There’s nothing quite like the vibe of a lemon tree loaded with fruit sitting on your patio or balcony. It’s a total showstopper! However, if you’ve ever tried growing one from a seed, you know it takes *forever* to actually see any fruit. That’s why most of us opt for buying a pre-grown tree. It’s instant gratification, but that luxury definitely comes with a price tag.
What Affects the Price?
How much you’ll shell out for a potted lemon tree (botanical name: *Citrus x limon*) depends on a few key factors:
- Overall size and height
- The specific variety
- Whether it’s already bearing fruit
Where you shop makes a big difference, too. You can usually snag a deal at big-box home improvement stores or discount retailers, whereas specialized nurseries or high-end garden centers will charge a premium for their expertise and plant quality.
Average Price Points
- 4 to 4.5 feet tall (including pot): approx. $65 (Home improvement store)
- 2 feet tall (including pot; no fruit): approx. $25 (Home improvement store)
- 1.5 to 2 feet tall (including pot; flowers only): $55
- 4 to 8 inches tall (starter plant; no flowers/fruit): approx. $10 (Discount store)
- 15-inch trunk height (often with flowers and/or fruit): approx. $85
Price Breakdown by Variety
“Amalfi” Lemon
- Semi-standard (12-inch trunk): around $45
- Semi-standard (24-inch trunk): approx. $60
- Bushy growth (28 inches including pot, with fruit sets): approx. $45 (Home improvement store)
“Carrubaro” Lemon
- 30 inches tall: $35 to $45
“Lunario” (Four Seasons) Lemon
- Semi-standard (12-inch trunk): $35
- Semi-standard (15-inch trunk): just under $65
- Standard/High-stem (24-inch trunk): around $90
“Meyer” Lemon
- Semi-standard (12-inch trunk): $35 to $45
- Standard/High-stem (24-inch trunk): around $100
“Portoghese” Lemon
- 15 inches tall: roughly $35
Pro Tips for Your Purchase
- Before you head to the checkout, give the tree a good once-over to make sure it’s healthy. If you see yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of disease or nutrient issues.
- Don’t wait until the heat of summer to go shopping. The best-looking trees get snatched up early in the spring! The only reason to wait is if you’re hunting for a clearance bargain at the end of the season.
- If the tree already has fruit, check that the lemons look firm and healthy—you don’t want to bring home a tree with overripe or rotting fruit.
