Oranges and lemons and limes, oh my! (a tale of woe)

7 years ago

Today I learned that that I have been wrong about citrus my whole life! And this has made me plant the wrong kind of citrus in my yard :(

In my mind, citrus was largely grouped into oranges, lemons and limes. Oranges had the requisite color, and were categorized by loose or tight jackets, and included mandarins, kumquats, navels, seville, malta and so on.

Lemons were lemon yellow, and not necessarily the most tart citrus, but used for the sweetness of the rind, which could be preserved. Came thin or thick skinned, and had subtle variation in fragrance.

Limes were most diverse, and off the top of my head, I can recall growing up with a key lime type, a wrinkly dark green citron, a bitter and very thick skinned one that was mostly used dried or salted, and an almost floral scented one.

And then there was sweet lime that had a mild drinkable juice, not as intensely flavored as orange, not as tart as lemons, and often topped with a seltzer or sprinkled with a bit of salt.

Then thanks to Molewacker sending me to the UCR site, (what a great resource!) I realized these are not only not absolutes, but I was totally wrong about so many things, and I have not planted even one high acid fruit.

I have a Rangpur lime, a sweet lime, a Meyers improved lemon, a finger lime, an unknown sprawling unhealthy citrus that was already there, and has yet to flower, but I think is a lemon.

So if I wanted a high acid citrus that would do well in the ground in northern california what would you suggest?

Featured Answer

evdesert 9B Indio, CA

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Eureka or Lisbon, those are the common sour lemons you find in the grocery store. Also look at the Italian varieties Villafranco and Santa Theresa Feminello, those are commonly used in Lemoncello. Four winds (near you) carries them all.

Evan

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Comments (7)

kcandmilo
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, Evan! Need to head up there now! It's about 3 hours north, but no distance too far for a good lemon ;)
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Silica
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
There are two lemon varieties that sold in every supermarket. The Eureka Lemon and the Lisbon lemon. Both taste the same. One big difference between the two trees is that the branches of the Eureka lemon are thorn less, while the branches of the Lisbon are thorny. The Eureka has a more spreading tree like growth pattern, the Lisbon is a somewhat larger upright growing tree.
kcandmilo thanked Silica
uncle molewacker z9b Danville CA (E.SF Bay)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I avoid FW due to significant issues with their Cuban Shaddock rootstock in the ground ( I will be shovel pruning yet another this weekend). Having said that, I would avoid ANY purchase unless I am assured its not on CS.

I saw Lisbon lemon trees in Costco today. They will likely be in your local Costco soon and for what they charge, its a deal. BUT: Look / dig down at the soil level to find the propagator's tag. you will find 6 digits. The first three is the scion. i.e. Lisbon is 8AL [8A is a fine lemon - I have one]... the next three digits will be the rootstock i.e. 8AL - CZO (Carrizo)./

Another lemon I really love is the V. Pink Eureka. The tree is rather small and highly frost sensitive, but it is beautiful and the fruit is really tasty... and highly acidic. I "tested" one in a martini this evening.... simply outstanding. : - )

IF you can find a Santa Teresa Lemon... that would be preferable to a Lisbon. STL is slightly less productive, but its what they make limoncello from - the zest will take your dishes/cuisine to the next level.
kcandmilo
Original Author
7 years ago
Wow! Thanks! I don't usually have to worry about frost, except a few nights of the year, and I can find a protected place in the yard. The pink Eureka, esp if it is thornless too, sounds perfect!
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Here is my variegated pink eureka that's been in the ground for 3 years. It is thornless.

Variegated pink lemon tree · More Info

New blooms
Variegated pink lemon tree · More Info

What the fresh growth looks like

Variegated pink lemon tree · More Info

Evan
kcandmilo
Original Author
7 years ago
It's so lovely! Thank you for sharing those pics! I want one!

Oranges and lemons and limes, oh my! (a tale of woe)

evdesert 9B Indio, CA

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Oranges and lemons and limes, oh my! (a tale of woe)

evdesert 9B Indio, CA

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kcandmiloOriginal Author

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Silica

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