The Best Kind of Lemon Tree

"Meyer"

• Conduct an online search for lemon trees, and "Meyer" (Citrus meyeri) will be somewhere in the list, and for good reason. "Meyer" lemons are sweeter than most of the varieties out there, making them a culinary favorite. You can’t find them in stores. So if you want them, you have to grow them. The "Meyer" lemon tree is a small tree that will grow just about anywhere and can be planted in a large pot and placed indoors or out, depending on your climate. Pest- and disease-resistant trees are available. Expect to reap a large harvest of lemons every year, especially if it is well cared for. "Meyers" are self-pollinating. Their sweet fragrance and bright yellow fruit make them a pleasurable addition to the home environment.

"Eureka"

• Varieties of "Eureka" (Citrus limon "Eureka") are generally easy to grow and can adapt to a variety of soils and conditions. The fruit possesses good flavor, but is not as sweet as the "Meyer" lemon. The "Eureka’s" dwarf size makes it ideal for patios or the indoors. If kept indoors, place it by a window for sunlight. Because of their drought resistance, they don’t need a lot of extra water. If you are looking for a lemon tree that is both functional and decorative, consider the "Pink Eureka." Both the foliage and buds are fuchsia, and the fruit starts out green- and yellow-striped. As the fruit matures, the stripes fade and the lemon turns yellow with pink oil glands. The flesh is light pink, making it a colorful garnish. The fragrance of the tree’s blossoms only adds to its appeal.

"Lisbon"

• This lemon tree is good for planting in the backyard. Even though it can be kept inside, it has a tendency to get larger than other dwarf lemon trees. It is thorny but hardy and said to be resistant to cold, heat and wind. Because it produces its fruit within its canopy, the fruit is often protected from extreme hot and cold temperatures. The acidic, juicy pulp is a pale greenish-yellow with few if any seeds. The first crop of lemons comes in February and a second one in May. If you plant it outdoors, you will need to make sure your area’s hardiness zone is appropriate. According to the Horticulture Department at Purdue University, "Lisbons" (Citrus limon "Lisbon") typically do not do well in Florida.

"Villafranca"

• "Villafranca" (Citrus limon "Villa Franca") is similar to "Eureka" except that it grows larger and has thicker foliage. This medium-size tree starts out with lots of thorns that diminish with age. The fruit is said to be identical to the "Eureka," but the harvest time corresponds more with that of the "Lisbon." The trees are self-pollinating and can be kept inside. According to Purdue University, this was the main cultivar for Florida for many years. Some are ever-bearing while others produce only in the summer. The University of California Riverside College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences says that the two most notable selections of "Villafranca" are actually the "Galligan Lisbon" and the "Corona Foothill Eureka."

Rough

• If you are looking for the best rootstock for sweet oranges, mandarin oranges or grapefruit, the rough lemon tree (Citrus jambhiri Lush) is the one you want, according to Purdue University. However, the rough lemon tree is not known for its fruit, which is not as juicy or acidic as other species and contains a number of seeds, 10 to 15 per lemon according to Purdue. The rind is not smooth but thick and bumpy. The tree grows large and has many thorns. But, according to bugsforbugs.com, it is highly drought-resistant. One distinctive characteristic is its reddish-purple buds and blossoms. One caution: Some trees have shown susceptibility to leaf spot and root rot.