Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best lemon tree

Looking for the best lemon tree to add bright flavour and vibrant colour to your New Zealand garden? Choosing the right variety can make all the difference in fruit quality, yield, and suitability to our local climate. Whether you want steady fruit all year round, reliable cold tolerance, or lemons for squeezing and baking, there’s a perfect lemon tree for everyone. Explore our recommended varieties below to find the best lemon tree for your home orchard or backyard.

Yellow 'Lemonade' Lemon fruit on a tree.

Lemon 'Lemonade'

The ‘Lemonade’ Lemon is a unique citrus variety producing sweet, refreshing fruit that can be eaten straight from the tree. Its flavour is reminiscent of lemonade without the added sugar, making it a healthy and delicious treat. The medium-sized fruit has smooth yellow skin and juicy flesh, perfect for juicing, salads, or fresh snacking. The tree is hardy, evergreen, and productive, offering both ornamental beauty and a generous harvest in most NZ gardens.

Buy Lemon 'Lemonade'

From $229.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Citrus

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern

Lemon 'Meyer'

The ‘Meyer’ Lemon is a much-loved citrus variety known for its sweeter, less acidic flavour compared to standard lemons. The thin-skinned fruit is highly juicy and perfect for cooking, baking, drinks, and preserves. This compact evergreen tree has glossy green foliage, fragrant blossoms, and produces prolifically, often fruiting year-round in warmer areas. Hardy and easy to grow in most NZ climates, ‘Meyer’ Lemon is ideal for both gardens and containers, bringing beauty and productivity to any outdoor space.

Buy Lemon 'Meyer'

From $29.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Citrus

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Screening

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern

What Makes the Best Lemon Tree?

When searching for the best lemon tree, it pays to consider your personal needs and garden conditions. Some gardeners want sweet, easy-to-eat fruit, while others are after classic tart lemons for drinks and dishes. Factors such as tree size, fruiting season, and disease resistance are also key. The best lemon tree will match your climate, available space, and taste preferences, ensuring years of healthy harvests.

Top Lemon Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Lemon 'Meyer'

If you’re seeking the most popular and widely adapted lemon, Lemon 'Meyer' is a standout choice. Revered for its mild, sweet-tart flavour, the Meyer lemon produces smooth, golden fruit nearly year-round in mild areas. Compact and self-pollinating, Lemon 'Meyer' tolerates cooler temperatures better than many other types, making it a favourite for both container growing and small spaces. The thin skin and juicy interior make it perfect for drinks, desserts, and marmalades.

Lemon 'Yen Ben'

Serious lemon lovers often claim Lemon 'Yen Ben' is the best lemon tree for classic lemon zing. With its high juice content, virtually seedless fruit, and long cropping period, the Lemon 'Yen Ben' has become a staple in home orchards and commercial growers alike. Its upright growth habit and generous yields mean you’ll always have citrus on hand when the season’s right.

Lemon 'Lemonade'

For those who prefer a sweeter, less acidic fruit, Lemon 'Lemonade' delivers on taste and uniqueness. A relatively new variety, Lemon 'Lemonade' produces pale yellow lemons that can be eaten fresh, straight off the tree. The fruit’s subtle sweetness means you can slice it into salads or simply enjoy as a refreshing snack.

Lemon 'Genoa'

Growers in cooler southern regions will appreciate Lemon 'Genoa', a robust variety known for its hardiness. With a classic tart lemon flavour, Lemon 'Genoa' bears generous crops of medium-sized, thick-skinned fruit through late winter and early spring.

Lemon 'Ponderosa'

If you love novelty and size, Lemon 'Ponderosa' is an impressive candidate for the title of best lemon tree. Noted for its giant, bumpy-skinned lemons, Lemon 'Ponderosa' offers both conversation-starting appearance and abundant juice for home use.

Choosing and Growing Your Lemon Tree

Once you’ve chosen the best lemon tree for your space and needs, plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Regular watering, feeding with citrus fertiliser, and mulching will help your tree stay healthy and productive. With the right care, your lemon tree can supply you with fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit for years to come. Explore the full range of lemons at your local nursery to discover which variety is truly the best lemon tree for you.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

best lemon tree

Lemon 'Lemonade'

Lemon 'Meyer'

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What Makes the Best Lemon Tree?