Limone Carrubbaro

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rutaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Citrus

Species

limon

Description

Medium-sized evergreen polyannual plant with an erect habit and vigorous growth, which can be cultivated either in the ground or in large pots depending on the variety; during the spring-summer period it produces flowers, often white and fragrant, followed by ovoid fruits with a characteristic sour flavour and tart taste, widely used in the preparation of drinks, liqueurs, sweets and other dishes. Suitable for warm temperate climates, it requires full sun exposure to best express its flowering followed by abundant fruiting.

Variety description

A plant characterised by dark fruit in the swelling phase. Juicy fruit but with a lot of sagging in the ripening phase.

Curiosities and special features

The lemon plant has always been appreciated for its fruit, which is used worldwide mainly for culinary purposes. The juice, rich in vitamin C, as well as the pulp and zest are widely used in the preparation of many recipes; let us not forget the use of the lemon for the production of liqueurs and oils as well as in cosmetics, herbal medicine and household cleaning of different surfaces.

Origin and distribution

The species C. limon is native to Pakistan, India and Indochina; in the 700s AD it was cultivated in Persia, Iraq and Egypt, arriving, through Arab traders, around 1150 AD throughout the Mediterranean. The first major European lemon cultivation began in Genoa in the mid-15th century, the lemon was then introduced to America in 1493 when Christopher Columbus brought some seeds to the island of Hispaniola and then spread to California and Florida.

The Swedish botanist Charles Linnaeus speculated in the 18th century that the lemon was a variety of citron(Citrus medica), although it is now known to be a separate hybrid species resulting, according to recent studies, from a cross between a citron and a semi-domesticated variety of bitter orange.

Flower size

The flower is small, lending elegance to the conspicuous bloom.

Leaf

Leaf with lanceolate lamina.

Fruit

The fruit is a globular shaped hesperidium that contains no seeds. It has a diameter of 3 to 5 cm, a length of 4 to 6 cm and a width of 3 to 5 cm, with a weight of 50 to 80 g and a hard texture. The skin is wrinkled and shows a solid colouring. Ripening takes place from early spring to late spring. From a sensory point of view, the fruit has a sour taste with a spicy flavour, a penetrating aroma and is fragrant, with a sugar content of 5 °Brix.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late spring to early autumn for a duration of 20 to 30 days from mid-autumn to late autumn for a duration of 15 to 25 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 2 to 4 m.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Variety suitable for cultivation in flower beds, balconies.

Stem

The stem is woody; the variety has thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a globular corolla and two-coloured petals. It flowers from late spring to early autumn and from mid-autumn to late autumn, with flowering periods of between 20 and 30 days and between 15 and 25 days. It has citrus notes and is fragrant, with an intense aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Varieties with globular growth.

Plant habit

Plant habit gives the plant ornamental as well as productive value.

Branching

Medium branching with a balanced ratio of foliage to flowers.

PH

The ideal soil or substrate pH for proper lemon plant growth varies from acidic to alkaline, averaging between 5.0 and 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, make a trench proportionate to the size of the root ball by removing any bulky stones, ploughing in organic matter and, if the soil has poor drainage and is too compact, adding sand.

Sun exposure

An exposure in full sun, half shade, afternoon sun, sheltered from intense wind, is the ideal situation for suitable vegetative growth; in a light deficit the plant does not flower properly, compromising subsequent fruiting.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 8 and 35 °C. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 35 °C; it is well adapted to hot summer climates.

Use

Variety of lemon appreciated and widely used in the following areas:

Ornamental

Soil

A light, medium-textured, loosely loosened soil is the ideal soil condition for the lemon plant; for use in large pots, a specific citrus soil containing peat and clay granules is recommended.

Growing tips

For proper vegetative growth and lush flowering followed by abundant fruiting, pay attention to the following cultivation aspect:

Balanced fertilisation

Planting

An appropriate planting pattern, defined before transplanting, is of primary importance to obtain a correct vegetative development and a luxuriant flowering with subsequent abundant fructification; we recommend an average density of 500 plants per hectare in consideration of the height reached at maturity and the bearing developed by the specific variety. We also recommend removing any dry roots that may be present at the base of the root ball and transplanting into moist soil by keeping the collar off the soil surface and watering immediately after planting. In some varieties, the use of supports and tying with raffia or twine is necessary.

Pruning

At the end of the cold winter, in the absence of late frosts, carry out pruning aimed at lightening the foliage and preserving the habitus of the plant. It is therefore advisable to remove the oldest and most woody branches with clean, oblique cuts to stimulate the emission of young shoots and to remove suckers that may limit fruit production, as well as to prune the tallest branches. Use tools with sharp, clean blades to harvest the fruit.

Propagation

Multiplication can take place by grafting.

Repotting

Repotting, to be carried out in early autumn, may be necessary if the plant shows stunted growth or when the roots have completely enveloped the present substrate. We recommend the use of a specific substrate for citrus fruits in suitably sized pots.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or by drip irrigation. When transplanting, assist the plant to ensure that it takes root properly in its new location while keeping the site at a constant humidity; then allow the soil to dry slightly between irrigation sessions, keeping it slightly moist but free of waterlogging. It is also advisable not to water the foliage from above during the late afternoon-evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Always check the moisture level of the soil and carefully observe the turgidity of the leaves as they are representative of the plant's water requirements.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation with slow-release organo-mineral fertiliser. Subsequently, from early spring to early autumn, apply a granular or water-soluble fertiliser specifically for citrus plants regularly to the Soil/medium, without exceeding the doses and frequencies. To encourage flower production and plant hardening in the adult phase, prefer fertilisers with a higher potassium content.

Pet safety

Avoid administration considering the specific case; consult your veterinarian in case of possible ingestion.

Edibility for humans

The fruit, referred to as hesperidium, is edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known; do not overdo the intake and consider the individual case.

Tip

Keep the sod moist to prevent defoliation.