Lemon ‘Kaipara’ (Citrus limon) – Cold-Tolerant, Heavy Fruiting & NZ-Selected
 
Locally selected for New Zealand growing conditions, ‘Kaipara’ is a standout lemon for cooler climates — now available in limited release.
‘Kaipara lemon’, described as a New Zealand heritage variety. The fruit is small and knobbly, with a classic tangy lemon flavour, not unlike the rough lemon in appearance, with soft aromatic leaves suitable for culinary uses and juicy low-acid fruit that can be eaten (thick) skin and all.
As such, it is believed to be yet another hybrid, known elsewhere as the sweet or limetta lemon – a citron/bitter orange cross (C. limon/Citrus x aurantium).
Unlike many common lemon varieties that struggle outside frost-free zones, Lemon ‘Kaipara’ is bred for resilience, producing abundant crops of full-sized lemons even in areas with light frosts and shorter summers.
Its fruit is medium to large, juicy, with a classic tangy lemon flavour — perfect for juicing, preserving, cooking, and baking. The tree is vigorous but compact, ideal for home orchards, lifestyle blocks, or container growing.
 
Why Choose ‘Kaipara’ Lemon?
Cold-hardy: Handles light frosts better than Meyer or Lisbon
Heavy fruiter: Consistent crops, even in marginal conditions
Classic taste: Bright yellow skin, zesty juice, minimal seeds
Compact grower: Great for pots, small gardens, or urban spaces
NZ-developed: Bred for local conditions and performance
 
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Full sun
Shelter: Protect from strong winds and heavy frost when young
Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil — enrich with compost or citrus mix
Feeding: Citrus fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Watering: Regular moisture, especially when fruiting — don’t let it dry out completely
 
Grows well across much of New Zealand, including the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, and northern South Island — provided it's protected in colder zones.
 
Available on Pre-Order and as a limited release