Description
Lisbon Lemon is a workhorse variety developed for strength, productivity, and reliability. Long favored in commercial orchards, it produces classic, sharply acidic lemons with excellent consistency year after year.
Compared to Eureka, Lisbon typically grows more vigorously and handles cooler conditions with greater confidence. While it does not have the sweetness of Meyer, it delivers the true lemon intensity many cooks prefer, making it ideal for juice, zest, preserving, and everyday kitchen use.
Overview
- Classic high-acid culinary lemon.
- More vigorous and cold tolerant than Eureka.
- Heavy producer once established.
- Excellent for juice, zest, and preserving.
- Self-fertile.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Citrus limon ’Lisbon’
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: One of the more cold-tolerant true lemons; mature trees may tolerate brief dips to approximately 26–28°F with protection
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity: •
Flying Dragon: Typically 6–8 ft tall and wide•
C-35: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wideNote: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring, with additional blooms in warm climates
Ripening Time: Late fall through winter, with extended harvests in mild regions
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Seed Content: Typically seeded
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; benefits from good airflow and drainage
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Lisbon is the lemon growers turn to when they want strength and reliability—it’s built for real-world conditions.
- Regional Insight: Performs especially well in mild-winter regions and cooler lemon-growing areas where cold tolerance matters.
