How to Grow Lemon Tree in New Zealand

Plant citrus in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sheltered sunny spot out of cold wind. Meyer copes best with frost while true lemons want warmer northern gardens. Feed with citrus fertiliser in spring and late summer.

When to plant lemon tree in New Zealand

Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:

Best lemon tree varieties for NZ

• Meyer — The hardiest citrus in New Zealand and the standard backyard lemon, near year-round fruit, more cold-tolerant than true lemons. (Kings Plant Barn)
• Yen Ben — True Lisbon-type lemon, the main commercial variety, smooth thin skin and few seeds, often on trifoliata rootstock. (Waimea Nurseries)
• Lisbon — Vigorous, productive true lemon with good cold tolerance, thorny but reliable. (Kings Plant Barn, Oderings)

How to grow lemon tree

• Space plants about 300cm apart.
• Sow seed around 30cm deep.
• Position: full sun.
• Ready to harvest in roughly 730 days.
• Seeds germinate in about 1 days.

Companion planting

Grow lemon tree near: Comfrey.

Pests and problems

Watch for: Guava moth, Citrus leaf miner, Scale, Verrucosis (lemon scab). See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.