Thinking About a Lemon?

Lemons are one of the best crops to grow in San Francisco’s climate—and for that reason, Just One Tree’s first goal is to help San Francisco become self-sufficient in lemon trees.

Are you ready to have your very own lemon tree? Or, if you prefer to have another fruit tree in your yard, check out for our Delicious Dozen list in our resources section for ideas on 11 other fruit trees that grow well in San Francisco.  Every tree counts to improve San Francisco’s crop self-reliance!

Purchase a discounted tree

Cole Hardware is offering a 10% discount on 2 gallon lemon trees for JOT campaign participants. Thank you Cole Hardware!

Review this check list to determine if you’re a good candidate for a lemon tree:

  • Do you have 6-10 feet of vertical space for planting in your yard? OR Do you have 3-5 feet of vertical space for planting in a pot, indoors or outdoors?
  • Does your location receive at least 4 hours of sunlight a day?
  • Are you willing to water once a week and fertilize your tree 3 times a year? (Check out the Everything Lemon page for more care instructions).

Planting a tree

Here’s what you need to know and where you need to go to get your very own Lemon tree (we recommend Improved Meyer Lemon).

Most citrus attain a height of only 3-5 feet when grown in pots. All varieties of lemons are self-fertile, so only one plant is needed to set a crop of fruit. When buying your tree, select a plant that has a balanced framework of branches and a strong graft union—ask your nurseryperson to assist you with this inspection if you are not sure.

Check out the How To and Nurseries pages to learn more.