A lemon tree (Citrus x limon) is a total showstopper once it starts sporting fruit. But let’s be real—the best part of growing one is actually getting to harvest those homegrown lemons! When exactly that happens, though, is pretty much up to the tree.
When does the harvest actually start?
In our neck of the woods, the age at which a lemon tree starts producing can vary wildly. If you’re growing a citrus plant from a seed, pack your patience—it can take up to twelve years before you see your first fruit.
If you buy a young tree from a nursery, you’ll be harvesting much sooner as long as you give it some TLC. A tree that’s already 4 to 6 inches tall when you buy it often only needs a year or two to start producing. Others might take a little longer to settle in.
If your new tree already has lemons on it when you bring it home, try to ask the seller when they’ll be ready. If they aren’t sure:
- Leave the fruit on the tree for a little while longer, and
- Pick one lemon as a “test subject” to check for ripeness.
Don’t let the color fool you—for most varieties, a yellow peel doesn’t necessarily mean the fruit is ready to pick!
When are the lemons actually ripe?
Once your tree starts developing fruit, it generally takes:
- Between six and nine months
- For the lemons to fully ripen.
However, things can move a lot faster if your tree gets a prime spot in full sun on a south-facing balcony starting in mid-May. If the location, care, and weather all align perfectly, you could find yourself harvesting lemons all summer long.
Should I be worried if…
…the tree has flowers and fruit at the same time?
Not at all! Most lemon trees you’ll find at the garden center are “Four Seasons” lemons. These guys are famous for blooming and fruiting simultaneously. It’s totally normal and actually looks pretty cool.
…the tree is dropping its blossoms or small fruit?
Since we have to grow lemon trees in pots here, their resources are a bit more limited compared to trees planted in the ground. Sometimes, the tree will drop flowers or tiny “baby” lemons to focus its energy on the strongest fruit. Think of it as the tree’s way of saying “quality over quantity!”
If the tree drops a full-sized, ripe lemon, go ahead and use it! Just make sure to clear any tiny, shriveled lemons out of the pot to keep things tidy.
