Citrus & Lemon Trees

Colorful citrus and lemon trees provide vitamin C- packed fruit. Height and sizes vary depending on the type of citrus tree. However, most citrus trees reach heights of about 15 feet tall. Most of these trees have slender branches and dark green foliage. Lemon and orange trees thrive in Florida, Arizona and California, but many types of citrus trees grow throughout the United States. Does this Spark an idea?

Lisbon Lemon

Libson lemons are similar to Eureka lemons in shape and taste.

The Lisbon lemon tree originated in Portugal. It was brought to other areas across the world in the 1800s. People began growing the tree in Australia in 1824. Lisbon lemon trees have dark-green foliage and produce bright-yellow, circular- or oblong-shaped lemons. Like other lemons, these have a tart, sour taste. The tree produces fruit from February until May throughout the year. This tree needs full sun and moist well-drained soils.

Mexican Lime

Mexican limes add even more tart to summer beverages.

The Mexican lime tree originated in the Indo-Malaya region and it was brought to North America in the 1800s. Today this lime tree grows well in warm regions of America because the tree is sensitive to colder temperatures. This tree thrives in Florida and Arizona. It prefers full sunshine, but adapted to different types of soil such as such as sandy or moist. The limes are often used to flavor meats, cold drinks and fish.

Kumquat

Kumquat trees may have originated in China. This tree was once thought of as a shrub, but its classification was changed to a citrus tree in 1915. The foliage is dark-green and its white flowers blossom in the spring. Kumquat trees produce sweet-tart fruit that has an orange and reddish peel. Unlike many other citrus trees, the kumquat is more tolerant to cold temperatures. This tree can survive in temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. Some varieties include Nagami and Hong Kong. This tree grows well in moist well-drained soils and full sun.

Meyer Lemon

Myer lemon trees' origin is unknown, but this tree was brought to China and the United States in the 1900s. The trees spread out wide rather than growing tall and the foliage is dark-green and thorny. Space these trees 8 to 10 feet away from other trees to prevent crowding. This tree produces less acidic fruit when compared with other lemon trees, yet the lemons look almost identical to other types of lemons. Meyer lemon trees grow well in Arizona, Texas and California. These trees enjoy full sun to partial shade. Meyer lemon trees have adapted to different type of soil, such as alkaline, acidic or neutral.