Although beautiful, the Ponderosa lemon tree produces large thorns and is one of the most cold-sensitive varieties.
What type of lemons have thorns?
Some of the most common citrus trees that sport thorns are Meyer lemon, most grapefruits, and key limes. Thorns on citrus trees develop at the nodes, often sprouting on new grafts and fruiting wood. Some citrus trees with thorns outgrow them as the tree matures.
Which lemon trees don’t have thorns?
Widely accepted as the best all-round acidic lemon to grow, Eureka also has the benefit of having no spikes on the plant. This you’ll be pleased about come harvesting time.
What is the difference between a Meyer lemon and a Ponderosa lemon?
Ponderosa is a lemon crossed with a citron. This is probably why it flowers so much. Meyer is a cross between a lemon and an orange. This is the reason the fruit of the Meyer tree is round with an orange-yellow rind color rather than the more traditional lemon yellow.
Does lemon tree have thorns?
Lime and lemon trees are both members of genus Citrus and many of them have thorns. However, the presence of thorns on lime and lemon trees is natural and no cause for alarm.
Why has my lemon tree got thorns?
A:Lemons have varying amounts of thorns, depending on the variety. However, if you have a grafted lemon, the thorny branches may be suckers that have grown from the rootstock below the graft. If allowed to grow, these can cut production, as they drain the energy from more desirable branches.
Why is my lemon tree developing thorns?
Hi Denni, Citrus trees are grafted onto rootstock to reduce the incidence of disease. Occasionally the root stock from below the graft will shoot and this has large thorns. Remove the root stock and check the graft to see that it is healthy.
Should I remove the thorns from my lemon tree?
These vigorous and thorny suckers should be removed as soon as you see them to prevent them from taking over the rest of the tree. Pull theses branches off with your hands or cut them with hand pruners as close as possible where the sprout joins the main trunk.
Can I cut off lemon tree thorns?
While many citrus trees grow thorns at some point during their lifecycle, pruning them away will not damage the tree.
Do all Meyer lemon trees have thorns?
True lemons have very sharp thorns, so some ‘Meyer’ hybrids may end up with small thorns on a few of the branches. Still, ‘Meyer’ lemons are usually “nearly thornless.”
How do you know when a ponderosa lemon is ready to pick?
A Ponderosa lemon that is ready for harvest will have a light greenish-yellow color. These fruits will also be several inches long and weigh multiple pounds.
Are Ponderosa lemons good eating?
While Ponderosa lemons are often treated as ornamental rather than fruit producers, the extra-large lemons (technically citrons) are completely edible.
What can I do with Ponderosa lemons?
Ponderosa lemons are a cross between a lemon and a citron. They can be used in place of lemons in any recipe, and one large ponderosa lemon can produce enough juice for several lemon meringue pies.
Are lemon thorns poisonous?
Lemon tree thorns are not poisonous and contain no substance that are particularly dangerous. Lemon tree thorns can carry bacteria however so always wear garden gloves and long sleeves when pruning a tree that has thorns. You can remove larger thorns with secateurs to make the tree safer.
When should I pick lemons off my lemon tree?
When lemons appear yellow or yellowish-green, are firm in appearance, and have reached two to three inches in size, they’re ready to pluck. Lemons prefer to ripen on the tree, so if you pick them too soon you may be out of luck. Ripe lemons have a glossy skin and are not ripe until the color truly develops.
How can you tell a Meyer lemon tree from a regular lemon tree?
Look for moderately seedy, large orange-sized fruits to identify the Meyer lemon tree. Meyer lemon trees are small with spreading crowns, nearly thornless and produce fruits that are more orange-colored in the rinds and pulp. Meyer lemons are dwarf trees that are hybrids of lemons and mandarin oranges.
How do I know if my lemon tree is a Meyer?
Meyer lemon trees have glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white blossoms that are purple at the base. When they’re ripe, the skins of Meyer lemons will take on the color of an egg yolk—yellow with a faint orange tinge. Meyer lemon skins are fragrant and a popular ingredient among chefs.
How big do Ponderosa lemons get?
Ponderosa lemons are a medium to large citrus variety, averaging ten centimeters in diameter and two pounds in eight, but the oval to oblong fruits can grow up to five pounds in weight and have a short neck with curved, rounded ends.
How long does it take a Ponderosa lemon to ripen?
six to nine months
Mist the leaves with water daily to add humidity to the air. Hand pollination is recommended using a small paintbrush, with fruit ripening within six to nine months. Feed the tree with a citrus liquid fertilizer twice each month during the growing season. At dormancy, cut back to once a month in the fall and winter.
How long does it take Ponderosa lemons to turn yellow?
The Fruit may be Immature
Depending on your climate and local conditions, lemons can take up to 9 months or longer to ripen!
Do all Meyer lemon trees have thorns?
True lemons have very sharp thorns, so some ‘Meyer’ hybrids may end up with small thorns on a few of the branches. Still, ‘Meyer’ lemons are usually “nearly thornless.”