How to grow a lemon tree

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Introduction to growing lemon trees

Lemon trees are part of the citrus genus, botanically known as Citrus limon. The trees are native to Asia but spread hundreds of years ago across Europe to the Mediterranean, the area they are most commonly associated with today.

Lemons are known for their many uses in the kitchen and the home. But they also make wonderful beginner trees for those growing citrus for the first time. As they are self-pollinating, you only need one tree for a strong harvest.

Choosing the right lemon tree

There are several varieties of lemon tree to choose from when growing at home. Each has slightly different growth habits and fruits, so it’s important to pick the variety best suited to your garden.

One of the most widely grown lemon trees outdoors is the Eureka lemon, a true lemon species. Eureka lemon trees are grown commercially and in home gardens, known for their reliability.

For something a little more cold-tolerant, look for the Lisbon lemon, with slightly smaller fruits and smoother skin.

When growing in containers or in small gardens, the compact Meyer lemon is the best option. This hybrid (Citrus x Meyeri), a cross between a lemon and mandarin, has sweeter fruits and a shorter stature. This variety is easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Planting a lemon tree

Once you’ve chosen your ideal lemon tree variety, it’s time to get ready for planting. When and where you plant your lemon tree and how you plant it will set you up for successful harvests in the coming years.

When to plant a lemon tree

Lemon trees should be planted in early spring in most areas. This balances any temperature extremes between cold and warm, allowing the roots to develop and settle in before the heat of summer.

Wait until the soil has warmed after winter before planting. The exact time will depend on your USDA Zone. Lemon tree roots are sensitive to cold and will struggle to establish in cold or icy soil.

Store-bought plants vs. growing from seed

Most lemon trees purchased from your local nursery will be grafted. The specific variety is grafted onto strong rootstock to improve growth and limit problems with pests and diseases. These trees are typically a few years old when sold, giving you a head start on growth and fruiting.

Growing a lemon tree from seed is possible, but it does take much longer to mature. Lemon trees grown from store-bought seeds also won’t reproduce true to seed, meaning the resulting tree and its fruit won’t be the same as the fruit you saved the seed from. Due to the genetic differences, the tree may not even produce fruit at all.

If you’re looking for reliable growth, growing from a small tree purchased from a reputable grower is best. However, if you want to try out a fun gardening experiment, there is no harm in growing from seed.

Where to plant a lemon tree

Lemon trees are native to warm climates and don’t tolerate cold well. They grow best outdoors when planted in USDA Zones 9 and above. They may survive in slightly lower zones but require additional protection in winter.