leaves are typically darker green and thicker than young leaves.
* **Frequency:** You can harvest leaves as needed throughout the year. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the foliage at any one time, as this can stress the tree.
### 2. Harvesting Techniques
* **Hand Picking:** The easiest way to harvest lemon myrtle leaves is to simply pick them by hand. Gently pull the leaves from the stem, being careful not to damage the branches.
* **Pruning:** You can also harvest leaves by pruning the tree. This is a good way to maintain the shape of the tree and encourage bushier growth.
* **Tools:** Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to harvest leaves by pruning. This will ensure a clean cut and prevent damage to the tree.
### 3. Drying and Storing
* **Drying:** To dry lemon myrtle leaves, spread them out in a single layer on a screen or tray in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to lose their flavor and aroma. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator at a low temperature.
* **Storage:** Once the leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried lemon myrtle leaves can be stored for up to a year.
## Using Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle leaves can be used in a variety of ways:
* **Culinary Uses:**
* **Teas:** Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water to make a refreshing and aromatic tea.
* **Flavoring:** Add fresh or dried leaves to soups, stews, sauces, and curries to impart a lemony flavor.
* **Desserts:** Use lemon myrtle leaves to flavor cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other desserts.
* **Spice Rubs:** Grind dried leaves into a powder and use it as a spice rub for meat, poultry, or seafood.
* **Lemon Myrtle Oil:** Extracted from the leaves, this oil is intensely flavored. Use very sparingly. Often used in commercial products like lollies/candies.
* **Aromatherapy:** Add lemon myrtle oil to a diffuser or burner to create a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere.
* **Skincare:** Lemon myrtle oil is used in soaps, lotions, and other skincare products for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
* **Household Cleaning:** Use lemon myrtle oil in homemade cleaning products for its disinfecting and deodorizing properties.
## Growing Lemon Myrtle in Pots
Lemon myrtle can also be successfully grown in pots, making it a great option for those with limited garden space.
* **Pot Size:** Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the tree’s root system. A pot that is at least 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in diameter is recommended.
* **Potting Mix:** Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter.
* **Watering:** Water potted lemon myrtle trees more frequently than those grown in the ground, as the soil in pots tends to dry out more quickly. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.
* **Fertilizing:** Fertilize potted lemon myrtle trees regularly with a liquid fertilizer formulated for native Australian plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
* **Pruning:** Prune potted lemon myrtle trees regularly to maintain their shape and size. You can prune them more heavily than trees grown in the ground, as they have less room to grow.
* **Repotting:** Repot potted lemon myrtle trees every few years to refresh the soil and provide more room for the roots to grow.
## Common Problems and Solutions
While lemon myrtle is relatively easy to grow, it can be susceptible to certain problems.
* **Yellowing Leaves:** Yellowing leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, and pest infestations. Check the soil moisture and nutrient levels and treat any pests or diseases accordingly.
* **Leaf Drop:** Leaf drop can be caused by stress, such as drought, heat, or cold. Ensure that the tree is receiving adequate water and protection from extreme weather conditions.
* **Slow Growth:** Slow growth can be caused by poor soil, lack of sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies. Amend the soil with organic matter, ensure that the tree is receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and fertilize regularly.
## Conclusion
Growing lemon myrtle is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor of this native Australian plant. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate your own thriving lemon myrtle tree and reap its many benefits. From its culinary uses to its medicinal properties, lemon myrtle is a versatile and valuable addition to any garden. So, start planning your lemon myrtle garden today and prepare to enjoy the delights of this fragrant Australian treasure!