How Big Does A Lemon Tree Get? [Inc. In Ground And In Pots]

Lemon trees are grown for their fruit, lemons, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Have you ever wondered how big a lemon tree can get when planted in the ground or pots? We researched this for you, and here is what we've learned. Let's begin!

The average standard size of a lemon tree can reach up to 20 to 30 feet tall, while dwarf lemon trees can have a height of 8 to 10 feet. The size of a lemon tree will vary depending on its type.

There are numerous varieties of lemon trees available. Depending on the type, each size will be different, and other factors may influence the height of your lemon tree. Continue reading to learn more!

How Big Does A Lemon Tree Get?

Lemon trees in a citrus grove in Sicily in Italy, How Big Does A Lemon Tree Get? [Inc. In Ground And In Pots] 

There are many different lemon trees, each with distinctive sizes and shapes. It all depends on what kind of lemon tree you are growing and their living conditions.

The size of a lemon tree can be classified as standard or dwarf. Lemon trees range in height from 20 to 30 feet for standard-sized lemon trees and 8 to 10 feet for dwarf varieties.

In Ground

When grown in the ground, the standard size of a lemon tree can reach 20 feet in height. A lemon tree's height can change depending on its variety, growing conditions, and cultivation methods.

In-ground trees can grow more prominently because of the ample nutrients they get from the ground and allowing the roots to expand and thrive from underground.

In Pots

Nice delicate decorations on small white table. Lemon tree in yellow flowerpot in bright white colors with pic

Growing lemon trees in pots may affect their height. When grown in garden pots, they tend to be smaller and grow in proportion to the size of the pot.

Lemon trees cultivated in pots can reach a height of nearly 6 feet. The size will still vary depending on which type of lemon tree you want to grow.

Different Types Of Lemon Trees

Fresh lemon with leaves. Lemon tree. Box of yellow lemons with fresh lemon tree leaves on wooden

You might envision the grocery store variety when you think of a lemon. Lemon fruits come in various sizes, colors, and shapes on each type of lemon tree. Below are the main types of lemon trees cultivated.

Meyer Lemon

Fresh Meyer Lemons

Of all the different types of lemon trees, Meyer lemon is the most common of all lemon varieties and produces the sweetest lemons.

Meyer lemon is a citrus fruit hybrid of a lemon and a Mandarin orange which explain its sweet taste. The average height of a Meyer lemon is between 6 to 10 feet tall.

Additionally, its dwarf variety has a height that grows between 5 to 10 feet tall.

Eureka Lemon

Bright yellow Eureka lemons ripening on a citrus tree in early winter are a culinary delight in fish dishes

Unlike Meyer lemons, which are hybrid, Eureka lemon trees are real lemons. An average Eureka lemon tree grows 20 to 30 feet, while its dwarf variety grows 8 to 10 feet tall.

The most commonly purchased lemons worldwide are eureka lemons. It does not do well in cold climates but thrives well in abundant sunlight.

The Eureka Lemon Tree is the best option for producing juicy lemons in your yard. Eureka Lemon is easy to grow, and its dwarf size is suitable for quick harvests.

Lisbon Lemon

Lisbon lemon on wooden table

Although originally from Australia, Lisbon lemons are now a staple fruit in California. Lisbon and Eureka are common lemon varieties frequently found in grocery stores.

Lisbon lemons are well-known for having large, juicy fruit. The height of a Lisbon lemon tree can reach 30 feet. In comparison, the typical size of a dwarf Lisbon lemon tree is 8 to 10 feet.

How Long Does It Take For A Lemon Tree To Grow?

Lemon trees grown from seeds can take 5 to 10 years to reach maturity and begin producing fruits, whereas grafted lemon trees mature and start making fruit in about 2 to 3 years from planting.

How Long Does A Lemon Tree Take To Produce Fruit?

Senior farmer harvesting lemons with garden pruner in hands on a lemon tree in a sunny day

You might wonder how long a lemon tree can bear fruit if you recently planted lemon trees in your yard. A lemon tree begins to bear fruit when it reaches the age of 3 years and matures at the age of 5 years old.

With age, the quantity of fruit produced increases.

Planting an already mature lemon tree will result in fruit sooner. A lemon tree is more set with a robust root system, which results in more branches and foliage that can support faster fruit production.

When you notice fruit beginning to form on a lemon tree, try not to get too excited because lemons can take up to 6 months to ripen. You will have to wait until their skin turns green to dark yellow before harvesting them.

Can You Grow A Lemon Tree From Lemon Seeds?

Growing a lemon tree from seed is not the best choice if you want to harvest your lemon fruit.

This is because the seeds may not always resemble their parent plant, and not all lemon seeds, especially from the grocery store, will have seeds or seeds that will germinate.

Can Lemon Trees Self-Pollinate?

Potted citrus plant with ripe yellow-orange fruits on the table. Indoor growing Volkamer lemon with sheared ri

Lemon trees are self-pollinators and do not require pollen from another tree's flowers to produce fruit. Although other citrus trees will benefit, lemon trees do not need another fruit-bearing tree to develop and bear fruit.

Things To Consider When Planting Lemon Trees

A lemon tree will continue to produce fruit until it dies. A healthy lemon tree has an average lifespan of 50 years and can live up to 100 years when properly maintained and cultivated in a thriving environment.

Your lemon tree needs regular maintenance to live a long and healthy life.

The lifespan of a lemon tree can be increased with proper maintenance, including fertilizer and pruning. It is essential to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the soil drains properly.

Climate

The best places to grow lemon trees are in humid, warm climates. They should be brought inside if temperatures suddenly drop because they are vulnerable to cold weather.

A temperature of 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for them.

Location

Lemon trees thrive in sunny, well-ventilated spaces. Your tree will require at least 6 hours of sufficient sun exposure per day. Place your tree in a spot where it can receive plenty of sunlight. 

Like most plants, they do best when planted facing the south side of your house. The preferred growing regions are in zones 9 to 11.

Watering

The goal is to maintain moist soil for your lemon tree, especially for young trees. But don't get overwhelmed. Watering should be done once or twice a week.

Lemon trees become more resistant to drought as they age. Avoid overwatering lemon trees because this can cause the roots to rot.

Another problem is under-watering. Although lemon trees can tolerate drought, check them every few days and water them when the top of the soil feels dry.

Soil

Lemon trees thrive in loamy or sandy soil, have good drainage, and are slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Pruning

Pruning is necessary for young lemon trees to develop a good shape. Lemon trees only require occasional pruning to maintain their structure and to keep them from growing too tall or too wide.

If the tree's center becomes congested with crossing branches, prune them out as soon as possible. This procedure keeps the airflow between the branches and permits light to reach the tree's center.

To Finish Up

Lemon trees in a citrus grove in Sicily in Italy

Cultivating a lemon tree is generally easy because it can self-pollinate and requires little maintenance. Your lemon tree can also be potted and brought inside.

Lemon trees bear fruit quickly. Even though it might take some time before you can begin picking lemons, the fruit of the lemon tree is rewarding. Growing your lemon tree can be fun and fulfilling.

We hope this article provided enough information regarding how big a lemon tree can get when planted on the grounds and in pots. Want to read more? Check out these related articles below!

Why Is My Lemon Tree Dying?

How To Grow A Lemon Tree Indoors From Seed (Quick Guide For Beginners)

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