Ponderosa Lemon (Citrus × pyriformis)
⚠ Citrus ships to Florida only ⚠
The slower-growing, heavy-producing Ponderosa Lemon, also known as the American Wonder Lemon and Skierniewice lemon, is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree first discovered in Maryland in 1887. Like most citrus, it can be maintained as a container plant and enjoys full sun or part shade. The Citron and Lemon hybrid belongs to the Rutaceae family along with many other Citrus and is well known for its unique purple flowers and gigantic fruit. They’ll grow flowers and fruits simultaneously throughout the year and peak around summer and winter.
The Ponderosa Lemon tree can be easily grown in a container and kept at a dainty size. Albeit the tree’s size is small, the fruits are anything but that! Coming in at up to 5 lbs, the Ponderosa Lemon makes for a heavy hitter. Growing green-yellow skinned, bumpy fruits, they taste bright, floral, highly acidic and sour, most often cooked into recipes or used for their zest.
Planting, cultural care, pruning, and harvesting are similar for all citrus plants, with a few slight variations. Generally, they are best planted in filtered sun with well-drained soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. Citrus trees a particularly high demand for nitrogen. If you’re fantasizing about long afternoons of picking fresh fruit from your personal citrus grove, keep this in mind: The key to growing citrus is setting it up for success from the start.
Plant Type:
Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Main citrus fruit production will take place in late winter through spring, but may produce throughout the year
Mature Size:
7-30 ft
Mature size varies by citrus tree type. Overall, citrus varieties can be grown in containers and maintained at smaller sizes.
Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, high fertility and good moisture-holding capacity; High nitrogen demands. Regular watering throughout the first year and throughout flowering and fruiting season.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Overall, citrus prefers slightly shady areas and has better fruit production in part shade lighting conditions.
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Although their fruit provides a distinctly tropical twist to any drink or dish, Citrus trees trees are actually very cold hardy fruit trees, taking temperatures down to the low 20's!
Propagation:
Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1 year.
See More:
Sow Exotic offers many different unique varieties of Citrus trees. Shop the Citrus Collection!
