An interesting specimen citrus tree is the dwarf Ponderosa lemon. What makes it so interesting? Read on to find out what a Ponderosa lemon is and all about Ponderosa lemon growing.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ponderosa lemons derive from a chance seedling discovered in the 1880s and are most likely a hybrid of a citron and a lemon. They were named and launched into commercial nurseries in 1900. The fruit of the dwarf Ponderosa lemon looks much like that of citron. It bears large, grapefruit sized, pale green fruit with a thick, furrowed rind. While the fruit is juicy, it is extremely acidic.
Blooming and fruiting occur year-round. As its name indicates, the tree is small, round at the top with medium-sized branches upon which hang large, elliptical leaves. Usually grown as an ornamental, although the fruit can be used in place of lemon, the Ponderosa has purple-tinged flowers. Like all lemon trees or hybrids, Ponderosa lemons are very cold-sensitive and frost-tender. Ponderosa lemon growing should only occur in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 or indoors with additional light.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Ponderosa Lemon Trees require full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production.
Watering
Container-grown lemon trees such as a Ponderosa Lemon tree needs more water than those planted outside. In the spring, water two to three times a week. In the summer, as temperatures rise, your container-grown lemon tree may need to be watered daily. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. A good indication of when you should water is to check the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. If it is dry to the touch, your Ponderosa lemon tree needs watering. Houses generally don’t have the humidity lemon trees need to grow and bear fruit. Mist or spray your lemon tree several times a week with a spray bottle.
Fertilizing
Feed the indoor ‘Ponderosa’ a liquid fertilizer for indoor citrus twice monthly while it is actively growing. Cut back to once each month during fall and winter. Follow the packaging instructions for proper dilutions.
Planting Instructions
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep
- Loosen the roots and plant the tree at the same level it was in the pot
- Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down to remove air pockets
- Water the tree thoroughly
Pruning
Prune your indoor ‘Ponderosa’ lemon tree in early spring before new growth emerges. Use clean, sharp shears to remove any branches that cross each other or rub together to open up the canopy and create a strong scaffold. This allows for good air circulation.
Cut the branches all the way back to the originating limbs. Snip canopy tips back by several inches to control overall growth. Prune off any vegetation that appears on the tree’s trunk below its lowest branches at any time of the year. Trim out dead or damaged branches whenever you see them and snip off long or unattractive tips to shape the plant throughout the year.
Potting and Repotting
Transfer the ‘Ponderosa’ lemon tree to a pot one size larger than the growing container to cultivate the plant indoors in areas cooler than USDA zone 9. Clay is a good choice for citrus as it helps good drainage and allows for root aeration. Create a potting mix of equal parts peat moss or organic compost, perlite and sterile potting soil. Plant the tree at the same soil level it was in the growing container. Allow about 1 inch between the top of the pot and the soil surface for watering.
Winter Care
Protect your “Ponderosa” lemon tree from freezing, which can kill this tender citrus plant, by wrapping the trunk from the lowest limbs to the ground with several layers of cardboard just before the first expected frost for your area. Secure the cardboard with duct tape. Leave the wrap in place until all danger of frost has passed in your region.
Drape old blankets over the tree. Arrange them so the plant is covered from top to ground level so that no warm air can escape. Remove the drape when temperatures rise above freezing and replace it when frost threatens again. Hang outdoor holiday lights throughout the tree’s branches during freezing periods.
Mulching
Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch, such as compost, leaves, pine needles, grass clippings or hay, to the planting area. Mulch helps retain moisture and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Pull the material about 12 inches away from the trunk to avoid attracting pests and diseases. Extend the mulch to the drip line, or edge of the canopy to keep the area free or weeds and grass that compete with the tree for nutrients. Add a new layer of mulch each spring.
Pests and Diseases
‘Ponderosa’ lemon trees may attract aphids or scale insects. Blast outdoor pests from the trunk and foliage with a strong spray from the garden hose. Treat indoor and outdoor lemon trees with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil if you have an infestation of insects. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Ponderosa Lemon Tree (Citrus x limon ‘Ponderosa’) is a unique and versatile citrus tree that produces large, flavorful fruits that can weigh up to two pounds each. This tree can be grown as a small ornamental tree, as well as a productive fruiting tree. Its large lemons are ideal for use in cooking and for making delicious lemonade. The Ponderosa Lemon Tree is also drought tolerant and a sturdy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases.
