Lemon Tree Facts

Lemons are lovely and fragrant – and useful. But they can be fussy. Being a citrus fruit, they need a lot of attention and care. Nothing complex – just they don't like to be ignored! Here are a few things about lemon trees that you need to know before buying a lemon tree for yourself or as a gift.

Lemon Trees are generally not frost hardy. If you keep your lemon tree outside, you need to be able to bring it in.

They are self-fertile. Don't believe anyone who tries to tell you that you need two lemon trees to fertilise the flowers – they are happy all by themselves.

Find a selection of suitable lemon trees here

Mature lemon trees can vary in size. Some are as small as 2 feet, other trees get to 8 feet and over. Choose your lemon tree carefully for your situation.

Lemon trees fruit all year round if they are looked after. You should see flower buds, fragrant flowers, immature fruits and lemons all on the same plant. This is one of the likeable things about the lemon tree.

Lemons take about nine months to mature and ripen.

You will get the most flowers in the Spring, but as long as the temperature doesn't drop below about 10C, a lemon tree should flower all year round. Lemon plants become dormant below that temperature.

Buy lemon trees from a reputable source online or from a specialist Citrus nursery near your home.

Lemon Tree Suppliers

If you want a great gift, then you can't go wrong with a lemon tree. But remember that they do need regular, so don't give them if you think the recipient will want to care for the plant. Most online lemon tree retailers sell a limited range of the more durable and tolerant lemon trees.

Look for a grafted plant. Recommended plants include:

"La Velette" which is compact and one of the easier lemon plants to grow.
"Meyers Lemon" is a little more fussy but carries a lot of lemons.
"Quatre Saisons" has a heavy crop but is more fussy and not for beginners.