Grow One Citrus Tree Variety For The Biggest Lemons You've Probably Ever Seen

You know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when life gives you Ponderosa lemons, make a giant batch of the beverage — or consider keeping them as an ornamental to impress your friends. These lemons were originally known as "American Wonder Lemons" due to their size. Later, they were renamed Ponderosa, which means "massive" in Spanish. They are an extremely large variety of citrus fruit and can grow up to the size of a grapefruit, weighing up to 5 pounds. For comparison, the average lemon at your local supermarket is likely an Eureka or Lisbon lemon, which normally weighs a few ounces. If you want your own giant lemons, discover how to grow a Ponderosa tree (Citrus × pyriformis) in your backyard.

Not only are Ponderosa lemons exceptionally large, but they're also eye-catching with their thick, bumpy yellow rinds, which are preceded by fragrant white flowers. For both of these reasons, Ponderosa lemon trees are favored for decoration. Furthermore, in ideal conditions, they can produce fruit year-round, and the lemons can remain on the tree for months without going bad. Thought to be a hybrid of a lemon and a citron, Ponderosas are similar in flavor and zest to traditional lemons. However, before you plant this lemon tree, be aware of this prickly downside — they do have thorns.

Ponderosa lemon trees can grow up to 24 feet tall when planted outside. However, they are cold- and frost-sensitive, so they should only be grown in warm climates outdoors (USDA zones 9 to 11). Just like other varieties, you can also grow this citrus tree indoors, generally with the help of grow lights. Indoors, the plant will thrive in temperatures between about 65 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level between 30% and 50%. You can also put the plant outside during warmer months and move it inside once it's colder. Wherever you decide to grow your Ponderosa tree, remember that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight, with eight being optimal.

While Ponderosa lemon trees can, in theory, be grown from seed, it may take many years for them to bear fruit. To have them bear fruit faster, most people purchase the trees from a greenhouse or trusted purveyor of plants. When doing so, use a pot that is one size bigger than the one the plant came in, and use a potting mix that's made of peat moss, compost, perlite, and potting soil. Clay pots are preferable, as they allow the roots to breathe and the soil to dry out evenly. When it comes to watering, soil should be moist but not saturated. A general rule of thumb is to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Indoor Ponderosa trees typically need to be misted, as indoor humidity is usually insufficient for growth and fruiting.