Caring for Lemon Trees in Winter: A Complete Guide

Lemon trees are a popular choice for home gardens and containers. But when winter hits these subtropical trees require special care and protection to thrive through the colder months. Follow this complete guide for tips on overwintering your lemon tree indoors and setting it up for success next growing season.

Choosing the Right Winter Location

• Place the lemon tree in the sunniest window in your home Lemon trees need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, South or west-facing windows are ideal,

• Avoid drafty areas near doors, AC vents or heaters which can shock trees. Stable temps between 55-68°F are best.

• Provide humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Lemon trees thrive with 40-50% humidity. Mist leaves daily to prevent leaf drop.

• An attached garage or enclosed porch can work if temperatures don’t dip below 45°F. Ensure the tree gets enough light

• A cool greenhouse or sunroom is great for overwintering multiple citrus trees if temperatures remain above 40°F.

Watering Correctly

• Reduce watering frequency significantly in winter. Only water when soil is fully dry 2-3 inches down.

• When watering, thoroughly soak the entire root zone until water drains from the bottom. Don’t let pots sit in water.

• Avoid overwatering – this is the #1 winter risk! Too much moisture causes root rot and leaf/fruit drop.

• Use room temperature water to prevent shocking roots. Check soil moisture with a finger, not on a schedule.

• If repotting, amend soil with extra perlite or pumice to improve drainage and prevent soggy roots.

Providing Proper Nutrition

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced, citrus-specific fertilizer like Dr. Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer.

• Switch to a formula with more nitrogen in spring to support new growth. Potassium boosts fruiting.

• Apply 1 tbsp epsom salts per gallon of water every 6-8 weeks for magnesium, which prevents yellow leaves.

• Avoid high-nitrogen formulas in winter, which stimulate leaf growth over fruiting. Stick to balanced feeds.

• If using compost or organic mixes, supplement with occasional doses of chelated iron to prevent chlorosis.

Best Pruning Practices

• Prune lemon trees just before bringing them indoors in late fall. Remove crossing, damaged and dense branches.

• Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness. Sterilize pruning tools before each cut.

• Remove any leaves already yellowed or dropped to deter pests and diseases from carrying over indoors.

• Avoid major pruning over winter, which stresses trees. But prune out dead/diseased wood anytime it appears.

• Come spring, prune just before moving outdoors to shape trees before the growing season.

Preventing & Treating Pest Problems

• Check weekly for signs of scale, mealybugs, spider mites or aphids. Catch infestations early.

• Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays to control soft-bodied pests without harsh chemicals.

• Isolate infested plants and discard heavily infested foliage to prevent spreading pests.

• Maintain vigor with proper light, water and fertilizer. Healthy plants better resist pests.

• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to naturally control populations.

Overwintering Tips for a Healthy Spring

• Acclimate trees slowly when moving them outdoors in spring to avoid transplant shock.

• resume regular watering and fertilizing schedules as growth picks up.

• Inspect for frost damage and prune back affected parts to healthy wood.

• Repot rootbound trees after the last frost into the next sized container with drainage holes.

By tailoring care to meet lemon trees’ specific winter requirements, you can ensure they survive the cold months and put out vigorous growth and fruits come spring. A bright indoor location away from drafts, reduced but proper watering, and pest monitoring are keys to success.