Lemon Aid

Lemon trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing an abundance of healthy and delicious fruit for our kitchens

- JANE GRIFFITHS

Lemons grow in most gardens in South Africa except for those where the temperatures drop below -5°C. In these areas, grow them in containers and move them to a warm, sheltered area during winter.

Varieties

Ideal for small gardens is the hardy Meyer. Its round fruit has juicy, dark-yellow flesh that's sweeter than most lemons. The Eureka, which tolerates mild frost, has oval, tart fruit with a nipple on the flower end and roughish, light-yellow skin. Very similar to the Eureka, the hardier, thornier Lisbon's fruit has smoother, thinner skin.

The oldest variety in South Africa is the Cape rough skin. Brought from St Helena, it was planted in the Cape Town Gardens in 1654. A very hardy lemon, its oval fruit has thick, bumpy skin. The sweet yet tart flesh is ideal for lemonade.

Planting