Top 20 Lemon Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Lemons are one of the most popular citrus fruits, known for their bright, tangy flavor and numerous uses in cooking, baking, and beverages. Growing your own lemon tree can provide a bountiful supply of fresh lemons throughout the year, depending on the variety. Whether you’re looking for lemons to grow indoors or outdoors, choosing the right variety is essential for success. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 lemon varieties to grow, along with helpful tips to ensure a healthy and productive harvest.

1. Eureka

Eureka lemons are one of the most commonly grown varieties, known for their bright yellow skin, juicy flesh, and high acidity. They are available year-round.

Tip: Eureka lemons thrive in warm climates and need full sun. Prune regularly to maintain the tree’s shape and health.

2. Meyer

Meyer lemons are a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin orange, known for their sweeter, less acidic flavor and thinner skin. They’re great for fresh eating and cooking.

Tip: Meyer lemons are more cold-tolerant than other varieties and can be grown in containers, making them ideal for indoor growing in colder climates.

3. Lisbon

Lisbon lemons are very similar to Eureka but are more cold-hardy. They have a high juice content and are perfect for cooking, juicing, and fresh use.

Tip: Lisbon lemon trees are vigorous and hardy, tolerating cooler temperatures. They prefer full sun and regular watering.

4. Ponderosa

Ponderosa lemons are known for their huge, thick-skinned fruit. The fruit has a strong, tangy flavor and can weigh up to 2 pounds each.

Tip: Ponderosa lemon trees are ideal for container growing due to their compact size. They need protection from frost and plenty of sunlight.

5. Femminello St. Teresa (Sorrento Lemon)

Femminello St. Teresa, also known as the Sorrento lemon, is famous for being the lemon used in making limoncello. It has a fragrant aroma and high juice content.

Tip: These lemons thrive in warm, Mediterranean climates with plenty of sun. Protect them from frost and ensure well-drained soil.

6. Variegated Pink Eureka

Variegated Pink Eureka lemons have green-and-yellow striped skin with pink flesh. The flavor is similar to regular Eureka lemons, but the appearance makes them a standout.

Tip: This variety requires full sun and benefits from regular feeding with citrus-specific fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

7. Improved Meyer

Improved Meyer lemons are a disease-resistant version of the original Meyer lemon. They are sweeter than regular lemons and ideal for home gardeners.

Tip: Meyer lemon trees do well in containers and need full sun, but they can tolerate cooler temperatures better than most lemons.

8. Bearss Lemon

Bearss lemons are similar to Lisbon but are known for their slightly larger size and fewer seeds. They have a bright, acidic flavor, perfect for cooking and juicing.

Tip: Bearss lemon trees are vigorous and need full sun to thrive. Regular pruning helps control their size and shape.

9. Limonero Fino 49

Limonero Fino 49 is a popular Spanish variety known for its thin skin and high juice content. It’s used extensively in cooking and juicing.

Tip: Limonero Fino 49 prefers a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunlight and protection from frost.

10. Primofiori

Primofiori lemons are a high-yielding variety grown in Spain, known for their smooth skin, juicy flesh, and excellent flavor. They are perfect for juicing and cooking.

Tip: Primofiori lemon trees require regular watering and well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

11. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is an Italian variety prized for its high acidity and fragrant oil-rich skin, making it perfect for zesting and flavoring dishes.

Tip: Santa Teresa lemon trees thrive in warm, sunny climates. They require protection from cold and regular pruning to maintain good airflow.

12. Genoa

Genoa lemons are a vigorous variety similar to Lisbon but with a slightly sweeter flavor. They are great for fresh eating, juicing, and cooking.

Tip: Plant Genoa lemons in full sun and provide regular watering to keep the fruit juicy and flavorful.

13. Verna

Verna is a late-season variety that produces large, juicy lemons. It’s widely grown in Spain and is ideal for juicing, cooking, and preserving.

Tip: Verna lemon trees benefit from regular feeding and pruning to encourage fruit production and maintain a manageable size.

14. Interdonato

Interdonato lemons are an early-maturing variety known for their smooth, pale yellow skin and mild, less acidic flavor. They are perfect for fresh use.

Tip: Interdonato lemon trees need full sun and protection from strong winds. Regular watering is essential during the fruiting season.

15. Villafranca

Villafranca lemons are similar to Lisbon but with a slightly milder flavor. They are great for juicing, cooking, and using in beverages.

Tip: Villafranca lemon trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

16. Adalia (Messina Lemon)

Adalia, also known as the Messina lemon, is a traditional Italian lemon variety with high acidity and rich flavor, making it ideal for cooking and flavoring.

Tip: Adalia lemon trees require regular feeding with a citrus-specific fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant fruiting.

17. Avalon

Avalon is a large, high-juice-content lemon similar to Ponderosa, making it perfect for juicing and preserving. The fruit is thick-skinned with a strong lemon flavor.

Tip: Avalon lemon trees grow best in full sun and need regular pruning to encourage airflow and reduce disease risk.

18. Dorshapo

Dorshapo lemons are a sweet, less acidic variety with smooth skin. They are perfect for fresh eating and juicing with minimal sugar.

Tip: Plant Dorshapo in full sun with well-drained soil and protect the tree from frost in colder climates.

19. Bush Lemon

Bush lemons are a hardy, wild variety with rough, bumpy skin and a strong, tangy flavor. They are ideal for cooking, zesting, and making marmalade.

Tip: Bush lemon trees are vigorous and grow well in a wide range of climates. They are very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

20. Bonnie Brae

Bonnie Brae lemons are known for their smooth, thin skin and juicy, tart flesh. They are ideal for juicing, cooking, and beverages.

Tip: Bonnie Brae lemon trees need full sun and regular watering to ensure juicy, flavorful fruit.

Tips for Growing Lemons Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Lemons need full sun, at least 6-8 hours per day, to produce high-quality fruit. Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot, especially in cooler climates.
2. Well-drained soil: Lemons prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas where water pools or the soil stays soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Water consistently: Lemons need regular watering, especially during dry spells and while the fruit is forming. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
4. Fertilize regularly: Feed lemon trees with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
5. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Prune for health and shape: Prune lemon trees annually in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches and encourage new growth. This improves airflow and reduces the risk of disease.
7. Protect from frost: Lemons are sensitive to frost, especially young trees. Use frost cloths or blankets to protect them during cold nights or bring potted trees indoors during winter.
8. Pest control: Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, which can damage lemon trees. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a lemon tree to produce fruit?
Lemon trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, though grafted trees may produce sooner.

Q2: When is the best time to plant lemon trees?
The best time to plant lemon trees is in early spring or late fall, when temperatures are mild. In cooler climates, consider planting in pots to move indoors during winter.

Q3: How often should I water lemon trees?
Water lemon trees deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry periods. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Q4: Can lemon trees be grown indoors?
Yes, many lemon varieties like Meyer or Improved Meyer can be grown indoors in containers. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight or use grow lights to supplement light during winter.

Q5: How do I protect lemon trees from frost?
Use frost cloths, blankets, or wraps to protect lemon trees during cold spells. Potted trees can be moved indoors or to a sheltered spot during the winter months.