Texas is a great place for citrus trees of all kinds. Lemons are no exception, and a lemon tree can bring plenty of sweet, sunny flavor to your garden. Whether you’re planting in your backyard, a container garden, or a potted patio tree, there are plenty of places in Texas where you can buy a lemon tree.
Most major home improvement stores in Texas have a great selection of citrus trees, including lemon trees. You can often find an array of different varieties, both in stores and online, so you can find the perfect tree for your location and your needs.
If you’re looking for an organic tree, your local farmer’s market is a great place to start. Many of these markets have dedicated citrus growers who specialize in growing trees for the home garden. These growers will be able to give you advice and guidance on ideal varieties, planting conditions, and how to care for and prune your tree over time.
For more specialized varieties of lemon trees, you may need to seek out dedicated nursery owners. These nurseries often carry more unusual varieties of citrus, and can give you advice on potential problems such as pests and diseases. But to find these nurseries, you may need to do a bit of research.
Finally, don’t forget the internet. Many online stores specialize in shipping plants, both to your home and to dedicated greenhouses or nurseries. You can find a huge range of varieties of lemon trees online, as well as helpful advice on care and maintenance.
Varietals to Consider
When it comes to lemon varieties, there are a lot to choose from. The classic Eureka lemon is probably the best all-around choice for Texas gardeners. It’s relatively easy to grow, producing juicy lemons with a high acid content. The Lisbon variety is also popular, and produces more lemons than the Eureka.
The Bearss and Pink Lemon varieties are both good choices for those who want to try something a bit different. The Bearss is a larger lemon with thick, bumpy skin, while the Pink Lemon is as its name implies, with light pink or greenish yellow skin when it’s ripe. Both of these are great choices for making lemon juice or adding zest to dishes.
Finally, there are a number of specialty varieties that are great for decorations as well as fruits. The Variegated Pink is a lemon with pink and yellow variegated skin, while the Meyer lemon is a sweeter, less acidic lemon. Both of these, as well as the Buddha’s Hand lemon and the Flowering lemon, are all interesting choices for the Texas gardener.
Tips for Planting and Growing
Lemon trees, like all citrus trees, require full sun and well-drained soil. Make sure to plant in a place with good airflow, and avoid planting near large plants or trees that will block the light. The best time to plant is in the spring, when temperatures are cool and the soil is still moist.
Citrus trees need to be fertilized regularly, especially in their first few years of growth. Use a citrus fertilizer with a good balance of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and apply in early spring and again in late summer. Water as needed, especially in hotter months, and be sure to prune your tree regularly.
Lemon trees may take several years to reach full size, and you may need to wait several seasons before you get any fruit. Keep your expectations low, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when those first lemons appear.
Common Pests and Diseases
Lemon trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, especially when stressed from too much heat or cold. Be on the lookout for mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids, which can all affect the health of your tree. If you notice any of these on your tree, seek out a pest control professional for advice on what to do next.
Another potential problem is bacterial or fungal diseases, such as gummosis or black spot. These can cause the leaves to curl up and wilt, and eventually can endanger the entire tree. Treating with a copper-based fungicide can help prevent and treat these issues.
Finally, don’t forget to inspect your trees regularly. Check for signs of damage, rot, or disease, and remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. This will help keep your tree healthy and strong, and ensure you get plenty of juicy lemons year after year.
Harvesting Time
When your tree is ready to harvest, you’ll know it! The lemons will be large, plump, and a yellowish-green color, with the skin just starting to thin out. Gently pull each lemon off the tree, rather than cutting it off with a knife or scissors, as this can damage the tree.
Lemons can be stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few weeks, so you can enjoy them as you get them. Be sure to wear gloves when you’re harvesting, as the thin skin of the lemon can be a bit tricky and the juice can be corrosive.
When it’s time to cook with your lemons, you can use them in a variety of ways. Add zest to salads, drinks, or sauces, or make homemade lemonade or lemon curd. You can also freeze plain lemon juice to use later. There’s no limit to the delicious dishes that can be made with lemons from your own tree.
Storing and Preserving
Of course, if you don’t plan to use your lemons right away, you’ll need to take a few steps to preserve them. The simplest way to store them is to refrigerate them in a sealed container. Place one layer of lemons in the bottom of the container and cover with a damp paper towel, then place a second layer of lemons on top and cover with another damp towel. This helps keep the moisture locked in and your lemons will stay fresh for weeks.
Alternatively, you can also freeze your lemons for longer-term storage. To do this, slice the lemons into thin slices or wedges, then lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight. Once frozen, you can transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag and they’ll keep for several months.
Finally, you can also make your own homemade lemon juice or lemon concentrate. To do this, just slice up the lemons and place them in a blender, along with some water and a bit of sugar to sweeten. Blend until smooth and then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. The juice can be frozen for later use, or canned for longer storage.
