Blog Post

World's Largest Lemon Sculpture: world record set in Lemon Grove, California

Jul 29, 2022

Lemon Grove, California, United States--A 3,000-pound civic lemon statue sits in the center of Lemon Grove, a suburb of San Diego, California; the sizable fruit is 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, thus setting the world record for being the World's Largest Lemon Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The statue's concrete base is engraved, "Best Climate on Earth," a slogan used by the town since 1925. The lemon itself proves the claim, as it barely shows its age despite over 90 years outdoors. A dozen lemon trees are attempting to grow behind the big lemon statue, to remind all that before this was a town, it was a lemon grove," the Roadside America reports.

"The 3,000-pound civic lemon statue sits in the center of Lemon Grove, a suburb of San Diego. The sizable fruit is perhaps 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, next to the Orange Line trolley tracks. Looking at it in the bright sun makes the inside of your mouth pucker."

Lemon Grove is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. The population was 27,627 at the 2020 census, up from 25,320 at the 2010 census.

"The World's Biggest Lemon Sculpture"

Weighing some 3000 pounds, and approximately 10 feet long and six feet wide, the lemon sculpture—affectionately known as the World's Biggest Lemon—sits on a concrete base at the corner of Broadway and Lemon Grove Avenue, adjacent to 3361 Main Street.

It lies before a small lemon grove beside the Orange Line Trolley tracks near the local trolley station and downtown bus stop. Written across the base of this monument are the words "Best Climate On Earth".

Designed by Lemon Grove architect Alberto O Treganza, the lemon was originally built as a parade float for the 1928 Fourth of July Fiesta de San Diego parade, carrying the town's first Miss Lemon Grove, Amorita Treganza, Alberto's 16-year-old daughter.

In 1930, the float was plastered to create a permanent sculpture and displayed near its current location.

"A group of volunteer ranchers constructed the lemon in 1928 as a parade float entry for the July 4, 1928, Fiesta de San Diego parade, said Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society, the patch.com reports.

"The float not only won third prize, it entered the hearts and minds of Lemon Grovians as a beloved symbol of the town's agrarian origins," she said.

"Local citizens refused to part with their Big Lemon and, after much discussion, it was mounted on a base next to the old railroad tracks in the middle of town, where it could be seen by residents and visitors alike."

""The 3,000-pound lemon lives on today in perpetual sunshine, albeit many coats of fiberglass later," Ofield said."

"This giant lemon was originally built to top a parade float. After its debut the town decided to plaster it and set it on a concrete base, the fotospot.com reports.

"While Lemon Grove hasn't produced the World's Largest Edible Lemon this former parade beauty does its job as a landmark celebrating the town's primary crop. The lemon has been the town's symbol since 1963 when the town became incorporated."

TESTIMONIALS from Trip Advisor

"Lemon Grove has made some major improvements over the last few years and so stopping by to check out the giant lemon can be more than site seeing."

" It is as corny as it seems but great for a bucket-list kinda thing! Cute community. No cost."

"I usually pass by this iconic giant lemon about 3 to 4 times a week. Its not really a attraction but more like a landmark. Good place to stop and take a photo."

"On the road trip of seeing giant objects made for no real reason, this is a must see!"

"This Lemon is awesome! It's the Worlds biggest Lemon. If your near by its worth the drive to check it out. Been there for years."