Verna lemon characteristics

In addition, it stands out for being the variety that is usually harvested immediately after the fine lemon, and because with the passage of time it achieves greater acceptance among consumers, it is not surprising that every day it can be found in greater quantities. We invite you to continue reading to discover more about this variety of lemon.

Origin

This variety has Spanish origin, positioning itself as the second most important in Spain, after the Primofiori lemon, in addition to ranking fifth globally. Currently, it represents 20% of the production and is usually cultivated mainly within the garden of both Murcia and Alicante.

Verna lemon characteristics

The verna lemon is characterized by having an elongated shape whose ends end in a point, it is of an intense yellow color ; and it stands out for being a variety that has almost no seeds, and has a low level of acidity.

Among its main advantages, it stands out that it bears fruit throughout the summer, a time when lemons are usually scarce in European markets; and despite the fact that it has 2 blooms (the harvest and the verdelli), the truth is that the second is usually of lower quality and does not allow a great commercial use. It is worth mentioning that its collection takes place between the months of February and June.

Likewise, it must be said that these are lemons of a large size, which have a juicy and tender pulp, offering a large percentage of juice and having a low acidity. It should also be noted that the Verdelli variety usually stands out for having a thinner and smoother skin compared to the harvest.

And we must not forget to mention that they have a certain tendency to  efflorescence, especially when hydric imbalances occur at the time of cultivation or when the tree offers few fruits during its main harvest.

Care

In general, there are 4 different kinds of lemon trees, being the verna lemon one of them; This variety stands out for being from warm places, which is why when growing it it is necessary to make sure to do so in a place where it can be kept exposed to sunlight and at temperatures around 17-28 degrees, within cool, humid spaces. However, in case of growing it in places with risk of both severe storms and frost, it is essential to make sure to cover it using some material that is breathable.

The verna lemon is normally propagated by seeds, but it is also possible to do it through grafts made in relatively small areas, so there is even the possibility of planting this variety in pots. In any case, it is usually best to plant it during the winter.

This variety requires a semi-light soil that has a neutral pH and has a great contribution of organic matter, which is also capable of absorbing water without problems since it is necessary not only to water it frequently throughout the year (every day at throughout the summer and 3 times a week during the winter ), but also provide a good compost so that it obtains a good supply of micronutrients and macro nutrients.

Cleaning, flowering and maintenance pruning should be carried out during the spring, making sure that they are very light throughout their first years of growth, since throughout this period they will only seek to get rid of the branches weak, dry or diseased, as well as those that tend to cross. It is necessary to make sure that the center of the tree is kept well clear so that the light enters inside.

Diseases and pests

Among the pests that attack the verna lemon are the citrus miner ( Phyllocnistis citrella ), mealybugs and red spider, as well as white fly and aphids; while when it comes to diseases, it can be affected by Phytophthora spp, psoriasis exocortis and sadness virus.