Lemon Tree Facts and Growing Tips
January 18, 2012
Scientific Name: Citrus limon
Description: A sour fruited citrus used in fish, salad, cooking, juices, baking, desserts, drinks, and as a cleaning agent.
History: The origin of the lemon tree is unknown but many believe it came from northwestern India and was introduced in southern Italy in 200 A.D. then in California around 1751. Heavy cultivation did not begin in the U.S. until 1870. Lemon trees are widely grown all over the world and grow in abundance in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mexico, and West Indies.
Nutritional Value:
Serving Size: 1 cup raw lemon sections, without peel (212g):
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 61
- Calories from Fat 0
- Total Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 4mg
- Total Carbohydrate 20g
- Dietary Fiber 6g
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 2g
- Vitamin A 1%
- Vitamin C 187%
- Calcium 6%
- Iron 7%
Planting Tips: Lemon trees can usually be planted any time of the year. However, it is best to plant according to your zone’s best timetable. Generally, early spring is best, as it will allow the root system to get established and acclimated before frost danger.
Harvest Tips: Available year-round (lemon is widely grown all over the world), with supplies peaking from April to July. In California’s Central Valley, where I live, harvest time is February to July. Unripe lemons are green. When matured, the color changes to yellow.
Recommended Varieties:
Eureka: True North American-grown lemon trees. Medium size (10-20 feet), few thorns, everbearing but short-lived.
Lisbon: True lemon tree grown in North America. Tall (30 feet), most productive, thorny.
Dorshapo: True lemon tree that grows in Brazil and other Latin American countries. It produces a sweet, low-acid lemon, and it’s growing habit resembles the Eureka’s with a large open canopy.
Improved Meyer: Not a true lemon tree. This hybrid is rounder and orange-colored. Small, ideal for containers, makes an excellent hedge, few thorns, no pruning needed.
Variegated Pink: Eight feet, good container plant.
Check with your local nursery professional for the best varieties (these and others) for your zone, landscape, and care needs.
In and Around the Garden 
Sitting in the garden drinking a nice glass of fresh lemonade, chatting with friends or reading a good book sounds great. Looking forward to warmer weather on the horizon – after the predicted rain that is.
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Ah, but you can enjoy fresh lemons year-round in so many ways, as they are widely grown all over the world. And where we live, peak harvest is February (just around the corner) to July.
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Good Wednesday Evening Dianne:
I am always amazed at the knowledge that you take the time to pass on to all of us willing to read…Thank you so much…
I hope you have a better year this year…
I have had to sit for 16 days because of sciatic nerve problems and I sure enjoyed reading your blog…Once again Thank you so much.
Kisses Kim
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Thanks again, Kim. So sorry the healing has taken so long. Hope you are up and about now.
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Hi I have a Lemon Tree here in Malaysia. Excellant Lemons. So to anyone out there, you can grow thses in Malaysia
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