Ponderosa Lemon Tree (Single Trunk Tree Form) – 5 Gallon Pot

A lemon the size of a grapefruit? Yes, meet ‘Ponderosa’, a self-fertile lemon tree that produces HUGE fruits weighing up to 5 pounds! A very attractive tree, it can be grown outdoors year round in the landscape in frost-free climates of USDA Zones 9-11, or in containers that can be kept outside during the warm seasons and moved indoors during winter in colder climates. With adequate light, it can also be grown indoors year round as a houseplant. In frost free climates it can reach 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide when growing in the ground, and maybe one-quarter to half that size in a large container, depending on pruning. Abundant, wonderfully fragrant white flowers, are produced year round when growing outdoors and off-and-on throughout the year indoors. Since it’s self-fertile you only need one tree to produce fruits. The edible fruits are juicy and kind of sweet tasting if you don’t leave them on the tree too long. Add some some sugar to make a good lemonade. Also great for making lemon meringue pies. Wherever you grow this one it is sure to be a conversation piece!

Depending on pruning and whether growing in the ground or pots, or whether growing indoors or outdoors, the Pondeosa Lemon Tree grows 6 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. Trees growing in containers won’t grow near as big as those growing in the ground, maybe one-quarter to one-half that size depending on the size of the container and pruning. In the frost-free climates of USDA Zones 9-11, Ponderosa Lemon can be grown outdoors year round and is ideal for use as a specimen in the landscape or a container. North of USDA Zone 9a, where freezing temperatures and frosts occur, it can be grown in a pot that can be kept outdoors during the warms season and brought indoors during the winter. It canm also be grown as a houseplant year round in a well-lit space. 

Suggested Spacing:  Best as a specimen

The Ponderosa Lemon Tree is easy to grow in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full to mostly sun. Whether growing indoors or outdoors we suggest at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering and fruit yield. Amend heavy clay soils to improve porosity and ensure good drainage. Lemon trees like the soil to hold a good supply of water, especially when the fruits are developing in summer, but not so much water that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet, which can be problematic. It thrives best in soil with a pH ranging between 5.5.to 6.5 on the pH scale.