Lemon Tree
Citrus limon
A small evergreen tree with glossy green leaves, sharp thorns on stems, and fragrant white flowers that produce yellow oval fruits.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Needs regular watering to keep soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering.
- Growth
- Pergreen perennial shrub or small tree; can reach 10-20 feet tall, though often pruned smaller or kept in containers.
Care instructions
Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Requires consistent watering without waterlogging and regular feeding with citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season. Protect from frost.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Needs regular watering to keep soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering.
Soil
Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5), often sandy or loamy.
Hardiness zone
9-11 (USDA), sensitive to freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Pergreen perennial shrub or small tree; can reach 10-20 feet tall, though often pruned smaller or kept in containers.
Bloom season
Can bloom year-round in warm climates, peaking in spring. Flowers are white with a purple tint on the underside and highly fragrant.
Propagation
Most commonly via grafting or air layering; can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings or seeds (though seeds may not be true to variety).
Common pests & issues
Prone to citrus leaf miners, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Fungal issues like root rot can occur if soil drainage is poor.
Similar species
Mexican Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) which has smaller fruit, or Meyer Lemon (Citrus x meyeri) which is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin/orange with thinner skin.