How to grow Lemon Tree in Australia
Plant in full sun in free-draining soil sheltered from cold wind and frost. Water deeply and regularly, especially while fruit is forming, and never let citrus sit in soggy ground.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 20 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 300 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to November | Plant Sep to Nov. Melbourne frosts run roughly mid May to mid September, so spring planting gives a young tree a full warm season before winter. Meyer is the hardiest lemon. |
| Adelaide & SA | March and April, September and October | Citrus thrive in Adelaide. Plant trees Sep to Oct or Mar to Apr, avoiding frosty midwinter and peak summer heat. Water deeply in summer. |
| Perth & WA | May to September | Mediterranean: lemon trees thrive; no adjustment needed. Plant container trees spring-autumn. |
| Tasmania | October and November | Plant a Meyer lemon Oct to Nov after the last frost in early October, in a warm sheltered spot. The hardiest citrus for Tasmania. Protect young trees from frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | November | Marginal. Meyer is hardiest; plant in November after the last frost against a north facing wall and use frost cloth while young. |
| North Queensland | May to October | Dry season establishment May to Oct. Lemon trees thrive in tropical north; extended harvest year-round. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to October | Dry season establishment May to Oct. Lemon trees thrive in tropical north; extended harvest year-round. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the fruit is fully coloured, firm and heavy for its size. Twist gently or cut the stem, since lemons hold well on the tree and store there until needed.
Storage
Bench for 1 week, fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. Juice and freeze in cubes.