This vigorous citrus has a more "weepy" nature and tends to have fewer thorns than its brethren. Space 15-20 feet apart. If trimmed, can be held to 6-8 feet tall. This variety is more drought tolerant and less fussy in terms of pH (withstands more alkaline soils). Susceptible to root rot (avoid over-watering), scab, and leaf miners. Bears fruit November through the winter - fruit can be left hanging on the tree for months.

Reply to this comment

The lemon tree has the reputation of tolerating very infertile, very poor soil.

Lemon trees should be spaced 25 ft (7.6 in) apart each way. If crowded or "hedged", production declines. The trees must be pruned when young and kept below 10 or 12 ft (3-3.6 m) in height. They are cut back severely after 12 years or replaced. Weeds must be controlled but lemon trees are very sensitive to herbicides.

One of the 3 most serious arthropod pests of the lemon and other citrus trees in California is California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. In the southern part of the state it is under biological control but it requires applications of pesticides in the San Joaquin Valley. In Florida, rust mites, purple mites and purple scale may at times be troublesome but they are all controllable with appropriate sprays.

The thorns of the lemon tree inflict painful punctures and scratches. Lemon peel oil may cause contact dermatitis, chronic in those who handle, cut and squeeze lemons daily. Parts of the body touched by contaminated hands may show severe reactions after exposure to the sun. People that suck lemons may suffer irritation and eruptions around the mouth. The wood of lemon trees and its saw-dust may induce skin reactions in sensitive woodworkers.

Lemons have many uses:
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Lemon peel oil
Petitgrain oil (up to 50% citral), is distilled from the leaves, twigs and immature fruits of the lemon tree in West Africa, North Africa and Italy. With terpenes removed, it is greatly prized in colognes and floral perfumes.
Wood: Used in carving, is fine grained, compact and easy to work.
Medicinal use

There are many types of lemons throughout the world.

Reply to this comment