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| Mystery of massive lemons solved |
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| Written by John Saiz / Patterson Irrigator / | |
| Friday, 25 April 2008 | |
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The mystery behind Herta Becker’s giant lemons is likely solved. Ever since she planted the tree in her backyard three years ago, it’s been producing giant fruit — some weighing close to 3 pounds and approaching the size of a soccer ball. This year is no exception; her tree’s branches hang low, weighted down by large lemons. “Everyone asks what kind of fertilizer I use,” Becker said, in her German accent. The source of the gigantic growths had been a mystery, but a horticulturalist with the University of California Cooperative Extension Stanislaus thinks he has an answer. The nursery might have sold her a Ponderosa lemon tree by mistake, Ed Perry said. The Ponderosa typically produces 3-pound lemons. The mixup most likely occurred, Perry said, because tree growers often mix varieties of plants with hearty root systems and those with more desirable fruit to get the best of both worlds.  Herta Becker has been producing massive fruit since she planted it three years ago. This year, a local horticulturist thinks he's found out why. Photo by John Saiz “I’m 99.9 percent sure this is what happened,” Perry said. Perry isn’t the only one who suspects Becker’s tree is a Ponderosa. Her son recently reached the same conclusion after returning to his Reno home from an Easter-weekend visit to Patterson. He did some research and realized the Ponderosa is the likely explanation. The mystery might be solved, but Becker still has a bit of neighborhood celebrity and is glad for the mixup. “I’d like to have a (regular tree), but I wouldn’t get rid of that one,” Becker said. She got the tree from a nursery in Modesto with her late husband, Felix. “(Felix) asked for a good one, and boy, did they give it to him,” Becker said. The massive fruits don’t yield much juice, but the peel shavings are good for flavoring cakes, Becker said. “I still think it’s a miracle growing in my backyard,” Becker said. “Doesn’t it look beautiful? I’m going to weigh each and every one.” To reach John Saiz at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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