Lemon

Growing

Lemon trees are sensitive to cold, so grow them where temperatures rarely dip below 45 °F. A container tree can be moved indoors to protect it during sudden temperature drops. To keep the tree productive and well-shaped, prune minimally. Trim away overcrowded branches and cut back the tallest stems to encourage a bushier canopy. During the summer, pinching back the tips of the strongest growth helps develop denser foliage. Check the middle and lower branches for "water shoots" (unwanted, fast-growing shoots that drain energy from the rest of the tree) and remove them as soon as they appear.

For year-round production, Eureka is a reliable choice, often flowering and fruiting simultaneously. For a seedless option, look for 'Bonnie Brae'. Unlike many other fruits, lemons do not continue to ripen once removed from the tree, so wait until they are fully developed before harvesting. Once picked, keep the fruit unwashed to help it last longer. For longer-term use, preserve the juice or the zest for baking and garnishes, or use the fruit for canning.