Q.
I am writing regarding the purchase and planting of a ‘Eureka’ lemon tree. Of
main concern to me is where to plant the tree, where to purchase the tree, what
sized tree should I purchase, how often should it be watered and fertilized, and
how big should I make the planting hole?
 |
| Meyer lemon tree growing in a container in Las Vegas. |
A. a ‘Eureka’
lemon is not a preferred lemon for our area due to its low tolerance of our colder winter temperatures.
Meyer lemon begins its cold winter damage at about 25F or a bit less, but ‘Eureka’
lemon starts getting damage at freezing (32F). That’s a 7°F difference in cold
tolerance not even considering wind damage! ‘Meyer Lemon’ is not a true lemon
like ‘Eureka’, but the flavor is very close.
.JPG) |
| Eureka lemon in Las Vegas |
If freezing weather threatens, wheel
the tree and container into the garage until the freezing temperature is over
then wheel it back out. You can try covering it with a frost blanket. This
gives the tree about 5°F of added protection (to about 27°F depending on the
wind). You can try Christmas tree lights that radiate heat (it may help a few
degrees) but again it depends on the wind.
 |
| Large unknown lemon grown in Lake Havasu, AZ. |
The rest of the information you
asked about is the same regardless of the variety. Depending on which variety
you want, you may have to purchase it from an online nursery. Select an average
sized tree, about 5 gallons in size, and plant it in the warmest microclimate you
can find surrounding your house (usually it’s on the south or west side). Amend
the soil with compost at planting time and dig the planting hole three times
the width of the roots. Plant it 8 to 5 feet from a warm wall and protect it
from the wind. Stake it for at least one year if it is a 5-gallon size or
larger. Plant wet. Cover the soil with woodchips when finished. Protect it from
rabbits.