Lemon Tree
Citrus limon
An evergreen citrus tree with serrated oval leaves, thorny branches, and fragrant white flowers that produce yellow oval fruits.
- Light
- Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Water deeply once the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. They are moderately drought tolerant once established but fruit production requires regular hydration.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen tree; can reach 10-20 feet in height with a spread of 10-15 feet, though dwarf varieties are smaller.
Care instructions
Requires full sun, well-draining acidic soil, and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Water deeply once the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. They are moderately drought tolerant once established but fruit production requires regular hydration.
Soil
Loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.5).
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9-11; sensitive to frost and cold temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen tree; can reach 10-20 feet in height with a spread of 10-15 feet, though dwarf varieties are smaller.
Bloom season
Can bloom year-round in warm climates, but primarily in spring; flowers are white with 5 petals and highly fragrant.
Propagation
Typically propagated via air layering, semi-hardwood cuttings, or grafting onto hardy rootstocks to ensure fruit quality.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphids, scale, spider mites, and citrus leafminers. Diseases include root rot if overwatered and citrus scab.
Similar species
Citrus aurantiifolia (Lime) has smaller, rounder fruit; Citrus sinensis (Orange) has wings on the leaf petioles which are less prominent in lemons.