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

Searching for the best lemon tree variety for your garden or backyard orchard? With New Zealand’s climate ranging from subtropical Northland to cooler southern regions, choosing the right lemon is essential for bountiful harvests and years of fresh, tangy fruit. Whether you want a robust producer, a more ornamental option, or a lemon tree that thrives in pots, there’s a variety perfect for your needs. Below, we guide you through the top lemon tree varieties, their unique traits, and which is the best fit for home gardeners in Aotearoa.

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 a Lemon Tree Variety “The Best”?

When determining the best lemon tree variety, consider fruiting reliability, taste, cold tolerance, growth habit, and how long you’re happy to wait for the first harvest. Some types fruit nearly year-round, while others offer hardier growth or a distinctive flavour. Selecting the right variety guarantees not just an abundance of lemons for years to come, but a tree that’s healthy and thriving in your specific conditions.

Top Lemon Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Lemon 'Meyer'

If you’re after a lemon famed for its sweet, less acidic flavour and all-year cropping habit, the Lemon 'Meyer' is a top choice. Originating from China, this variety is prized for its ability to cope with cooler temperatures and smaller spaces. Its thin skin and juicy fruit make it incredibly popular for backyard growers and container gardening. Many Kiwis rate the Meyer as the best lemon tree variety for family gardens.

Lemon 'Yen Ben'

For those wanting a true “larder lemon”, the Lemon 'Yen Ben' is an excellent selection. Similar in appearance and taste to the classic Lisbon lemon, Yen Ben yields consistently through late winter into spring, producing large crops of high-quality, tangy fruit. It’s an ideal pick for home preserves, baking, and as a kitchen staple.

Lemon 'Lemonade'

Looking for something a little different? The refreshing Lemon 'Lemonade' variety offers fruit that’s sweeter and less tart than traditional lemons, with a crisp, clean taste. Great for snacking straight off the tree, this easy-to-grow lemon combines ornamental appeal with generous crops, making it perfect for families and culinary explorers.

Lemon 'Genoa'

The Lemon 'Genoa' is renowned for its ability to set fruit in cooler regions and deliver consistently through most of the year. Similar to the Eureka lemon, the Genoa boasts plentiful yields of medium-sized, aromatic lemons. Its vigorous growth makes it a firm favourite among those wanting the best lemon tree variety for both yield and resilience.

Lemon 'Ponderosa'

If you have space and want a conversation piece, the Lemon 'Ponderosa' offers gigantic fruit with thick, bumpy rinds and intense aroma. While not as commercially grown, it’s popular among keen gardeners seeking something unique.

Which Lemon is Right For You?

Selecting the best lemon tree variety depends on your local climate, the space you have, and the flavours you enjoy. Meyer and Yen Ben are reliable for most urban and rural gardens, while Lemonade and Ponderosa offer something a little different. Genoa is particularly robust in areas with occasional frosts.

Ready to plant your own? Our team is here to help you find the best lemon tree variety to suit your home and provide years of delicious, sun-ripened fruit. Explore our full range and start your citrus adventure today.

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 variety

Lemon 'Lemonade'

Lemon 'Meyer'

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What Makes a Lemon Tree Variety “The Best”?