Lemon (Santa Teresa)

Price range: $49.99 through $159.99

Santa Teresa Lemon is a highly productive Italian lemon known for repeat flowering, steady yields, and classic high-acid flavor.

  • Traditional Italian lemon with bold, true lemon acidity.
  • Repeat-flowering habit supports extended harvests.
  • More controlled growth than very vigorous lemons.
  • Excellent for juice, zest, and preserving.
  • Self-fertile.
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Description

Santa Teresa Lemon is a traditional Italian variety prized for its productivity and consistency. Part of the historic Femminello lemon group, it is valued for its ability to flower multiple times per year, supporting steady fruit set rather than a single short harvest window.

The fruit delivers classic lemon intensity—bright, sharply acidic, and well suited to juice, zest, cooking, and preserving. Compared to more aggressive growers like Lisbon, Santa Teresa maintains a more balanced structure, making it easier to manage in both in-ground plantings and containers.

Overview

  • Italian lemon from the productive Femminello lineage.
  • Repeat-flowering habit supports extended harvests.
  • Classic high-acid lemon flavor.
  • Moderate, well-branched growth habit.
  • Self-fertile.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Citrus limon ‘Santa Teresa’
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Typical of true lemons; mature trees may tolerate brief dips to approximately 28–30°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 wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Multiple flushes from spring through fall in warm climates
Ripening Time: 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: Santa Teresa’s repeat flowering comes from its Femminello lineage—a trait long prized in Mediterranean lemon production.
  • Regional Insight: Performs best in mild-winter regions and adapts well to container culture where winter protection is available.

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Santa Teresa Lemon

  • Sun: 3/4 day to full day of sun
  • Soil: Well-drained soil
  • Soil pH: Performs best between 5.5–6.5
  • Water: Moderate; consistent during establishment
  • Tree Size: Moderate, manageable with pruning
  • Pollination: Self-fertile
  • Harvest: Fall through winter
  • Hardiness: Brief dips to ~28–30°F once established

Planting & Care – Santa Teresa Lemon

Site Selection

  • Choose a sunny location to support repeat flowering and fruit set.
  • Warm exposures improve flavor and cold performance.
  • Good air circulation helps maintain healthy foliage.

Soil Preparation (In-Ground vs Container)

  • In-ground: Excellent drainage is essential; raised planting is recommended in heavier soils.
  • In-ground: Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) improves nutrient uptake.
  • Container: Use a fast-draining citrus mix in a pot with drainage holes.
  • Container: Container growing allows flexibility in cooler climates.

Planting Instructions

  1. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, or choose a container slightly larger than the root mass.
  2. Set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil or potting mix.
  3. Backfill gently and water thoroughly.
  4. Mulch lightly for in-ground trees, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering (In-Ground vs Container)

  • In-ground, establishment: Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season.
  • In-ground, established: Deep, periodic watering encourages steady fruiting.
  • Simple check: Water when soil is dry 3–6″ below the surface.
  • Container: Water thoroughly, then allow the top couple inches of mix to dry.

Fertilizing

  • Santa Teresa is a heavy feeder and responds well to consistent nutrition.
  • Foundation feeding: Apply slow-release citrus fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.
  • Support feeding: Supplemental liquid feeding during active growth supports repeat flowering.
  • Reduce feeding later in the season to help the tree harden before winter.

Cold Care

  • Protect from hard freezes, especially when young.
  • Container trees can be moved to sheltered locations during cold snaps.

Pruning & Harvest

  • Light pruning maintains structure and airflow.
  • Harvest fruit when fully yellow and aromatic.

General Tips

  • Consistent feeding and sun encourage repeat flowering.
  • An excellent choice for growers who want steady lemon production.

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