Lemons are a versatile citrus fruit grown across Mauritius, used in cooking, drinks, preserves, and traditional remedies. Lemon trees are hardy, productive, and well-suited to the Mauritian climate. They produce fruit almost year-round once mature.

Local names: Limon, Citron, Lemon

Months: September, October, November

Plant grafted saplings at the start of the warm season (September–November). Young trees need protection from strong cyclone winds.

• Soil type: Well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soil
• pH: 6.0–7.0
• Compost: Dig a large planting hole and mix with compost and bone meal. Good drainage is essential — citrus roots rot in wet soil.

• Seed type: Grafted saplings from a nursery (for faster fruiting and disease resistance)
• Spacing: 4–5 metres between trees
• Watering: Regular deep watering, 2 times per week. Reduce slightly in winter. Avoid wetting the trunk.
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Organic options:

• Compost
• Cow manure
• Citrus-specific organic feed
• Epsom salt (magnesium)

Chemical options:

• NPK 10-10-10 three times yearly
• Iron chelate if leaves yellow between veins

Citrus leaf miner

• Natural remedy: Neem oil spray on new growth flushes
• Chemical fallback: Abamectin

Scale insects

• Natural remedy: Horticultural oil spray and manual removal
• Chemical fallback: Imidacloprid

• Days to maturity: 2–3 years from planting for first fruit
• Indicators: Fruit turns fully yellow, feels heavy for its size, and gives slightly when squeezed.
• Yield tips: Prune to maintain an open canopy for light penetration. Remove water sprouts (vertical shoots) regularly.

• Duration: 2–4 weeks
• Temperature: Room temperature for 1 week, refrigerate for longer storage at 4–10°C
• Tips: Juice and freeze in ice cube trays for year-round use. Preserve as pickled lemons (a Mauritian tradition).