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Overview
Citrus limon 'Eureka' is a vigorous growing small tree, popular because of the tartness of the fruit.
It is an attractive, almost thornless variety with large and leathery ovate leaves. It flowers up to 3 times a year. The fruit takes up to 9 months to ripen and will hang on the tree for up to 4months so there tends to be fruit for harvesting all year.
It grows best in an open sunny position, the soil needs to be well drained. It is a lovely addition to any warm climate garden.
The rind, pulp and juice are used in cooking.
Soil: Soil needs to be well watered, well drained, slightly acidic with no root competition. In poorly drained soils or areas where Phytophthora cinnamonii is a problems, plant in raised beds or containers.
Maintenance: Water well once fruit has set - if not, new fruit will drop off. Needs a balanced feed in spring.
Keep well watered in dry periods - good long soaks are much better than a quick splash - but it must be free draining or roots will rot.
Mulching will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay but leave an area clear of around 25cms around the trunk.
DO NOT plant anything close to it or under it as these plants will deprive it of nutrients, especially nitrogen and as it is a gross feeder of nitrogen this can leave it very poorly and extra susceptible to pests and diseases.
Diseases: Root Rot. Sooty fungus, virus diseases, and pests like scale, leaf miner, bronze orange bug, spined citrus bug and fruit fly.
Other Species: Wild species including bush lemons have long sharp thorns.
Comments: Every Aussie garden should have one they are so easy and so full of goodness.
Use lemon juice as a replacement for salt - much healthier.
When you have a glut of lemons try preserving them in salted water (ensure no air in the jar though). Lemons increase in flavour over time and will keep for extraordinary periods of time.
Author: Bob Saunders.