Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Citrus x limon or Lemon

The genus Citrus, family Rutaceae, includes shrubs and trees native to Asia, Melanesia and Australia. Some species and hybrids are: Citrus x limon, Citrus x aurantium, Citrus maxima, Citrus reticulata, Citrus x paradisi, Citrus medica, Citrus x sinensis, Citrus micrantha, Citrus glauca.

Common name: Lemon. This species is native to Southern Asia.

They are small evergreen trees that do not reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. They have glossy leaves 10 cm long, leathery in texture, oval in shape with pointed apex and serrated or wavy edge. The flowers are white, aromatic and appear in pairs or alone. They bloom mainly in spring but can do so almost all year round. Its fruit is the well-known lemon, which is first green and then yellow.

They are used as a fruit tree in intensive crops and are ideal for small gardens or as isolated specimens in gardens of any size. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. There are smaller varieties that are grown in pots for patios, terraces or greenhouses.

Citrus x limon needs full sun exposure and a warm frost-free climate. The winter temperature should not be less than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). If it's grown in a pot and winter is cold, it is advisable to have a winter rest at 13-15 ºC (55-59 ºF) in a well-lit location.

The soil can be a mixture of 25% sand, 25% peat, and 50% leaf mulch. The transplant is done in early spring.

Water regularly, waiting for the surface 5 cm of the substrate to dry. It is important that the humidity is medium-high: sprinkle the leaves with lime-free water in summer and spring from time to time or place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot.

Fertilize with compost in late winter and with mineral fertilizer every 15 days in spring and summer.

Prune lightly in early spring to maintain a compact demeanor.

Its main enemies are cold and frost as well as mites and mealybugs (if the humidity is low).

They propagate by seeds, by cutting or by grafting but they are slow processes; it's recommended to acquire the new specimens in nurseries or garden centers.

Images of the tree Citrus x limon or Lemon