Citrus limon
　
This most popular garden fruit tree, the lemon, with its sharp acidic fruit and handsome evergreen foliage is found throughout Australia. There is an unlimited amount of cultural information available making it the most talked about fruit tree in magazines, radio, television on the internet.

Planting Second Lemon Tree

This sounds good, but I suspect there is a high level of expectation when growing the lemon and as a result minor issues often cause more concern than is justified.

If there is room in the garden, a second tree could be planted once the first reaches a productive age in excess of five years. Lemons can decline rapidly, especially when soil drainage is an issue.

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My lemon is now well established reaching almost 3 metres in height

Leaves of this close relative to the lemon, the Citron have been bleached by frosts. This is not a mineral deficiency symptom

The graft union, the point where the rootstock is grafted (shown as a swelling) always needs to be well above the soil level for all grafted citrus plants. This will help to avoid the disease Collar rot

Scale insect infestations need an application of white oil on a regular basis

Lisbon lemons produce more fruit within the plant’s canopy

Ants cultivate and protect scale insects. They will also assist scale to spread throughout citrus trees

Signs of wind damage - rough ridges found on the skin of lemon fruits

This yellow leaf found within the canopy of the lemon tree is a normal old leaf. It will yellow before falling

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Lemon Varieties And Trend

This beautiful glossy-green tree can quickly develop a distressing yellow pallor causing much angst to proud gardeners.

If a lemon will grow in your area, there are bound to be plenty for sale in you local nursery. Only three main varieties are usually available although commercial growers produce a wider range for use in orchards. There has also been a growing trend towards growing dwarf trees for gardeners who want a compact tree or simply lack space.

Lisbon Lemon

For tough exposed areas the Lisbon variety does well due to its cold and wind tolerance. More of its crop fruit is produced within its canopy, providing some relief from strong winds.

If possible look for a thornless Lisbon, given that this variety is capable of producing very large, sharp thorns. The Lisbon does however produce a heavier crop during winter and can be light on fruit at other times.

Eureka Lemon

Eureka is a good plant in more protected areas that also feature well drained soils. More consistent fruit production is also a bonus. Some small thorns will be produced, but these are a minor issue.

Some Eureka trees are still grafted onto Rough lemon rootstock producing a vigorous plant most suited to deep sandy soils.

Meyer Lemon

The Meyer lemon, a smaller tree, is able to tolerate quite cool conditions if planted in a sunny area. Producing most of its crop in winter means there is likely to be a glut of fruit to give away, but having a dark green canopy it certainly has strong ornamental appeal in winter.

Low acidity is a feature of this variety that suits some, but generally the acidic varieties are more popular.

Lemons On My Hobby Farm

My tree, a Lisbon, has had a tough time getting established. Its root system slowly adapted to my garden soil, but some mineral deficiency issues are still apparent.

Being poorly drained soil I underestimated the amount of work required to get the planting site right. The next lemon will benefit from this experience and will also have less wind to tolerate. There are also quite a few frosty nights during winter and spring, resulting in yellow bleached foliage that can easily be confused as a mineral deficiency.

Attack On My Lemon Tree

Having to struggle to get established and in a weakened state, my tree has been attacked by scales and aphids, needing regular attention. Fortunately the dreaded citrus gall wasp has not appeared.

Gardeners generally need to be vigilant with this pest as trees become weakened and unsightly due to swollen woody stem growths called galls. Regular inspections during warm weather means only small pieces of vegetation containing swollen stems need to be removed and destroyed.

Basic Fertilizers For Lemon

There is a need to make regular applications of the trace elements zinc, manganese, magnesium and boron. Lots of old chicken manure is added in Spring and Autumn along with basic fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Considering the difficulties encountered, my lemon has now settled down to become a fruitful addition to the garden.