Height: 20 feet
Spread: 15 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Description:
Attractive foliage on this large shrub or small tree are reddish when young, becoming dark green with lighter green undersides; seasonal fragrant flowers produce yellow fruit that have great flavor; protect from frost
Edible Qualities
Lemon is a small tree that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces yellow fruit which are typically harvested when mature. The fruits have a tangy taste and a juicy texture.
The fruit are most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Cooking
- Baking
- Juice-Making
- Sauces
Planting & Growing
Lemon will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground. Although it's not a true annual, this slow-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.
This plant is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.
Lemon is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
