Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree

A California classic, Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree is a semi-dwarf cultivar that is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. The tree blooms in small clusters of pretty, waxy, white blossoms with purple-tinged buds, yellow anthers, and a citrus scent. Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree produces an abundant crop of juicy, tangy, sour fruits with beautiful color and few seeds. The heaviest crop will be from fall into winter with some fruiting throughout the year. The fruit should be allowed to fully ripen upon the tree and become soft to the touch.

In the garden, Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree can grow to between 10 and 15 feet tall at full maturity (about 4 years), but the plant can be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape. In cooler climates, the tree can be grown in a container and moved indoors during winter, if ample sunlight is provided. Although a container grown tree will not reach its full growth potential, it will still flower and set full-sized fruits.

A popular variety, bearing fruit at an early age, Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree, a broadleaf evergreen, has a vigorous growth rate, an open form, and a spreading, rounded habit of handsome, glossy, aromatic foliage. Its stems are nearly thornless, and the new spring foliage emerges bronze and purple before turning dark green. It makes a nice small shade tree and can be trained as an espalier. But it’s an excellent accent or specimen.

Best grown in hot Mediterranean-type climates, Citrus ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree requires at least 8 hours of full sun a day and grows best in deep, evenly moist, well-draining, sandy loams that have a slightly acidic pH. The tree is particularly sensitive to cold and should be planted in a warm, sheltered location outside. Protect the plant when temperatures fall below 32°F. If container grown, the plant should be brought inside at the first sign of frost and placed in a location with plenty of bright sunshine. It should not be kept too warm, however, because cooler winter temperatures encourage flowering. The tree is self-pollinating and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties.

Citrus trees will ship at the appropriate planting time based on your growing zone. Citrus trees do not ship in December or January. Plant height is 18-36″ when shipped.