Ponderosa

Lemon

Zone 7a Save Garden

🌱 300d to harvest Shrub

Sun-bright and unmistakably fragrant, Ponderosa Lemon brings a bold, sunny zest to the garden with fruit that feels substantial i…

Crop Dates

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

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	300
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Genovese Nero Basil

Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Citrus limon leaves turning yellow with sticky residue, and what should I do?

Sticky residue with yellowing leaves is often caused by aphids or scale insects on Citrus limon. Rinse the foliage with a strong water spray, then spray the undersides of leaves with horticultural oil (or insecticidal soap) and repeat every 7–10 days until new growth is clean. If scale is heavy, use a targeted horticultural oil spray and remove heavily infested twigs to reduce reinfestation.

How often should I water Citrus limon during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing season, water deeply whenever the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, then let excess drain—avoid keeping the root ball constantly wet. Citrus limon prefers consistently moist soil that is allowed to dry slightly at the surface; in containers, check daily in hot weather because pots dry faster.

How can I tell when my Citrus limon is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit is fully yellow, feels firm but gives slightly when gently pressed, and has a strong lemon scent at the peel. Citrus limon can keep ripening on the tree, so if they’re still green or bland-smelling, leave them longer; if they’re bright yellow and aromatic, they’re typically ready.

Sun-bright and unmistakably fragrant, Ponderosa Lemon brings a bold, sunny zest to the garden with fruit that feels substantial in the hand. Its thick, dimpled rind and juicy, tangy interior deliver a bright lemon flavor with a satisfying, pulpy texture—ideal for making vivid preserves, sparkling beverages, and aromatic sauces. Grow it for the long season of anticipation: from flowering to harvest, Ponderosa rewards with a steady glow of fruit and a lingering citrus perfume.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 45°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For Ponderosa lemon, prioritize a warm, sunny site with excellent drainage and frost protection plan—citrus failures are almost always cold/poor drainage, not seed timing.