Lemon 'Eureka', Lemon 'Garey's Eureka', Citrus × limon 'Four Seasons', Citrus × limon 'Quatre Saisons', Citrus × limon 'Garey's Eureka'
Citrus x limon ‘Eureka’, commonly known as the Eureka Lemon, is one of the most widely grown and recognized lemon varieties in the world. Known for its year-round fruit production, zesty flavor, and vigorous growth, this true lemon cultivar is a staple in both commercial orchards and home gardens. With its bright yellow skin, tart juice, and classic lemon shape, the Eureka lemon is a quintessential citrus fruit prized for culinary, ornamental, and health benefits.
The Eureka lemon is a broadleaf evergreen citrus tree in the Rutaceae family, related to grapefruit, pomelo, clementine, mandarin, citron, calamansi, and Key lime. It produces medium to large, bright yellow fruits with textured skin and highly acidic, juicy flesh. The fruit has few to no seeds and is ideal for culinary use.
Originally developed in California from Italian lemon stock in the 1850s, the Eureka lemon quickly became one of the leading commercial lemon varieties in the U.S. It thrives in Mediterranean-type climates and is particularly popular in California, Arizona, and Australia.
Eureka lemon trees are upright and somewhat open in form. They are fast-growing and moderately thorny. Their prolific nature makes them one of the most productive lemon trees available, fruiting throughout the year, especially in spring and summer.
Eureka lemon trees typically grow 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) tall and 8–15 feet (2.5–4.5 meters) wide. In containers, they can be maintained at 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters).
The flowers are white and aromatic, often tinged with pink or purple in bud. They are borne singly or in small clusters and attract pollinators such as bees. Eureka lemons are self-fertile, so only one tree is needed for fruit production.
Eureka lemons flower and fruit almost continuously in warm climates, with peak production in spring and summer.
The fruit is oblong with a nipple-like end, thick-skinned, and bright yellow when ripe. It contains tart, highly acidic juice ideal for marinades, lemonade, dressings, and cleaning products. Eureka begins bearing fruit at a young age and is a heavy yielder.
Leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptic. They have a distinct lemon scent when crushed and form a dense canopy that adds ornamental appeal.
Best grown in USDA zones 9–11. Trees are sensitive to frost and should be protected or grown in containers in cooler zones.
Like other citrus trees, Eureka lemon leaves, peels, and oils may be toxic to pets. Use caution around cats and dogs.
Eureka lemons are low in calories but rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Their high acidity gives them strong antimicrobial properties, while the juice and zest are widely used in cooking and natural remedies.
Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 29 kcal | 1% |
Carbohydrates | 9.3 g | 3% |
Vitamin C | 53 mg | 59% |
Fiber | 2.8 g | 11% |
Potassium | 138 mg | 4% |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Full sun is essential—6 to 8 hours daily. Indoors, place near a south-facing window or supplement with grow lights.
Requires well-draining sandy loam with a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5). Avoid heavy clay or wet conditions.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Container plants need more frequent watering. While consistent moisture is important, avoid letting the soil become waterlogged; Eureka lemon trees are sensitive to root rot
Use a citrus fertilizer high in nitrogen with micronutrients like magnesium and zinc. Feed every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Prune in late winter to shape the tree, remove deadwood, and increase airflow. Remove any suckers from below the graft.
USDA zones 9–11. Protect from frost. In colder regions, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter.
Self-pollinating. Outdoor trees rely on bees, while indoor trees may benefit from hand-pollination.
Choose a large pot with drainage. Use citrus potting mix and repot every 2–3 years. Excellent for patios, balconies, and sunrooms.
Eureka lemons mature 6 to 9 months after flowering. They’re ready when fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Taste one if uncertain.
Seed-grown trees may take over 5 years to fruit and won’t be true to type. Use grafting or cuttings for best results.
Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from new growth, causing curling and yellowing of leaves. They also excrete sticky honeydew, promoting sooty mold.
Citrus Leafminers: Larvae that tunnel through young leaves, creating winding trails and reducing photosynthesis.
Spider Mites: Cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. Fine webbing may be visible under severe infestations.
Whiteflies: Tiny insects that gather on the undersides of leaves, excreting honeydew and weakening plants.
Scale Insects: Appear as immobile bumps on stems and leaves. Severe infestations can stunt growth and lead to branch dieback.
Mealybugs: Soft-bodied, cottony pests that damage plant tissue and attract ants.
Citrus Canker: Bacterial disease that causes raised, corky lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. Spread by wind and rain.
Greasy Spot: Fungal disease that creates yellowish-brown blisters on the underside of leaves. Leads to defoliation.
Sooty Mold: Black, powdery fungus that grows on honeydew from pests like aphids and whiteflies.
Root Rot (Phytophthora): Fungal infection caused by poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, dieback, and rotting roots.
Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing): A deadly bacterial disease transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid. Symptoms include yellow shoots, misshapen bitter fruit, and eventual tree death.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lemon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 4' - 20' (120cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lemon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 4' - 20' (120cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Citrus x limon ‘Eureka’ (Lemon) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Citrus x limon ‘Eureka’ (Lemon) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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