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If you are a citrus fan but have a compact balcony or terrace, then choose this one small Lemon tree varieties for containers!
Compact growing Lemon tree varieties for containers is a bright and zesty way to bring a piece of the Mediterranean to your balcony or terrace. They stay under 4 to 5 feet, making them ideal for tight spaces!
Best Lemon Tree Varieties for Containers 🍋
1. Meyer lemon
Botanical name: Citrus x meyeri
The Meyer lemon is the flagship of container lemon trees. It is a sweet hybrid, less tart than traditional lemons and has a lovely floral aroma. This variety is compact and likes to live in a pot.
Why should you grow it?
This plant remains compact and grows up to 4-6 feet tall. It is more cold-resistant than many other types of lemon and can tolerate mild frost and sub-zero temperatures down to -6 °C.
2. Ponderosa lemon
Botanical name: Citrus lime ‘Ponderosa’
Ponderosa lemons are like the bodybuilders of the lemon world – big, powerful and flashy. The tree remains small enough for pots but produces large, juicy lemons.
Why should you grow it?
It features exceptionally large fruits and a rich, tart flavor that surpasses many other lemon varieties. Ideal for anyone wanting to grow lemons for cooking and baking.
3. Eureka Lemon
Botanical name: Citrus lime ‘Eureka’
The Eureka Lemon is your classic supermarket-style lemon. It is a productive producer even when limited to one container. This plant loves full sun but doesn’t mind some shade.
Why should you grow it?
It is known for its ability to produce fruit almost all year round, making it an excellent choice for continuous harvesting.
4. Dwarf Lisbon Lemon
Botanical name: Citrus lime ‘Lisbon’
A sturdy tree that can tolerate a fair amount of neglect. It produces classic, tart lemons and has a strong citrus scent. The facility is fairly low-maintenance.
Why should you grow it?
It is particularly cold hardy – it can tolerate temperatures as low as -6.7 to -3.9 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for cooler climates where other citrus fruits might struggle.
5. Dwarf Genoa lemon
Botanical name: Citrus lime ‘Genoa’
This Italian variety is known for its sweet and juicy lemons. It is perfect for anyone who wants to have a “lemonade stand” on their balcony.
Why should you grow it?
It is valued for its resistance to common citrus diseases, making it a hardy and easy-care choice for gardeners.
6. Colorful pink lemon
Botanical name: Citrus x Limon ‘Variegated Pink’
This strain is for those who like something a little different. It has green and yellow striped leaves and pink flesh. It’s a real show-off in a container. Prefers full sun, but also thrives in partial shade.
Why should you grow it?
This variety isn’t just about the fruit; It’s also about the beauty it adds to your garden. It is characterized by striking green and yellow striped leaves and a pink flesh inside the fruit.
7. Kagzi lemon
Botanical name: Citrus aurantifolia
This is one of the Indian subcontinent’s highest yielding lemon varieties, known for its thin peel and juicy contents. It can be trained to maintain a height of around 4 to 5 feet.
Why should you grow it?
It is known for its high juice content, making it an excellent choice for lemonade and culinary purposes.
8. Shakora
Botanical name: Citrus Macroptera
A unique variety found primarily in the Bengal region of India and Bangladesh. It is very aromatic and valued for its scent. Its relatively small size makes it suitable for container growing.
Why should you grow it?
Commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, it offers a unique flavor profile that is distinctly different from other lemons. It is a must for culinary enthusiasts who experiment with new and exotic flavors in their dishes.
Best container size for these types of lemons
Start with a pot that is at least 10-12 inches in diameter and depth. Young plants need enough space to grow, but not so much that the soil remains soggy and causes root rot.
As the plant grows, you should repot it every 2-3 years or when the roots begin to compact. Increase the diameter of the pot by 5 to 10 cm each time.
- Terracotta, ceramic, plastic or wood. Terracotta is breathable and good for moisture management, but can be heavy. Plastic is light and retains moisture well. Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
- Wooden barrels or half-barrels are a nice choice for these trees as they provide plenty of space and good drainage. Make sure they are treated for rot.
