Want to grow fresh lemons on your patio in the winter? With a few easy precautions, lemon trees can grow outside all year in cool northern climates.
As a gardener living in a cold climate, you may be wondering if it’s possible to grow lemon trees outdoors year-round. While lemon trees thrive in warm climates, with a little preparation and protection, lemon trees can survive cold winters in many areas. In this article, we’ll explore how cold hardy lemon trees are and tips for helping them make it through the winter outside.
How Cold Hardy Are Lemon Trees?
Lemon trees are considered moderately cold hardy, meaning they can tolerate brief temperatures down to around 25°F when mature. However, extended freezing weather can damage or kill a lemon tree Young trees are less tolerant of cold than mature, established trees
The cold hardiness of a lemon tree depends on several factors
-
Type of lemon Some citrus varieties are more cold tolerant than others, Meyer lemons and Lisbon lemons tend to be more cold hardy than Eureka or Variegated Pink lemons,
-
Age of the tree: Older, mature lemon trees can better withstand cold than young saplings. Trees that are 3-4 years old or older have the best chance of surviving winter.
-
Health and vigor: Healthy, vigorous trees are more resilient against cold damage. Factors like disease, improper watering, malnutrition, or prior cold damage can make trees more susceptible.
-
Climate and winter temperatures: Areas with moderate winters are better suited for overwintering lemon trees outside than places with harsh, very cold winters.
So while lemon trees can survive brief temperatures in the mid to upper 20s°F, they require protection when mercury dips below freezing for extended periods.
Protecting Lemon Trees in Winter
If you live in an area with cold winters, taking steps to protect lemon trees from freezing temperatures is crucial. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Microclimate
Select an area with maximum afternoon sun exposure, protection from wind, and good drainage. Sunny spots against south facing walls or foundations retain daytime heat.
Provide Winter Insulation
Insulate the soil, roots, and trunk with mulch. Leaves, straw, wood chips or compost piled 6-12 inches over the soil preserves ground warmth. Wrap the trunk with insulation like burlap or foam.
Use Protective Coverings
Cover trees with fabric row cover, plastic sheeting, old blankets or tarps when hard freezes threaten. Don’t let coverings touch foliage which can freeze to material. Ventilate on sunny days.
Use Heating Devices
For extra protection during extreme cold, string holiday lights under covers to provide warmth. Low wattage bulbs or outdoor-rated heating cables prevent burn risk.
Give Windbreaks
Construct temporary wooden enclosures or windbreaks around trees to shelter from frigid winter winds.
Water Infrequently
Watering encourages growth making trees vulnerable to cold damage. Water only when soil is very dry in winter, and avoid fertilizing.
Prune Judiciously
Prune lightly in winter to avoid stimulating tender new growth. Save major pruning for spring after the last frost date.
Monitor for Damage
Check for signs of cold injury like brown, curled leaves. Damaged wood may need pruning in spring. Prevent further damage by adjusting protection as needed.
Growing Lemons in Pots
Container growing allows lemon trees to be moved into a garage, shed, or basement during extreme cold. Select a large pot no smaller than 20 inches diameter. Use free draining potting mix amended with compost. Maintain even moisture and fertilize regularly in the growing season. Before winter, prune for size and ease of moving. Monitor soil moisture in storage and provide bright light. Return outside after all danger of frost is past in spring.
Best Lemon Varieties for Cold Climates
Some lemon cultivars perform better in colder regions than others. Good options include:
-
Meyer: A popular backyard lemon prized for its cold hardiness down to around 20°F. Has a mild, sweeter flavor.
-
Lisbon: A traditional lemon able to survive temperatures in the mid 20s°F when mature. Produces abundantly.
-
Variegated Eureka: Beautiful variegated pink-and-green foliage. Tolerates temps to the upper 20s°F.
-
Yuzu: A unique citrus hybrid with excellent cold tolerance, surviving temperatures down to 5°F. Tart flavor.
When sourcing trees, buy from a reputable nursery. Select plants grafted onto cold hardy citrus rootstocks. This imparts greater resilience in the roots and improves adaptability.
Is Overwintering Lemons Outside Worthwhile?
Growing lemons in cold climates takes commitment and diligent winter protection. For gardeners willing to put in the effort, having homegrown lemons is an amazing reward. Nothing beats the delight of harvesting sun-ripened, juicy lemons straight from your own tree – even in a chilly climate!
With the right citrus variety, age, location, and winter care, lemon trees can weather the cold season in many regions. While not completely foolproof, proven methods exist to help lemon trees survive and thrive through winter outside. A little extra attention goes a long way when cultivating these special fruit trees in a less-than-tropical climate.
Container Lemon Tree – Growing Conditions
As I began to care for my container lemon tree, I learned more about its needs. Like all citrus, lemon trees like warmth and light. Overall, they require at least six hours of sunlight per day. They thrive best in temperatures between 18–24ºC (65–75ºF), but can survive down to freezing.
Lemon trees, especially when grown in containers, also need sufficient nutrients. It’s helpful to fertilize during active growth, however there are some factors to consider. Fertilizers high in nitrogen tend to promote new leaf growth at the expense of blossoms and fruit. Fertilizers with higher phosphorus help blossom and fruit growth. In place of using a lot of fertilizer, I use an organic fertilizer at certain times and fish-based compost the rest of the time.
When do Lemon Trees Bloom?
Lemon trees can blossom at any time of the year. In warm climates, they often bloom in spring and fall. In southern BC, my lemon tree always blooms in January and spring, giving me two crops of fruit every year. Some years, the tree also produces more blossoms during the summer months.
Will My Citrus Trees Survive Winter?
Can a lemon tree survive winter?
The lemon tree is an evergreen fruit tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The tree is known for its fragrant, juicy fruit and can be grown in many different climates. In order for a lemon tree to survive the winter, it needs a climate with mild temperatures and plenty of moisture.
Can a potted lemon tree die in winter?
If your winter temperatures drop below 45ºF, you should bring your potted lemon tree inside. While the tree may not die at this temperature, if it reaches around 30ºF, it can be permanently stunted. The longer the tree stays at this temperature, the higher the likelihood it will die. But what happens if you have to leave the tree outside?
Can a lemon tree grow outside?
Acclimate your outdoor container lemon tree to the environmental change before you move it inside for the winter. Do this about a month before the first predicted frost in your area. Leave the plant in direct sun during the mornings and move it to shade in the afternoons for two weeks. Then leave it completely shaded for two weeks.
Can you grow lemons in the winter?
OUTDOOR GROWING – If you are bringing your lemons through the winter in an outdoor area because – like me – you garden in a milder coastal climate, make sure the soil is out of the rain and well drained. Cover your small trees with old-school Christmas lights (7 watt bulbs) that give off heat.