Femminello Siracusano

Lemon

Zone 7a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Femminello Siracusano

🌱 180d to harvest Shrub

Sun-bright and unmistakably fragrant, Femminello Siracusano brings a luminous lemon character—zesty, aromatic, and beautifully ba…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 28th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	180
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Citrus limon (Femminello Siracusano) and how can I control it?

Watch for citrus scale and sooty mold, which often follow scale feeding on leaves and twigs. Scrape off heavy scale by hand, then spray horticultural oil to smother remaining insects (cover undersides) and repeat in 10–14 days if needed. If you see leaf drop with yellowing and sticky residue, treat scale promptly to prevent ongoing sooty mold buildup.

How often should I water Citrus limon during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture should I aim for?

During active growth, water deeply whenever the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil is dry, so the root zone gets thorough moisture without staying soggy. In containers, this usually means more frequent watering in hot weather; in-ground trees often need less once established, but still require deep irrigation during dry spells. Consistently water-moderate conditions (damp but well-drained) to avoid leaf drop and root stress.

How can I tell when Citrus limon is ready to harvest for best quality?

Harvest when fruits are fully yellow and have a firm, heavy feel for their size; green lemons typically need more time to develop full flavor. Taste-test one fruit—when the rind oils smell strongly and the juice is tart and abundant, the flavor is usually ready. In general, aim for late season maturity (around the ~180-day window from flowering/initial growth), but color and taste are the final indicators for Citrus limon.

Sun-bright and unmistakably fragrant, Femminello Siracusano brings a luminous lemon character—zesty, aromatic, and beautifully balanced—into the home garden. At maturity, the fruit develops a glossy, medium-to-deep yellow skin with a juicy, fine-grained interior that shines for fresh use and for brightening sauces, dressings, and preserves. A classic choice for gardeners who want a reliable, long-season producer with the unmistakable perfume of Sicilian citrus in every harvest.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Plant in full sun with excellent drainage; in continental US climates, grow as a container or protect from freezes so flowers/fruit aren’t lost.