Lemon tree
Citrus limon
Botanical family: Rutaceae
Citrus limon, a subtropical Rutaceae of uncertain origin, probably Asian, and probably descended from a cross with the citron. Frost-tender, it is grown outdoors on the Mediterranean coast (Menton, Corsica); elsewhere, in a pot brought in for winter. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Citrus limon”; Curk F., Luro F., Minuto G., Nieddu G. (2022), “Les agrumes du Nord de la Méditerranée”, Alain Piazzola and INRAE.
Full sun, very warm and sheltered
Well-drained, light, rather acid; dislikes chalk
Regular (everbearing and thirsty), reduced in winter; drainage essential
One of the most frost-tender citrus (~-2 to -3 °C), veranda or large pot overwintered away from frost; open ground only in a sheltered South of France
Frost-tender in your zone
Self-fertile: one tree is enough
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
An everbearing citrus that flowers and fruits almost all year in a mild climate: fragrant nectar-bearing flowers and a spread harvest. Sensitive to cold, it is most often grown in a large pot brought in for winter. The yuzu, hardier, broadens the palette in the garden; the combava, very frost-tender, stays an indoor crop.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Suppress some soil nematodes (dense planting, before the crop)
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Aromatic: scent said to confuse pests
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
A citrus of mild climates: at Menton, lemons are picked over several passes from December to June, the tree flowering more than once a year. Away from the Mediterranean shore, it is grown in a tub and brought in for winter.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Association pour la promotion du Citron de Menton, « Pratiques culturales » (lecitrondementon.org/Pratiques-culturales.html)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, « Le citron de Menton IGP ou le caviar de la Riviera » (agriculture.gouv.fr/le-citron-de-menton-igp-ou-le-caviar-de-la-riviera)
- Plants For A Future, « Citrus limon » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+limon)
- RHS, « How to Grow Citrus fruit » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/citrus/grow-your-own)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Strong acidity: to be consumed with moderation in case of gastric reflux and to preserve the tooth enamel (rinse the mouth).
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, very warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, light, rather acid; dislikes chalk.
- • Classic companion: Basil.