lemon

Also known as: lemon; Meyer lemon; Chinese dwarf lemon; rangpur lime

A shrub or small tree to 4m tall, with spiny branches and oval, glossy, dark green leaves to 10cm long. From spring to summer it bears fragrant white flowers to 5cm across; these are followed by broadly ovoid, yellow fruits. Lemons are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months. C. x limon is an ancient hybrid, derived from several wild species, and has given rise to many cultivated varieties.

Scientific classification

Species: lemon (Citrus × limon)
Genus: Citrus
Family: Rutaceae

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs · Conservatory Greenhouse · Fruit Edible
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

lemon pictures

Distribution of lemon

Distribution map

Asia

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of lemon

Information to be completed

lemon care guide

Keep soil moist but well-drained
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil moist but well-drained

Fertilizing

Every two weeks with citrus-specific fertilizer during growing season

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type

Growing

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely, mist daily and apply a balanced liquid every 2-3 weeks; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information

More growing and care information →