Ponderosa Lemon Tree

Citrus Limon ‘Ponderosa’

The ‘Five Pound Lemon’ The Ponderosa Lemon Tree is a gigantic citrus tree specimen with a very large, bumpy skinned lemon usually weighing 2-4 pounds. Some have renamed it as the ‘Five Pound Lemon’ . Intensely fragrant flowers producing loads of these huge lemons. Self-fertile. A real conversation piece.

Flavor is typical lemon-like. They are grown primarily for their curious size and shape, but also make excellent juice and are great for cooking. Plants rarely reach more than 6-8 feet in containers. An excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor citrus garden. The tree is small, (to 10 feet) and fairly thorny. The flavor is excellent and fruits can reach the size of a football.

The Ponderosa Lemon tree is frequently found in home gardens and conservatories throughout Florida, Texas and California. The fruits resemble a common lemon except that they are much, much larger. The fruits are very juicy and have many seeds.

Origin

The Ponderosa began as a chance seedling in 1886 as a seedling of an unknown source by George Bowman of Hagerstown, Maryland. It was first propagated under the name “American Wonder Lemon.” It is thought to be a natural cross between another type of citrus and a lemon, possibly Citron. It has been in home plantings since around 1900.

The Ponderosa Lemon tree is frequently found in home gardens and conservatories throughout Florida, Texas and California. The fruits resemble a common lemon except that they are much, much larger.

Uses

Fruits are eaten raw, used in making juices, desserts, and for flavoring.

Plant Cultivation

Small to medium sized tree, usually to 10-25ft high. Trees are somewhat sensitive to freezes and grow best in areas having only limited frosts and freezes. The Ponderosa Lemon tends to be slightly less hardy than other lemon varieties. Grows in conditions suitable for the average citrus, water frequently except during cold months. Fertilize 2-4 times per year. Can be container grown and was historically a common lemon grown indoors in temperate climates.Propagation: Commonly by grafting cuttings to various citrus rootstocks. Can also be propagated by seed which usually come true, or fairly close to their parent.