Have you ever heard of the sweet lemons? It is a citrus variety that has a long tradition in our country, but has gradually fallen into oblivion. So much so that today, few devote themselves to its cultivation.
However, the lemon tree that bears this fruit is easy to care for and you can incorporate it in an orchard as well as in a garden. In fact, it’s one of those ideal trees to plant in a pot, so you can put it in any corner of your home. Let’s get to know him a little better!
What exactly is sweet lemon?
It’s a fairly generic term that we use to refer to citrus hybrids with low acidity pulp. Said in a much simpler way, to talk about lemons that do not meet the most remarkable characteristic of this fruit: being acidic.
With them, it’s the opposite of what you’d expect when you open a lemon, because its flesh turns out to be sweet. The ideal is therefore take it as if it were any other fruit. And we will not be able to apply it to other uses that we give to sour lemon, such as using it to season salads or other types of dishes.
Its texture is also somewhat different from that provided by the classic lemon, so trying it turns out to be an experience for the senses.
A species in danger of extinction
The history of sweet lemons in Spain is not entirely clear. This variety is known to have been introduced to the peninsula by the Muslims between the 10th and 12th centuries. Historical references to this fruit were found in the 18th century, but since then it has been forgotten.
In the Guadalhorce Valley up to three varieties of sweet lemon lemon trees are grownbut the production does not reach the distribution chain, because it is not a demanded fruit in our country.
To this day, those who grow this tree do so more to maintain tradition than because they really get something out of it.
Internationally, this fruit has not had better luck either. There is sweet lemon plant known as Ujukitsu, native to Japan (it is a hybrid between grapefruit and tangerine), and its fruit came to be known in the United States as “lemonade fruit”because of its sweet taste.
In the United States, this variety was propagated by the USDA Rio Farm, but the center was closed in the early 1980s and the sweet lemons fell out of favor.
Characteristics of sweet lemons
It is a tree that It can reach up to 8 meters in height, although the Ujukitsu variety we were talking about earlier is more of a plant type and measures between 0.5 and 1 meter. However, even its greatest variety, It can be grown to a reduced size if proper pruning is done.
It is a tree that is characterized by having a cdense opa formed by irregular branches. Its bark is a white wood with a grayish color, and care must be taken as the tree has hard thorns.
In the spring there are a few white flowers about three centimeters wide which stand out for their good aroma. From them, the formation of the fruit will take place, which ripens between autumn and winter in places with warm temperatures.
As for the fruit, it has a shape reminiscent of a pear. With thicker and more wrinkled skin than that of a sour lemon.
Planting and caring for sweet lemons
This tree can be planted by seed, but it is also possible graft one of its branches into another lemon tree. In any case, the care that must be provided is very similar to that required by any other citrus tree.
the lemon tree prefer warm temperatures and likes to receive direct sun for at least six hours a day.
It can be planted directly in the ground, although to control its growth it is best to put it in a large pot.
An important fact to remember is that you can have sweet lemons indoors if you live in a cold region. Of course, try to place the pots in a place where the plants get all the natural light they need to grow.
He the soil should be well drained, because this tree does not tolerate root waterlogging and could begin to rot. In case you have it in a pot, make sure that the holes it has are enough to drain all the excess water.
Irrigation and fertilization
Regarding the frequency of watering, in spring and summer it is necessary to water frequently, three to four times a week. But remember what we said about floods. It is better to irrigate more days, providing a moderate amount of water each time, than to water less frequently and providing significantly more water with each irrigation.
In fall and winter, if you are in an area that receives regular rainfall, you can let the tree continue its normal life cycle with just that water. However, if you see that it is not raining, water it once in a while even if it is in the middle of winter.
A little fertilizer will make your sweet lemons even prettier and bear more fruit. In this case, just fertilize three times a year: in spring, summer and autumn. The amount depends on the condition of the tree, but make sure it is nutrient-rich compost.
If you take good care of this plant, you will have a tree in your home that will give you a fruit that will surprise you with its flavor and multiple beneficial properties. I assure you that you will not be able to resist the charm of the sweet lemons. Are you lucky enough to have one in your home? Tell us in the comments!