Lemon trees are members of the citrus family Citrus limon, and there are dozens of unique varieties. These varieties can tolerate different environments and have slightly different flavors, acids, and other characteristics. Whether you’re growing lemons indoors or out, understanding the strain is essential to achieve desired results. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; different strains thrive in different parts of the world.
The best known lemon tree strain is the ‘Eureka’, which came to the United States from the Mediterranean region. This strain was the first to arrive in the US, but there are now more than 100 commercially-available varieties. The ‘Eureka’ is a mid-season varietal that produces a large fruit but has a short shelf life; its flavor isn’t as intense as some other varieties.
Another popular lemon tree strain is the ‘Lisbon’, which is very similar to the ‘Eureka’. The ‘Lisbon’ produces a smaller fruit but yields a much sweeter juice. It has a longer shelf life than the ‘Eureka’ and is especially popular in the south of the US. Other popular lemon tree strains include the ‘Meyer’, ‘Ponderosa’, and ‘Oliveira’.
When deciding on a strain, it’s important to consider the local climate. Some varieties can tolerate cold and high humidity. Others require warmer temperatures, full sun, and lower humidity. The tree’s rootstock also has an influence on the plant; some varieties require specific rootstock for best performance.
In addition to researching the strain and available rootstocks, you should also consider how much space you have for your lemon tree. Dwarf varieties are great for patios and small spaces, but if you don’t have enough room, you’ll need to opt for a compact variety. You also need to think about pruning and pollination requirements; some varieties are self-fertile, while others do require cross-pollination.
It’s always important to buy a healthy, disease-free lemon tree. Researching lemon tree varieties and the required environmental conditions can help you decide which strain is the best choice for you.
Types of Lemon Trees
Different varieties of lemon tree have different characteristics. Some are more highly prized than others, depending on the qualities they provide. Common lemon tree varietals include the ‘Eureka’, ‘Lisbon’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Ponderosa’, ‘Rangpur’, ‘Oliveira’, ‘Yen Ben’, ‘Mexican’, ‘Belair’, and ‘Tartedo’.
The ‘Eureka’ is an early maturing lemon tree that produces larger fruit with a short shelf life. The lemon juice is more tart than the ‘Lisbon’ variety. The ‘Lisbon’ tree produces smaller fruit with a sweet juice that has a longer shelf life. The ‘Meyer’ is an early maturing variety with a sweet juice; it’s a hybrid of the ‘Lemon’ and ‘Eureka’ trees. The ‘Ponderosa’ is an especially large, late-season lemon with sweet juice.
The ‘Rangpur’ is a hybrid of the ‘Lemon’ and ‘Mandarin’ trees; it produces small, tart fruit. The ‘Oliveira’ is a Portuguese variety that produces large lemons with a tart juice and a long shelf life. The ‘Yen Ben’ tree is a hybrid of the ‘Rangpur’ and ‘Lemon’ varieties; it produces sweet, medium-sized fruit in the winter. The ‘Mexican’ is a popular variety in Texas, producing large fruit with tart juice.
The ‘Belair’, often called the ‘Lemon Ivy’, is a low-maintenance variety with small, tart fruit. This variety is especially tolerant of high temperatures. The ‘Tartedo’ tree is a cold-tolerant variety from the Mediterranean region; it produces small, tart lemons and requires pruning.
Cultivating Lemon Trees
Once you’ve chosen the right lemon tree for your environment and space, it’s important to provide the right conditions for growth and yield. Most lemon trees prefer sunny, sheltered positions and well-draining soil; fertilizing and liming with the appropriate nutrients and pH level is essential. Watering should be consistent, but careful of over-watering, especially when growing in containers.
You should also keep an eye out for pest problems. Common lemon tree pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and citrus rust mite. These pests will weaken and damage the tree, and can be treated with horticultural oil or neem oil. Good sanitation, including removing dead leaves and branches, helps keep pest problems at bay.
Pruning and shaping of lemon trees is essential for good yields. Early in the season, pruning should be focused on removing any crossing or diseased branches and maintaining overall tree health. As the season progresses and fruit is set, pruning should focus on thinning, crop regulation, and shaping. The combination of pruning, fertilizing, and proper watering will help support good yields.
Harvesting Lemon Trees
Harvesting lemon trees is relatively straightforward. Generally, lemons are ripe when they turn yellow and their skin turns slightly wrinkled; however, some varieties may still have a green tinge when ripe. When you’re ready to harvest, use pruning shears and cut the fruit away from the stem. It’s best to harvest in the morning, when the fruit is still cool.
If you’d rather, you can wait until all of the fruit is ripe and harvest the entire tree at once. This is an especially good option for preserving large quantities of lemons for the winter. Lemons can also be harvested in stages, this allows you to enjoy the fruits’ different tastes as they mature. To prevent spoiling, it’s important to eat the fruit or make preserves shortly after harvesting.
preserving Lemon Trees
Once you’ve harvested your lemon tree’s fruit, you’ll need to preserve it properly to ensure that it stays fresh. Lemons can be kept at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. For maximum freshness, keep them in the refrigerator. To freeze, simply wrap the lemons in plastic and store in the freezer.
You can also preserve your lemon trees’ fruits by making jams, marmalades, or syrups. Lemons can be zested, squeezed, and frozen in ice cube trays. Make sure to label and date the cubes before freezing. The peels can also be used to make candied lemon slices, as well as cakes, tarts, and other desserts.
Lemons can also be used to make homemade cleaners and fresheners. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water for a natural, all-purpose cleaner. Lemons can also be used to deodorize and freshen surfaces and clothing. Simply cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice onto a surface; it’s a natural antiseptic and will help neutralize odors.
Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Trees
Lemons are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. One medium lemon contains around 17 milligrams of vitamin C and just under 2 milligrams of iron. Lemons are also a good source of dietary fiber and contain trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Lemons boast excellent antioxidant activity and may help protect against disease.
Lemon juice is often used to enhance the flavor of foods and is a great addition to salads and other recipes. Lemons are also widely used in drinks. Lemonade and lemon-flavored teas are two of the most popular; however, other recipes, such as martinis and margaritas, also use lemon juice as an ingredient. Lemons are also useful for cleaning surfaces and freshening up odors.
Lemons are very versatile and can be used in countless recipes. From savory dishes to sweet treats, lemons can add a pop of flavor. Plus, if you’re growing lemons indoors or out, it’s a great way to savor a little of the sun all year round.
