Lemon
Citrus × limon
Also known as: Bitter Orange
Elena Chochkova
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rutaceae
- Genus:
- Citrus
- Species:
- Citrus × limon
- USDA Symbol:
- CILI5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), Omnivorous Leafroller (Platynota stultana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), Southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania), Tallula sp., Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to subtropical regions with fertile soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at 70-85°F. Fresh seeds germinate more readily; polyembryonic seeds may produce multiple seedlings.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI