Habitat and Geography
Origin
Lemons originated from South East Asia and have been cultivated there since ancient times. Lemons were introduced to Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries and were then brought over to the "New World" on one of Christopher Columbus' voyages. Lemons and other citrus fruits were established in what is now Florida by the 16th century. The lemon industry was not only established in Florida but it was also established in California.
Habitat
Citrus limon trees are found in tropical and subtropical climates. They thrive in places where the temperature is between 16 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius (60.8 degrees Fahrenheit and 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Lemons do not have a dormant phase so they need to stay in a warm climate year round. Lemons also need to be in a climate that receives a moderate to a large amount of rainfall each year. They can grow in many different types of soil. In Florida for example, lemons tend to be grown in sandy-soil while in California silt-clay loam is the most common soil for growing. However, sandy, clay, sandy-clay, and black soils can also be used.
Geography
Lemons are grown all over the world.
They are grown around the Mediterranean Sea in countries like
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Lebanon, and Cyprus. These
countries also lead the world in lemon growing and exporting.
Other major growers and exporters of lemons include Australia
and
South Africa. There are also lemon producers in the
western hemisphere. In South America, Argentina and Chile
cultivate lemons and in Latin American southern Mexico and
Guatemala are major growers. The United States also plays
a role in the growing of lemons. States like Florida,
California, and Arizona cultivate lemons. California
produces almost all of the lemons for the United States and
almost a third of the world's lemons.