Lemon Tree Plant Care

Lemon Tree (Citrus limon) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Lemon Tree is native to Southeast Asia, Northeastern India, Northern Myanmar (Burma). Lemon Tree is also known as Lemon, Common Lemon, Yellow Lemon.

Lemon Tree displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Lemon Tree produces fragrant, white flowers with five petals that emerge in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lemon Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Lemon Tree thrives in full sun.

Citrus limon tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Lemon Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Lemon Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lemon Tree every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lemon Tree is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Lemon Tree can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Lemon Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Lemon Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lemon Tree can be propagated through cuttings or grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to orange tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Lemon Tree is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus whitefly, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Lemon Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Lemon Tree is native to Southeast Asia, Northeastern India, Northern Myanmar (Burma). In cooler regions, grow Lemon Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.