Hortiforum

General Info – Lemonade

A distinctive and delightful fusion of Lemon and Mandarin, the Lemonade, true to its name, yields fruits akin to a Lemon in appearance but with a sweet, Lemonade-like flavour.
Being recently discovered in the 1970s/1980s as a chance seedling in New Zealand, the Lemonade remains a rare Citrus variety, though its popularity is poised to surge as more individuals try the succulent, sweet but slightly acidic and largely seedless flesh. Confusing but delightfully delicious, Lemonade fruits are a delectable treat when consumed fresh, akin to an Orange, and can also be squeezed into a refreshing, healthy juice that surpasses traditional Lemonade.
A hybrid of various Citrus species, the Lemonade exhibits characteristic citrus foliage and blossoms. Its dense, dark-green, evergreen leaves maintain their attractiveness year-round, while the abundant appearance of creamy-white flowers scents gardens with a pleasant fragrance. Lemonade trees take on a compact form, typically staying under 4 metres when fully mature. Additionally, they are also available on dwarf rootstocks, making them ideal for container cultivation.
Lemonade trees like their Citrus relatives, exhibit resilience across a range of conditions, including cool temperatures, a trait inherited from both parent species. Lemonades are prolific bearers, often yielding multiple crops in a single year with the largest crop in Winter. Lemonade plants thrive in subtropical or warm temperate climates with moderate rainfall and slightly acidic, fertile soils. As with all Citrus plants, ensure they receive as much sunlight as possible, as this promotes both plant health, the development of a dense form and maximum cropping.
A peculiar and undercultivated hybrid Citrus species, given Citrus’ popularity and suitability across Australia these delightful fruits should be widely grown across the country.

Plant Profile/Properties