Lemon Citrus × limon 'Garey's Eureka' (F)
ABOUT
The Citrus × limon 'Garey's Eureka' (F), more commonly known as the Eureka lemon tree, features a spread of deep green, glossy leaves that provide a lush, evergreen backdrop for its fruit. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip, and they emanate a fragrant citrus scent when crushed. The tree produces highly aromatic blossoms that are white with a purple base, contributing to its ornamental value. These flowers eventually give way to the iconic fruit of the Eureka lemon: bright yellow lemons with a classic elongated oval shape. The lemons' skin is textured with a slight, albeit distinct, oiliness that releases a zesty aroma when rubbed. The flesh inside is juicily divided into segments, with a tart and tangy flavor that is characteristic of lemons. Each lemon is filled with an acidic juice, containing several seeds. Overall, the appearance of the Eureka lemon plant is both attractive and productive, as it is known for its year-round bearing habit, continuously offering fruit, flowers, and foliage to its surrounding environment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae
Synonyms
Eureka Lemon
Common names
Citrus limon 'Garey's Eureka', Citrus limonum 'Garey's Eureka', Citrus medica var. limon 'Garey's Eureka'
ToxicityTo humans
The Citrus × limon 'Garey's Eureka', commonly known as the lemon tree, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Consuming the fruit, including the juice and flesh, is safe and commonly done. However, eating large amounts of the peel, leaves, or other plant parts can be potentially irritating to the digestive system due to various essential oils and compounds they contain. This is not commonly reported as poisoning, though, and lemons are widely used in foods and drinks without adverse effects.
To pets
The lemon tree, while not highly toxic to pets, could cause some adverse effects if ingested. Citrus plants contain essential oils and psoralens, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or depression if consumed in significant amounts by pets, particularly cats and dogs. The most toxic parts include the leaves and stems; the fruit is less toxic but can still cause stomach upset. It is recommended to prevent pets from chewing on any parts of the plant to avoid these potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Provides vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and copper.
- Culinary Use: Juice and zest adds flavor to dishes, drinks, and desserts.
- Aesthetic Value: Ornamental tree with fragrant flowers and attractive fruit.
- Economic Importance: Commercially grown for the fruit and related products.
- Pest Repellent: Citrus scent can help deter some garden pests.
- Garden Health: Planting lemons can contribute to the diversity of garden ecosystems.
Medical Properties- Vitamin C content: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is known to support the immune system.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids that have antioxidant properties.
- Digestive health: Lemon juice is traditionally used to aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
- Antimicrobial activity: Lemon has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help in fighting infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The bioactive compounds in lemons may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Throat infections: Lemon juice mixed with honey is a common home remedy for soothing sore throats.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lemon juice can be used as a natural hair lightener, with exposure to sunlight enhancing its effects.
- The acidity of lemons can naturally whiten fingernails when nails are soaked in lemon juice.
- Lemon peels can be placed in closets or drawers as a natural alternative to mothballs for repelling moths.
- Rubbing a lemon peel on chrome or stainless steel can help in polishing and removing rust spots.
- Lemon juice mixed with water is an effective brass and copper cleaner, restoring shine to the metals.
- The strong scent of lemons can be used as a natural cat repellant in gardens and homes.
- Mixed with salt, lemon juice can be used to scrub and remove stains from plastic containers.
- Placing a bowl of cut lemons can naturally deodorize a room and absorb smells.
- Used lemon peels can be composted to add nutrients back into the soil as they degrade.
- Dried lemon peels can be used as a kindling to start a fire due to their flammable oils.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lemon tree is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and to purify and refresh the air. It can be placed in the wealth area of the home, which is the southeast, to promote abundance and prosperity. The lemon tree's vibrant green leaves and yellow fruit also contribute to strong health and healing energies.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lemon tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: As with many citrus fruits, the lemon is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties and high vitamin C content, which is essential for repairing the body.
- Purity and Cleansing: The lemon's fresh scent and natural acidity make it a symbol for purification and can be used for both physical and spiritual cleansing.
- Longevity and Immortality: In some cultures, the lemon is a symbol of long life, possibly due to its health benefits and preservative qualities.
- Friendship and Love: Because lemon trees can produce fruit all year round, they're sometimes seen as a symbol for friendship and lasting relationships.
- Fidelity: The ever-present nature of lemons on a tree is also seen as a representation of faithfulness in a relationship.
WaterThe Eureka lemon tree should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. In hotter seasons or dryer climates, water twice a week. On average, a young tree needs about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week, while mature trees may require 2 to 4 gallons, depending on the weather conditions. Adjust the amount of water according to rainfall and check the soil moisture regularly. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightEureka lemon trees thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in a southern or southwestern exposure is ideal to ensure sufficient light. These trees can also do well in a sunny indoor spot or greenhouse that provides plenty of natural light.
TemperatureEureka lemon trees prefer warm climates and do best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 29°F for short periods. Protect the trees from frost, as temperatures below this can cause significant damage to the plant. It is crucial to avoid exposing the tree to extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune the Eureka lemon tree to remove dead or diseased branches, to shape the tree and to enhance airflow through the canopy. This is best done in the spring after the last frost. Pruning can be carried out as needed throughout the year, but heavy pruning should be avoided during the main fruiting season. Remove any suckers or watersprouts to direct the tree's energy to the most productive growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEureka lemon trees thrive in well-draining, sandy loam with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingEureka lemon trees should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh nutrients and prevent root bounding.
Humidity & MistingEureka lemon trees prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Eureka lemon in a sunny spot, ensuring at least 8 hours of light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, shelter from strong winds, protect when temperatures drop.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Lemon Tree 'Garey's Eureka' begins with seed germination, where the embryo inside the seed grows into a young seedling when provided with the right conditions of warmth, moisture, and soil. The seedling then develops into a juvenile tree through the process of vegetative growth, characterized by the formation of leaves and stems but no flowers or fruits. As the tree matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant white flowers that are pollinated by insects or wind. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, with the 'Garey's Eureka' lemon characterized by its medium size and acidic taste. The tree reaches full maturity and will continuously produce fruit in several cycles throughout the year, particularly in favorable Mediterranean or subtropical climates. Throughout its lifetime, the lemon tree requires pruning, adequate sunlight, and protection from frost to maintain its health and productivity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Eureka lemon tree, a variety of Citrus × limon, is through grafting. Grafting is commonly carried out in spring as temperatures start to warm, which facilitates the healing and growth process of the graft union. This technique involves taking a mature bud or scion from a healthy lemon tree and grafting it onto the prepared rootstock of another citrus plant, ensuring that the cambial layers of both the scion and rootstock align well. The grafting point is then securely wrapped with grafting tape or a similar material to hold the scion in place while it fuses with the rootstock. In a few weeks to months, depending on the growing conditions, the scion will have fully grafted onto the rootstock if the process is successful, giving rise to a new Eureka lemon tree that will bear fruit identical to that of the donor plant.
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