The Meyer lemon is a popular citrus tree for home gardens due to its compact size, productivity, and sweeter, less acidic fruit compared to other lemons. However, Meyer lemons are only hardy down to around 25°F (-4°C), so they can be damaged or killed by frigid winter temperatures in some regions. If you want to grow a Meyer lemon tree, it’s important to understand its minimum temperature tolerance and how to protect it in cold climates.
How Cold Hardy Are Meyer Lemons?
Meyer lemon trees are among the most cold tolerant of the citrus varieties that can be grown outside the tropics. But “cold hardy” is still a relative term when it comes to citrus Here are the key temperatures to know for Meyer lemon winter survival
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25°F to 28°F (-4°C to -2°C) – This is the absolute minimum temperature a Meyer lemon should be exposed to, Damage occurs below 30°F (-1°C) and is increasingly severe from 25°F down,
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30°F (-1°C) – Flowers and young fruit begin to be damaged at this temperature.
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25°F to 21°F (-4°C to -6°C) – Defoliation and dieback of twigs and small branches occurs. Fruit drop is common.
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Below 20°F (-7°C) – Major damage to wood and limb structure. Entire branches or tree may be killed.
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Optimal temperature range – Meyer lemons grow best with temperatures of 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
As you can see, Meyer lemons are not extremely cold tolerant like other fruit trees suited to cold winter climates. But with protection, they can survive brief cold snaps slightly below 25°F in many areas.
Signs of Cold Damage on Meyer Lemons
How can you tell if your Meyer lemon tree has been damaged by freezing temperatures? Watch for these key signs:
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Leaves, flowers, and young fruit turning black or brown.
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Wilting, curled leaves.
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Defoliation and leaf drop.
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Dead twigs and small branches.
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Split bark on trunk and limbs.
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Dieback of entire branches.
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Darkening and softening of fruit. Pitting, cracking, and splitting.
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Premature fruit drop.
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Lack of new growth in spring on any damaged branches.
Tips to Protect Meyer Lemons in Winter
Here are some strategies to help your Meyer lemons survive winter in colder climates:
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Choose the warmest location: Plant against a south-facing wall or foundation that absorbs and radiates heat. Avoid low-lying frost pockets.
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Provide wind protection: Construct a sturdy windbreak to shield plants from harsh winter winds.
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Insulate the roots: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate soil and protect roots from hard freezes.
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Wrap the canopy: Loosely drape plants with fabric for extra insulation against brief freezes. Remove during warmer days.
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Use heat lamps: Hang outdoor-safe heat lamps over plants to maintain warmer overnight temperatures.
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Move potted trees indoors: Bring container-grown trees into an unheated garage or enclosed porch until spring.
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Plant in a greenhouse: Growing in a cold frame, hoophouse, or greenhouse provides the best freeze protection.
With one or more cold protection strategies in place, you can safely grow Meyer lemons in areas that dip slightly below its minimum temperature tolerance on winter nights. But consistent sub-20°F temperatures require moving potted trees indoors or a heated greenhouse.
Caring for Meyer Lemons After Freeze Damage
If your Meyer lemon tree experiences cold damage, don’t give up on it. Follow these tips to help it recover:
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Leave any undamaged branches intact to produce new growth. Prune out only dead wood.
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Apply a nitrogen fertilizer early in spring to stimulate regrowth. Avoid excess nitrogen later when buds set.
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Monitor for disease and treat any issues promptly. Cold-stressed plants are more susceptible.
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Water thoroughly in spring if soil dried out over winter. Prevent further drought stress.
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Shield plants from late frosts that could damage new shoots and blooms. Cover overnight if needed.
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Be patient for recovery. It may take until the second spring for some trees to fully leaf out and bloom again.
With time and care, even significantly damaged Meyer lemon trees often revive and resume fruiting. But prevention is key to avoid permanent cold injury in marginal climates.
Growing Meyer Lemons in Containers
If winter temperatures regularly drop below 20°F (-7°C) where you live, growing Meyer lemons in containers is your best option. This allows you to move pots into an unheated garage or enclosed patio once nights become freezing cold in fall.
When overwintering containers indoors, be aware of these key care tips:
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Select a room with a sunny, south-facing window if possible. Supplement with grow lights on cloudy days.
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Water sparingly, just enough to keep soil slightly moist. Reduce fertilizing over winter as well.
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Monitor for pests like mites, mealybugs, and scale that thrive in indoor conditions. Treat promptly.
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Move containers back outside once all chance of frost has passed in spring. Gradually re-acclimate plants to prevent shock.
Container growing allows you to strategically protect Meyer lemons from damaging freezes while stillharvesting fruit within its preferred temperature range in summer.
Optimal Climate Conditions for Meyer Lemons
To get the highest quality fruit and maximum production from your Meyer lemon tree, aim for these ideal climate conditions:
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Summer temperatures – 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C)
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Winter temperatures – Above 25°F (-4°C), ideally above 30°F (-1°C) at night
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Sunlight – Full sun, at least 6 hours direct light per day
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Shelter – Protection from strong or freezing winds
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Humidity – 40% to 60% relative humidity
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Rainfall – Approximately 40-50 inches (100-125 cm) annually
When temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and protection from wind align with a Meyer lemon’s preferences, you can expect a high yield of juicy, fragrant lemons to enjoy!
The Bottom Line
Can Lemon Trees Grow Indoors?
Lemon trees can grow indoors if you provide the right elements. For it to thrive, not just survive, like any other plant you bring inside, you will need to give it enough light, water, and food. The most common issue most people have when bringing a plant indoors is to provide adequate light. Among other things, the Meyer Lemon tree needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day and at least 50% humidity. The best place to put your citrus tree indoors is in a south-facing window with direct sunlight. You can use a humidifier to make the air more humid or put the pot on a large tray of rocks that are covered in water.
If you do not have adequate light, you can supplement the light with a full spectrum grow light. These lights must be kept about t 1′-2′ above the trees for 8 to 12 hours daily.
What is a Meyer Lemon?
A Meyer Lemon is a hybrid of a lemon and mandarin orange. Meyer lemons are juicer, sweeter, and less tart than other lemon varieties. You can use them in anything that you’d use a regular lemon. Meyer lemon trees bloom in the fall or early spring with fragrant white blossoms that smell like jasmine.
Growing Cold hardy citrus in freezing temperatures
FAQ
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