The Lisbon lemon is one of the most popular varieties globally, especially in hot regions. They are native to Australia, but they have Portuguese descent as well. The Lisbon lemon tree belongs to the Rutaceae family, and it grows on thorny evergreen trees.
The size of the fruit is about 2 to 3 inches, which is medium-sized for a lemon, and the trees can reach as high as 15 feet. Like many lemon varieties, the lemons are also slightly tapered towards the ends, and they have an oblong shape. The peel of the lemon is bright yellow, and the flesh tends to be a pale yellow or a green-yellow color. It is divided into 10 or 11 segments, and there are usually very few seeds or none at all.
The flowers of the Lisbon lemon tree are white, and they bloom in the spring. It produces fruit throughout the year, but they mostly grow in the winter and beginning of spring.
Lisbon lemon trees are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, but if they are kept indoors during the winter, they can grow in zones 4 through 10 as well.
Lisbon lemon trees need plenty of sun to thrive, and they should receive at least 6 hours of light on most days. You should plant it in a large container with good drainage, but it can be planted directly on a mound with at least 4 feet of space around it as well.
You should prune the Lisbon lemon tree after the harvest period or during and after the middle of spring using a technique called “skirting.” To do this, remove the branches that hang low to the ground by cutting them with a sharp and sterile object, such as a knife or scissors. This allows air to circulate around the tree better and reduces the risks of pests and fungus growth.
You can propagate the Lisbon Lemon Tree in the late spring and early summer during new growth of the plant. You can dip the cuttings from the tree in rooting hormone before potting it in a well-drained container. It should be kept in a moist and humid environment. To create humidity, you can place a plastic bag over it.
Lisbon Lemon Tree Fruit and Harvesting
Lisbon lemons are used commercially for their acidic and tangy taste over other lemons. It can be used either raw or cooked, and it is usually used to enhance the flavor in other dishes rather than being a dish itself. The Lisbon lemons should be harvested in winter and early spring; often, they are not ripe straight off the branch, and they may need time in the sun once they’ve been picked.
When the Lisbon lemon is ripe, its peeling is a bright yellow. They should be slightly softened, but still have a firmness when they are ready to be harvested. Although Lisbon lemons are mostly acidic in their taste, the fruit is ripe when a little bit of sweetness is present. As a result, it produces more juice than many other varieties of lemons, and it is best suited for savory dishes.
Lisbon lemons can be harvested by gently twisting and pulling the lemon from its branch. Only pull at the fruit; pulling at the branch or its leaves can damage the tree and create a longer harvesting time.
Lisbon Lemon Tree Advice
The Lisbon lemon tree needs to be grown in dry and slightly acidic soil. In addition, since Lisbon lemons are prone to root rot, the soil must be well-drained to avoid pooling around the base of the plant.
You should water the Lisbon lemon tree about every two weeks to keep the soil moist, especially during the summer. Younger trees absorb more water, and they may need to be given extra during the first few years of their growth. Slow and deep watering is recommended to reach each of the tree’s roots. Using a fertilizer twice a year can help the tree grow tall and avoid discoloration. Either a liquid or dirt fertilizer can be used to give them enough nutrients.
Like many other citrus fruits, Lisbon lemon trees are prone to pest infestations, most commonly mealybugs, aphids, and citrus rust mites. These may cause the leaves of the trees to curl, carve holes throughout the plant, and cause yellowing. You can prevent this by using a natural citrus pesticide that does not expose your plant to toxic chemicals.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Lisbon lemon and a Eureka lemon?
The biggest difference between a Lisbon lemon and a Eureka lemon is that a Eureka lemon has seeds while Lisbon lemons are usually seedless. Lisbon lemons also have more juice than Eureka lemons, and they also have thinner and smoother skin than the latter.
Is a Lisbon lemon tree self-pollinating?
The flowers of the Lisbon lemon tree are self-pollinating, but the trees need some help to spread. Shaking the blossoms with an oscillating fan or flickering the flowers with your fingers helps increase pollination. You can also use a small brush, like a paintbrush, to swirl the inside of the flower to carry pollen across flowers.
Are Lisbon lemons winter-hardy?
Lisbon lemons can withstand winters reaching down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Blossoms and young fruit will die at 29 degrees, but the leaves are damaged and can fall off at 22 degrees.
Why do Lisbon lemon trees have thorns?
Thorns are present on many types of citrus fruits, and they have evolved over time for a similar reason: protection from predators. Citrus fruits are prone to being eaten by insects and other animals, and often have thorns to keep them away. Lisbon lemon trees have more thorns than many other citrus fruit trees.
Jeff Miller (verified owner) –
Showed up in good condition. Was smallest size of “range” to be sent, but healthy
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