Paper Lemon: Kagaji Nimbu
Paper Lemon: Kagaji Nimbu
Kagaji Nimbu (Paper Lemon / Thin-Skinned Lemon) is perfect for home gardeners who want healthy, fruit-bearing plants.
About Kagaji Nimbu
- Scientific name: Citrus limon (variety of lemon with thin peel)
- Common names: Kagzi nimbu, Paper lemon, Thin-skinned lemon
- Uses: Juice, pickles, medicinal and culinary purposes
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Climate: Prefers warm, subtropical to tropical climate. Avoid frost.
- Sunlight: Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Temperature: Best growth between 25°C – 35°C.
Soil Requirements
- Well-draining loamy soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging.
- Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
- Mix garden soil with cocopeat + compost + sand (1:1:1) for pots.
Watering
- Water regularly, especially in dry weather.
- Avoid overwatering; soggy soil can cause root rot.
- In pots: Water when top 1 inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilizing
- Feed the plant every 30–45 days during growing season (spring–monsoon).
Use:
- Organic compost / cow dung manure
- Biofertilizers like vermicompost or neem cake
- For better fruiting: add a mix of NPK (6:6:6 or 10:10:10) or organic citrus fertilizer.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Prune weak or dead branches after fruiting.
- Shape the plant to allow sunlight inside.
- Remove suckers (shoots growing from base).
Common Pests & Solutions
Pest Symptom Organic Control
- Aphids / Whiteflies Curling leaves Neem oil spray (weekly)
- Citrus Leaf Miner Silver lines on leaves Prune affected leaves
- Mealybugs Sticky leaves Wipe with cotton + soap water
Flowering & Fruiting Tips
- Flowers usually appear in spring or early summer.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer — it encourages leaves, not fruit.
- Once fruits appear, reduce watering slightly for better flavor.
Potting (if grown in containers)
- Use a 12–18-inch pot with drainage holes.
- Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and give space for roots.
Extra Tips
- Add Epsom salt (1 tbsp per gallon of water) once a month for magnesium.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Protect from strong winds — lemon branches are brittle.
