Lemon Tree
Citrus limon
The lemon is a small evergreen citrus tree grown for its tart, fragrant yellow fruit. Glossy leaves, perfumed white blossom and year-round fruit make it a favorite for warm gardens and sunny containers.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Keep evenly moist; let top inch dry between waterings
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
The lemon is a small evergreen tree in the rue family, thought to be a hybrid of citron and bitter orange that originated in Asia. It is now one of the most widely grown and economically important citrus fruits in the world.
Lemons are valued for their highly acidic, aromatic juice and fragrant zest, used across cuisines and in countless household products. The tree itself is attractive year-round, with glossy evergreen leaves, intensely perfumed white-and-purple-tinged blossom, and the ability to carry flowers and fruit at the same time.
In cool climates, lemons — especially the hardier, sweeter Meyer lemon — are popular container plants that can be moved to a sunny spot outdoors in summer and sheltered indoors over winter.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Glossy, elliptical, finely toothed evergreen leaves, fragrant when crushed; reddish when young
- Flowers: Strongly fragrant white flowers, often tinged purple on the outside
- Fruit: Oval yellow fruit with a nippled end, thick aromatic rind and very acidic juice
- Stems: Often bearing sharp thorns
- Size: Typically 3–6 m (10–20 ft) in the ground; much smaller in pots
- Habit: Small, open-crowned evergreen tree or shrub
Care & growing
Light: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours; the more light, the better the fruit. Indoors, place in the brightest window or use grow lights.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy; let the top inch dry before watering again. Erratic watering causes leaf and fruit drop.
Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix or soil; citrus hates wet feet.
Temperature: Tender — protect from frost. Most lemons suffer below about -2 °C (28 °F); Meyer lemons are slightly hardier. Ideal range is 13–28 °C (55–85 °F).
Feeding: Feed regularly during the growing season with a citrus-specific fertilizer high in nitrogen and including micronutrients like iron and magnesium.
Propagation: Usually grafted; can be grown from cuttings or seed, though seedlings are slow and variable.
Habitat & origin
The lemon originated in Asia, likely northeastern India, Myanmar or China, as a hybrid of earlier citrus species, and spread westward through the Middle East and Mediterranean.
Today lemons are grown commercially in subtropical and Mediterranean climates worldwide, including Italy, Spain, the United States (California, Arizona, Florida), Argentina and India. As ornamental and container plants, they are popular far beyond their hardiness range, kept on patios in summer and overwintered indoors in cold regions.
Uses & benefits
- Culinary: Juice and zest flavor drinks, dressings, desserts, sauces and preserves; essential in countless recipes
- Household: Lemon oil and acid are used in cleaning products and natural cleaning
- Aromatic: Fragrant blossom and peel oil are used in perfumes and aromatherapy
- Ornamental: Glossy evergreen foliage, scented flowers and bright fruit make it a striking patio and conservatory plant
- Nutrition: High in vitamin C; historically used to prevent scurvy
Frequently asked questions
Why are my lemon tree's leaves dropping?
Leaf drop is usually caused by stress — inconsistent watering, sudden temperature changes, drafts, or moving the plant. Keep conditions stable, water evenly, and provide bright light.
Can I grow a lemon tree indoors?
Yes, especially dwarf or Meyer lemons. They need the brightest possible window or grow lights, good drainage, regular citrus feed and protection from cold drafts.
Why is my lemon tree flowering but not setting fruit?
Indoor trees may lack pollinators — hand-pollinate by transferring pollen between flowers with a small brush. Young trees, low light, or nutrient deficiencies can also reduce fruit set.
Are lemon trees toxic to pets?
Yes. The leaves, peel and essential oils contain compounds that are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression if ingested.
How cold can a lemon tree tolerate?
Lemons are frost-tender. Most are damaged below about -2 °C (28 °F); protect or bring potted trees indoors when frost threatens. Meyer lemons are a bit more cold-tolerant.
Lemon Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Lemon Tree.
Lemon Tree identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
