Lemon Tree Cost

Last Updated on September 13, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The origins of lemon are shrouded in mystery, but some sources say it is brought from India. Like most citrus fruits, lemon branches have spikes; the leaves are elliptical, sharp, dark green on the top and lighter on the bottom. The flowers are white, with purple hues. The lemon fruit has yellow skin, and the amount of seeds depends on the variety (some, such as Armstrong lemons, have no seeds at all).

Lemon is grown in warm areas around the world. As a pot plant, lemon is very attractive. It grows very well at high temperatures and in sunny places. Lemon needs a lot of heat, being sensitive to low temperatures. The optimum temperature for vegetative growth is 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Lemon begins to grow when the air temperature is 50 – 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil temperature is 51.8 – 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the California Department of Agriculture, lemon trees are most commonly found in Florida and California. The cost will depend on several factors such as size, location, nursery.

How much does a lemon tree cost?

There are all different types of lemon trees you can buy, and their prices range from $35 to as much as $100. A Dwarf Meyer Five Gallon is a popular choice that retails for about $65 depending on its size. For example, LemonCitrusTree.com sells three-year-old or four-year-old ones for $70 each.

A dwarf lemon tree suitable for growing indoors can cost anywhere from $12 to $55. For example, the three-gallon dwarf lemon tree at Lowe’s costs about $48.

If you want to own a lemon tree, the Ponderosa Lemon Tree is one of your options. A three-year-old tree costs about $55.

Seeds for lemon trees can cost $2.5 to $7 per pack, with packets of seeds typically containing 10-20 seeds.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Japanese Maple trees, bamboo plants, or Cacti.

Mature trees can vary in price, depending on height and nursery. A five-foot tree may cost between $135 to $320.

Lemon tree varieties

There are two main types of lemons – sour and sweet. Acid types are those found on the market; sweet ones, such as Meyer lemons, are grown by gardeners as ornamental fruits. Acidic lemons are divided into two important varieties: Eureka and Lisbon – the two differ somewhat in size, shape, and thickness of the shell but are generally the same.

Eureka

This Californian variety is now cultivated in many regions of the world because it bears fruit abundantly all year round, the greatest harvest being in winter. Its fruits are the most common in the supermarket. It has oval fruits, has few seeds, the skin is thicker, contains a lot of juice, and the characteristic tip of lemons is smaller.

Lisbon

Its origins are in Portugal. Its fruits are much thicker, have almost no seeds, and the skin is thinner. They contain a little more juice than Eureka. It tolerates temperature variations very well.

Meyer

They are also widespread, but they are not really 100% lemons, but a cross between orange and lemon. The Meyer lemon is a smaller tree, reaching a maximum of 8 feet. Fruit juice contains less acid than other lemon varieties.

Lunario

This variety is grown as a solitary or potted ornamental plant in Tuscany and southern France. After the main flowering period, in spring, this variety produces flowers and fruits throughout the year. For its fruits, the variety is important in parts of southern Italy and the North African Mediterranean states.

Ponderosa

It is a dwarf variety with large flowers and fruits.

Pink lemon

The Pink Lemon tree produces a lemon that is beautiful to look at due to its pinkish hues.

What are the extra costs?

To keep the lemon tree healthy, fertilizer should be applied three times a year. A good citrus-specific fertilizer will cost about $13 and can be purchased at almost any garden store.

Pruning the lemon tree at least once a year is recommended. It may be worth hiring someone with experience if your lemon tree grows too tall and you’re unable to do this yourself.

If you order a mature tree online, shipping charges may apply. However, there is also the possibility for local delivery to result in additional surcharges if your address falls within certain areas where it might be difficult for the truck drivers to access.

Important things to consider

The lemon tree will be packaged in a five-gallon container. The recommended Ph level of the soil is 6.5 to 7, so you can take it out and plant it immediately after purchase if the soil respect this condition.

If your lemon tree is exposed to any frost, it can be very dangerous. Growing a lemon tree might not work for you if you live in an area where the temperature ever dips below 30 degrees Fahrenheit because they need lots of sunlight and warmth to grow properly.

To get the most out of your lemon tree, consider adding lime to its soil before planting. The soil should also be well-drained since it’s an important part of ensuring that there aren’t any issues with fungus or other plant diseases later on down the road.

Gardeners recommend that it is best to pluck all fruit off for the first two years of a lemon tree’s life to ensure future crops. This isn’t a must if you’re buying an already mature tree from a nursery. The same can be said about hybrid trees, too: no need to remove their fruits.

The recommended hardiness zones by USDA for planting a lemon tree are nine to eleven.

How can I save money?

Find out what your local nurseries have to offer before buying a lemon tree online. It is much easier and more convenient, plus you will be able to talk face-to-face with someone who works there about the best type of climate for growing lemons.

If you purchase more than one tree, they will likely have a discount for bulk orders. If this is the case, it may be worth your time to buy them together if possible.