Eureka lemons are highly valued for their aromatic, oily rind, balanced sweet and sharp flavor, and consistency in size and appearance. The variety is often nicknamed the Four-Seasons Lemon by California growers as the trees will bear multiple crops year-round and have a thicker peel, allowing the fruits to be shipped long distances without damage. It is the most common of the lemon varieties around the world. Perfect as a feature tree in Mediterranean-style gardens or an ornamental in courtyards or on decks in a large pot. Eureka lemon trees thrive in Mediterranean-type climates, particularly in California, Arizona, and Australia. They are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in containers, especially in cooler climates.
Origin: California. It was discovered in Los Angeles in 1858, comes from seeds that were imported from Sicily, Italy, quickly becoming a leading commercial variety in the U.S. Vigour: strong, relatively upright growing evergreen tree can attain a mature height of around 5 metres. Its leaves are glossy green, large, leathery and aromatic, and borne on slightly drooping branches with very few thorns. Regular pruning will encourage a bushier growth habit at a height that’s much easier to trim and maintain. Rootstock: Cox hybrid, specifically developed for use with lemons, especially in colder areas Blossom: self-pollinating. White, sweetly scented flowers with a purple blush are produced in abundance at regular intervals throughout the year, ensuring that lemons are available almost all year round. Fruits: medium-sized, averaging 5 to 6 cm in diameter, oblong to elliptical shape with a bulbous, round center tapering at each end. The rind is moderately thick, clinging tightly to the flesh, bright yellow when ripe. The rind can be zested for flavoring. Flesh: greenish-yellow with plenty of highly acidic juice, either mostly seedless or containing a few seeds Flavor: the lemon’s juice, zest, and flesh are highly acidic, creating a sour, tart, and tangy taste balanced with a subtle sweetness Harvest season: produces fruit all year round, with the main crop in the late winter through early spring. The first fruits will appear at around the 3-year mark, with an increase in production with maturity. Yield: Eureka lemon trees are known for their consistent and abundant fruit production. Mature trees can yield a significant amount of lemons, with some sources reporting yields of up to 84 kg per tree. Disease resistance: Eureka lemons have shown varying levels of resistance to diseases, particularly citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) Frost resistance: tolerate frosts down to −5°C Planting and care: the lemon trees are best suited to areas with mild winters and moderate temperatures where frost is unlikely. Eureka lemons are known for their sensitivity to cold and frost. They thrive in warmer climates with consistent temperatures. To protect lemons from frost, measures like using cloths or blankets on cold nights are recommended. It's also advised to bring potted trees indoors before the first frost. The lemons require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily and protection from wind and frost to thrive. Eureka lemons are more susceptible to wind blemish and sunburn, especially when fruit is borne on the ends of branches. If frost damage occurs, it's recommended to allow the tree a few months to recover with the return of warm weather before pruning.
