Citrus lemon

CITRUS LIMON
Citrus limon is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.

It is in leaf all year, in flower all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion), insects. The plant is self-fertile.

It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position. Prefers a pH between 5 and 6 Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8.3.

Plants are intolerant of water logging. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it.

When watering pot plants it is important to neither overwater or underwater since the plant will soon complain by turning yellow and dying. Water only when the compost is almost dry, but do not allow it to become completely dry.

The lemon is widely grown for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical zones, there are many named varieties. It can be grown in a pot that is placed outdoors.

The flowers are sweetly scented. Plants dislike root disturbance and so should be placed into their permanent positions.