How to grow a Eureka lemon tree in your backyard
Fancy some lemon meringue pie? The distinctive sour flavor of the Eureka lemon is ideal for making one.
But what is an Eureka lemon?
In case, you didn’t know, Eureka lemons are a type of citrus lemon that is native to India, Myanmar, and China. They are valued for their juice, which is good for cooking and cleaning . Its pulp is used in cooking and baking while the juice goes into flavoring drinks and is also used to make lemonade and lemon meringue pie.
Though not as famous as a Sorrento Lemon, the Eureka lemon has its own merits and can be grown right in your backyard provided you’re ready to put in that extra care and effort.
Follow these simple step to grow your own Eureka Lemon plant:
Plant it in a glazed pot:
During the hot summer months, the lemon tree will sweat out water, which a glazed pot will retain but a terra cotta pot won’t.
Water consistently:
This tree needs consistent watering to stay healthy. You can either hand water or add a drip irrigation line to the pot. Also, mulch the top of the pot by using about 2″ of leaves which you can get after you’ve trimmed your hedges.
Feeding & Fertilization:
Your feedings will at least have to be 6 weeks apart, and your tree will need a good organic fertilizer. Another important point to note is that citrus trees can’t absorb zinc and phosphorus at the same time so consult a professional gardener on this matter. Your tree will also need some phosphorus from time to time.
Sunlight:
Too much heat can stress out your tree. A fine balance would be to keep your tree in the sun for about two-thirds of the day making sure to place it in the shade for the remaining part.
Tip:
Take the advice of your local nursery on which variety of lemon tree will grow best in your area.
Ready to bring home a lemon tree into your garden?
