Lemons absolutely can grow in Florida, but the state’s commercial lemon industry is nearly non-existent today. Florida’s climate is highly suitable for citrus, but specific environmental and biological challenges have made large-scale lemon cultivation uneconomical. The agricultural focus shifted long ago to oranges, grapefruits, and limes, which proved more profitable and better adapted to the region’s unique growing conditions.
The Historical Presence and Current Commercial Status of Florida Lemons
Lemons have a long history in Florida, introduced by Spanish explorers as early as the 16th century. Early commercial efforts found success, particularly with the ‘Bearss’ lemon. However, commercial acreage has been dramatically reduced. California and Arizona are now the dominant U.S. lemon producers, with Florida contributing only a minimal amount, often less than 600 acres statewide.
The primary reason for this commercial abandonment is the combination of environmental factors and incurable diseases. Periodic freezes made sustained production difficult for cold-sensitive lemon trees. More damaging was the onset of two major bacterial diseases that have ravaged the state’s entire citrus industry.
Citrus canker creates lesions on the fruit, leaves, and stems, making the fruit unsuitable for fresh market sale. A mandatory eradication program resulted in the destruction of millions of trees. Following this, citrus greening (HLB) arrived, a severe bacterial disease spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect.
The HLB bacteria causes trees to produce small, misshapen, and bitter fruit, leading to tree decline and eventual death. Managing these diseases is difficult in Florida’s humid climate, making large-scale lemon cultivation economically unfeasible compared to production in the drier, more temperate western United States.
Distinguishing Lemons from Florida’s Limes
Many observers confuse lemons and limes, especially given Florida’s historical association with the tropical lime. Botanically, the two fruits have distinct differences. Limes, such as the Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and the commercial Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia), are highly tropical and prefer the consistent warmth of South Florida.
Lemons (Citrus limon) are slightly more cold-tolerant, but commercially prefer a climate with a cooler, drier winter, which is less common in Florida. Lemons are typically oval or elliptical in shape with a thick, bumpy rind, reaching a bright yellow color when mature.
Limes are generally smaller, rounder, and possess a smoother, thinner rind. While commercial Persian Limes are sold green, the native Key Lime turns yellow-green when fully ripe, sometimes causing confusion. This distinction explains why hardier lime varieties were historically more successful in the state’s humid, tropical environment.
Practical Tips for Growing Lemons in Florida
For the home gardener, growing lemons in Florida is rewarding but requires specific attention. The most popular choice for backyard cultivation is the ‘Improved Meyer Lemon,’ a hybrid cross between a lemon and a sweet orange or mandarin. This variety is preferred because it is more cold-tolerant and produces a sweeter, less acidic fruit than traditional lemons.
Site and Soil Requirements
Lemon trees thrive best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be well-draining, ideally a loamy or sandy mixture, to prevent root rot common in Florida’s high-rainfall environment. The ideal soil pH for lemon trees is slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Cold Protection and Watering
Protection from cold is necessary, especially for young trees, as lemon wood can be damaged by temperatures below 20°F. Growers in Central and North Florida often cultivate trees in large containers, allowing them to be moved indoors during cold snaps. Consistent watering is necessary, keeping the soil moist but never soggy. Deep watering every one to two weeks is sufficient during dry periods.
Disease Management
To manage the threat of diseases like citrus canker and greening, purchase trees only from certified, state-registered nurseries. Home growers must maintain tree health through regular, citrus-specific fertilization, which provides necessary micronutrients often lacking in Florida soils. Pruning to ensure good air circulation within the canopy helps manage pests like the Asian citrus psyllid, reducing disease transmission.