Citrus limon ‘Rosso’ (Red Lemon)

Common Name: Limão Vermelho, Red Lemon, Limone Rosso, Mulled Wine Lemon, Blood Lemon

Scientific Name: Citrus limon ‘Rosso’

Plant Family: Rutaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Citrus limon ‘Rosso’ is a rare red-skinned lemon cultivar that turns heads in both gardens and kitchens. Known variously as Limão Vermelho in Portugal, Limone Rosso in Italy, and even marketed as Mulled Wine Lemon or Blood Lemon, it blends ornamental beauty with citrus utility. Purple-tinged blossoms, evergreen foliage, and fruit with a reddish-orange rind make this tree a standout in Mediterranean orchards. Growing Citrus limon Rosso in Zone 8a means playing the long game: patience for leafy growth in the early years before its first dramatic fruits appear.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 8–11; Köppen Csa (Mediterranean, hot-summer)
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun (6–8 h/day); protect young trees from strong winds
Watering Needs	Moderate; weekly deep soak in summer
Soil Preferences	Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing & Height	3–5 m spacing; 3–4 m mature height
Propagation Method(s)	Grafted onto trifoliate or sour orange rootstock
Planting Timeline	Autumn or spring, outside frost window
Companion Plants	Lavender, comfrey, nasturtium, prickly pear
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Juice, zest, ornamental value; attracts bees
Pest / Disease Considerations	Citrus leaf miner, aphids, scale; frost sensitivity when young
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Remove suckers below graft; prune in late winter; harvest when rind reddens

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Moderate

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 h/day)

• Water Needs: Moderate; deep soak weekly

• Mature Size: 3–4 m (10–13 ft) tall & spread

• Soil Type: Well-draining sandy loam

• Humidity: Medium

• Toxicity: Non-toxic; peel safe in compost, but avoid feeding to pets in bulk

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies

• Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, digestive support

• Chilling Hours: 100–300 h (7 °C / 45 °F or below)

• Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; bees improve yield

Our Citrus limon ‘Rosso’ Application @ Tough Kraut

We planted our Limão Vermelho (Citrus limon ‘Rosso’) on November 15, 2022, along our southern fence line—an exposed corridor of full sun and wind. Like our other citrus trees, it’s been slow to establish, focusing on leaf and root development rather than fruiting. Mulch helps protect the root zone and buffer the strong winds. We see this tree as a long-term investment: its unique red-tinged lemons will add both color and flavor once it matures.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Note: patience is essential—Citrus limon Rosso may take 3–5 years before its first flowers.

1. Choose the Right Site

Plant in full sun with airflow, but shelter saplings from harsh winds.

2. Prepare the Soil

Amend with compost and sand for drainage. Target soil pH ~6.5.

3. Plant the Tree

Keep the graft union above soil level. Backfill and water deeply.

4. Water Consistently

Weekly deep soaks in summer; taper in winter to avoid root issues.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Self-fertile, but pollinator presence improves yields.

6. Prune Annually

Remove suckers, dead wood, and shape in late winter.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Scout monthly for leaf miner, aphids, and scale. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.

8. Harvest and Store

Harvest when the rind blushes red-orange. Store at 4–8 °C (39–46 °F) for up to two weeks.

9. Note

If growth feels slow, check for hidden rootstock suckers or poor drainage.

Kraut Crew Insight

Even without fruit, our Limão Vermelho has already added character to the orchard. It reminds us that resilience is learned slowly—just like homesteading itself.

Photos

November 15, 2022

September 13, 2025

December 10, 2022

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Citrus limon Rosso Cultivation Challenges

Growing Citrus limon Rosso in Zone 8a often means troubleshooting slow growth and managing naming confusion. Here’s our FAQ log:

Q: My Rosso hasn’t flowered yet—is this normal?

A: Yes. Red Lemons typically take 3–5 years before blooming. Concentrate on balanced water and soil care.

Q: What’s the difference between Red Lemon, Mulled Wine Lemon, and Blood Lemon?

A: They often point to the same group of lemons but highlight different traits:

• Red-Skinned types (like Citrus limon ‘Rosso’) have reddish or orange-blushed rinds, with mostly yellow flesh.

• Red-Fleshed types (sometimes marketed as “Citrus lemon var. Red”) have normal skin but tinted pulp.

• “Mulled Wine Lemon” and “Blood Lemon” are colorful trade names often used interchangeably, but usually mean the red-skinned Rosso.

Q: My leaves are curling—why?

A: Likely leaf miner or drought stress. Inspect for silvery trails. If absent, water more deeply.

Q: Should I fertilize heavily to push growth?

A: Avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds. Use balanced citrus fertilizer or compost.

Q: How do I manage wind exposure?

A: Stake young trees and use mulch plus temporary windbreaks until roots anchor firmly.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

• Citrus: Complete Guide to Selecting and Growing More Than 100 Varieties by Lance Walheim

  Hands-on citrus reference for growers in Zone 8a.

• Growing Citrus: The Essential Gardener’s Guide by Martin Page

  Clear and organic-friendly citrus care manual.

• The Citrus Industry, Volume II by Herbert John Webber & Leon Dexter

  Comprehensive citrus biology and production guide.

Resources

• Neem Bliss 100% Neem Oil Concentrate

  Our preferred organic spray for citrus pests.

• Tough Kraut Resources

  Our evolving toolkit of grafting supplies, organic sprays, and homestead essentials.

Entry last updated: 2025-09-13

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.