The Citrus hybrid ‘Lemonade Dwarf’ is a fascinating and highly desirable backyard citrus tree. It is grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, keeping it at a manageable height of 1.5 to 2 metres, making it perfect for container gardening and small spaces. This variety produces round to oval fruit that looks and smells exactly like a regular lemon, but with a surprising difference: the flavour is significantly milder and sweeter, with very low acidity. The fruit can often be peeled and eaten fresh, much like an orange or mandarin, without pulling a face, or it can be juiced to make a naturally sweet lemonade. The tree has a relatively low number of thorns and provides year-round interest with fragrant flowers and colourful fruit.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the best fruit production and flavour development. Protect it from heavy winds.
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Climate: Best suited to Warm Temperate and Subtropical climates. Young plants need protection from heavy or prolonged frost.
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Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. If growing in a pot, use a high-quality, well-draining citrus and fruit mix.
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Watering: Water regularly and deeply, especially when the tree is flowering and the fruit is swelling. Consistent moisture helps ensure the fruit is juicy and prevents fruit drop.
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Fertilising: As a heavy feeder, use a slow-release fertiliser specifically formulated for citrus (high in nitrogen) in early spring, mid-summer, and early autumn. Potted plants should be fed more frequently.
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Pruning: Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any unproductive or crossing branches. Remove any growth appearing below the graft union immediately.
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Harvest: Fruit can be harvested mostly in autumn and winter, but the tree often has fruit at various stages throughout the year.
