Eureka Lemon Tree; All about Eureka Lemon TreesEureka Lemon Tree; All about Eureka Lemon Trees

Citrus Limon is the scientific name for the Eureka lemon tree. The eureka lemon tree is a popular smooth-skinned lemon which is enjoyed in households world over. The yellow nippled lemons you see in the store, are most likely Eureka lemons.

Lemons originated  from Asia, however, the Eureka variety from Italy. Discovered in Los Angeles in 1858, the Eureka lemon is one of the most widely grown fruit trees in orchards and in the home backyards today.

The Eureka lemon tree is a shrubs thorny evergreen tree. The Eureka lemon can grow to 5 metres (15ft.). It has large evergreen leaves which are leathery with an aromatic citrusy scent. It has white, sweetly scented ­ flowers with a purple blush that are produced all year round. 

When mature, Eureka lemon trees have ripe fruit all year round unless during unfavourable climatic conditions which lead to stress and fruit and ­flowers loss.

Eureka lemon fruit

The lemons produced by Eureka can be categorized medium size. They vary between 80 to 120 mm in length.

• The fruit is ovoid with a distinctive nippled end. 
• The fruit is yellow-rinded when ripe and has a juicy greenish-yellow flesh.

It is best to pick the fruits as soon as they are ripe because they could lose juice and acidity if they hang for too long. Besides, if you leave them on the tree too long until they drop off‑ the tree, they will start to putrefy. To avoid loss pick the lemons as soon as the rind yellows.

The fruit has culinary and other household uses and is a staple for many kitchens. Besides being extremely rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid,) the fruit also contains vitamins A and B and various minerals. 

The fruit also has  bleaching and cleansing properties which give it the ability to be used in detergents and cleaning agents. The citrusy aroma of the fruit has also made the Eureka lemons a popular ­flavouring and deodorising agents.

Eureka lemon tree planting

Planting Eureka lemon trees is a cup of tea. You do not have to be an arborist or professional gardener to successfully grow lemon trees.

Many Eureka lemon tree farmers from by grafting and from cuttings. In rare instances, sometimes, Eureka lemon is grown from the seed. However like all said grown lemons, a Eureka lemon grown from the seed will take longer to reach maturity and fruit.

Best practices in Eureka lemon tree planting. 

1. Potting or transplanting into the garden

If you plan to grow your Eureka lemon tree in a pot, the first step of planting is to pot. If you plan to grow on land in a garden, the first step is transplant the baby tree to the garden. Whichever you choose the methodology is the same. 

The process of planting involves creation of sufficient room in the growing destination for the root ball back-filling with well-draining fertilized soil followed by watering. 

2. Fertilizing

Lemon trees are heavy feeding and will require to be frequently fertilized at least thrice a year. Lemons require all the essential nutrients to be healthy. 

The recommended doses once in summer once in full and once in spring. Many farmers are advised to skip a winter dose and to reduce the frost damage of new shoots.

Fertilizing encourages new growth and new shoots are not as resistant to cold as older and mature parts of the tree. New growth from the fertilizer application will make the tree susceptible to cold damage.

3. Watering 

Watering enough is a tricky concept. While not watering enough can be detrimental to lemon plants and overwatering can equally be damaging. Lemon’s require sufficient volume of water for healthy growing.

Because gauging the right amount and frequency to water, you can invest in a moisture meter. A moisture meter reading will help you to estimate how much and when water to add to the soil. 

4. Pruning

Lemon trees need to be pruned to keep the lemon tree at the desired height for easy care and later and harvesting. The best time to prune is in early spring. Any old, unproductive or dead wood can be removed at the same time. 

While you are at pruning, be on the lookout for any suckers and water growths from the rootstock of grafted trees and get rid of them.

The rootstock is of a different variety than the desired Eureka lemon. Any growths originating from the rootstock will not be of the desired variety. 

5. Winter and summer protection

Lemon trees are susceptible to cold. Eureka lemon trees are no exception. As the temperatures begin to reduce and lower during winter it is imperative that the farmer moves the lemon tree indoors or covers it with insulating blankets.

During summer the hot temperatures can cause sunburn. Sunburn is particularly severe on south facing parts of the plant. Hot summers can cause sunburn to the lemons. 

To protect the tree lemon tree, a farmer can use a sun sheild to reduce the intensity of the afternoon sunshine or quiet wash exposed parts of the tree with organic white wash.

6. Pest and disease control

There are many pests and diseases that plague eureka lemon trees. For instance, aphids, scale insects, and leaf miner. You can control these pests by using the following methods;

• Horticultural spray like neem seed oil
• Insecticidal soap washes
• Pesticide

The most common diseases are fungal infections like root rot and Alternaria navel-end rot and bacterial ones for example, citrus Canker.

You can control fungal and bacterial diseases with fungicide and antiseptic washes respectively. 

Another way to reduce disease is to get rid of transmitter pests which spread the disease.

• A farmer can also prune and destroy off diseased parts.
• Pruning off dead and old wood which are incubation grounds for pathogens can also reduce the spread of infection. 

When do eureka lemon trees bloom

Mature Eureka lemons bloom all year round, if conditions in the environment are favorable. 

A farmer can ensure that his Eureka lemon tree fruits all year by caring for the tree. 

• Watering adequately
• Fertilizing
• Pest and disease control
• Temperature control

Eureka lemon tree fertilizer

Eureka lemon’s will be healthy with nitrogen-rich slow-release fertilizer. Look below for the best Eureka lemon tree fertilizers on the market.

• Miracle Grow (available both as spikes and shake n feed methods of application)
• Dr. Earth
• Jobe Organics
• Epsoma citrotone 

Eureka lemon tree for sale

You can buy a Eureka lemon tree from your local nursery, grow from the seed, clone from cutting or graft from a trusted farm or online.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Eureka lemon isn’t only delicious but also a joy to grow. So grab your apron and shovel and grow your own lemonade.