Lemon tree
Citrus limon
An evergreen tree featuring glossy, dark green, alternate leaves with finely toothed margins, woody stems, and fragrant white flowers.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid waterlogged soil.
- Growth
- Perennial woody tree with an upright, branching growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 10 to 20 feet when planted in the ground, though smaller when container-grown.
Care instructions
Provide full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry, ensuring excellent drainage. Feed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for citrus plants.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil with an acidic to neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11, with sensitivity to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Perennial woody tree with an upright, branching growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 10 to 20 feet when planted in the ground, though smaller when container-grown.
Bloom season
Blooms intermittently throughout the year, peaking in spring, producing highly fragrant white flowers with five petals.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through stem cuttings or grafting onto suitable rootstocks, and occasionally via seeds.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while nutrient deficiencies may cause leaf yellowing.
Similar species
Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), which can be distinguished by subtle differences in leaf shape, winging on the leaf petioles, and flower characteristics.