Lemon trees are a popular fruit tree that produce delicious and versatile lemons. However, as citrus trees, lemons are generally considered to be tropical or subtropical plants that prefer warm climates. This leads many gardeners to wonder – can lemon trees survive winter outside of their traditional warm environments? The answer is yes, lemon trees can survive winter outdoors even in cold climates, but they require some special care and protection to make it through harsh weather.
How Cold is Too Cold for Lemon Trees?
Lemon trees are classified as subtropical/tropical plants. This means they prefer warmer climates and temperatures. In general, lemon trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 20-30°F before suffering cold damage However, the ideal temperature range for lemon trees in winter is around 40-55°F Temperatures below freezing and frigid winds can damage leaves, wood, and fruit on lemon trees. So if you live in an area with temperatures consistently below 30°F in winter, you will need to take steps to protect outdoor lemon trees.
11 Tips for Helping Lemon Trees Survive Winter Outside
Here are some key tips to help your lemon trees successfully survive winter when left outdoors:
1. Select Cold-Hardy Varieties
Some lemon varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. Choosing cold-hardy types like Meyer lemons can improve their odds of surviving winter outdoors. Avoid more delicate, thin-skinned varieties.
2. Plant in Sheltered Spots
Areas protected from harsh winds and with good air circulation will help buffer lemon trees from extreme cold. Against south-facing walls or fences is ideal.
3. Mulch Well
Apply 2-4 inches of bark mulch, leaves, straw or other insulating material around the base of the tree in fall. This protects the roots from hard freezes.
4. Maintain Moisture
Dry soils can damage citrus root systems in winter Water deeply before ground freezes and again mid-winter if possible
5. Wrap the Trunk
Wrap trunks of younger trees with insulation like burlap to prevent frost cracks and sunscald damage on cold sunny days.
6. Prune for Strength
Prune lemon trees before winter to remove dead wood and encourage a compact shape able to withstand heavy snow loads.
7. Monitor for Pests
Inspect trees and apply dormant oil or insecticides to prevent infestations of overwintering pests.
8. Apply Nutrient Sprays
Foliar feeds with seaweed extracts or fish emulsions provide nutrients and boost cold resistance.
9. Use Protective Covers
For extreme cold, erect temporary wooden framed structures wrapped in plastic over trees to insulate them.
10. Shield with Mini-Greenhouses
In very cold climates, mini-hoop houses or cloches around outdoor potted lemon trees can protect them.
11. Bring Inside or Move to Greenhouse
If winter temps will be extremely low (below 15°F), bring potted lemon trees into an unheated garage or greenhouse over winter.
Signs of Cold Damage on Lemon Trees
If temperatures do dip too low, here are some signs of cold injury to look out for on your lemon trees:
- Browning, curling leaves
- Splitting bark
- Dieback of twigs and small branches
- Damaged flower buds
- Blackened young lemons
Severely damaged trees may need aggressive pruning come spring to reshape and regrow healthy wood.
Caring for Lemon Trees in Winter Pots
Potted lemon trees require extra care to survive winter outdoors. Ensure containers have adequate drainage before winter arrives. Place pots on blocked wood foundations or skids to prevent waterlogged soil. Surround pots with insulating materials like wood chips or shredded leaves, wrapping the container itself in burlap or foam insulation if extremely cold. Bring potted lemon trees into an unheated garage or greenhouse if temperatures will be below 20°F for long periods.
While lemon trees prefer tropical climates, they can withstand surprising cold through careful protection and care. By selecting hardy varieties, providing strong roots, maintaining moisture and nutrients, and shielding trees from harsh elements, you can successfully grow lemons outside even in cooler winter regions. Pay close attention to cold thresholds and signs of damage on your lemon trees. With the right preparations, your lemon trees can keep thriving despite winter’s chill.
Lemon Trees are Cold-Hardy
When we moved from our bungalow to a house with an old sunroom that stayed just above freezing over the winter, my lemons were happier than they had ever been. The cool winter temperatures suited them. There were fewer insect pests, and when spring came, those trees flowered as they had never flowered before.
Lemon Fruits Ripen in Moderate Climates
While Bob grows lemon trees outdoors, he grows oranges and other “sweet” citrus in a greenhouse. Lemons don’t need this extra heat to ripen.
Lemons ripen in climates too cool to properly ripen other citrus.
Canadian citrus expert Bob Duncan lumps citrus into two broad groups: “sweet” citrus such as oranges and grapefruit, and “acid” citrus such as lemons and limes.
This distinction is very useful for cold-climate gardeners to understand because sweet citrus need a sustained high summer heat for sugars to develop in the fruit. Acid citrus, on the other hand, doesn’t need sustained heat to ripen.
Bob lives in the Pacific North-West region of North America, which has a moderate climate. To get his sweet citrus to ripen, he uses an unheated greenhouse. The greenhouse is for additional summer heat — not because of winter hardiness!
BUT THE LEMONS — an acid citrus — don’t need the greenhouse to ripen, even though the summer temperatures are not hot where he is. “With lemons, they don’t need as many summer heat units,” Bob explains. (“Heat units” is a concept often used in agriculture. It considers daily maximum and minimum temperatures and the heat that a plant experiences during a growing season.)
When you consider its combination of cold-hardiness and ripening requirements, lemon makes a very practical citrus for the home gardener in a cold climate.
Will My Citrus Trees Survive Winter?
FAQ
What should I do with my lemon tree in the winter?
- Plan to move it indoors once nighttime temperatures are in the 40 degrees F
- Move the lemon tree to a shadier spot before moving it inside permanently
- Check for bugs before moving inside and regularly throughout the winter
- Don’t fertilize and reduce watering to when the soil is dry up to your knuckle
How cold is too cold for a lemon tree outside?
Step 1: Keep track of the temperature in your area. Most citrus trees can handle a light frost, but any temperature below 32°F can be detrimental to its health.
Will a lemon tree recover from freeze?
Freeze damage on citrus leaf
It is only later, as they thaw, that they soften and droop. In instances where the damage is not severe, freeze-damaged leaves can recover. However, if the damage is fatal, the leaves will loose their structure completely, dry out and fall.
Will lemon come back after winter?
It should recover again when the tempt goes up again come spring time. Don’t lose your cool. Meyer is the most temperamental citrus overall.
Can you leave a lemon tree out in the Cold?
You may wonder if you can leave it out in the cold when winter arrives. You’re on the right page, because we researched thoroughly to discover whether this is possible. Lemon trees are generally cold-sensitive, but they can withstand moderately low temperatures during winter.
Can a potted lemon tree survive winter?
Whether you decide to keep your potted lemon tree inside or outside this winter, there are a few key necessities it will need to survive. You can keep your potted lemon tree warm in the winter by placing it near a window, or an area of the house that doesn’t get freezing temperatures.
Can a lemon tree withstand cold weather?
Lemon trees are generally cold-sensitive, but they can withstand moderately low temperatures during winter. However, they need extra maintenance and protection under these conditions. In this post, we have a detailed discussion of how to care for a lemon tree during cold months.
What is a good winter climate for a lemon tree?
In order to thrive, lemon trees need a winter climate that is not too cold and not too hot. The ideal temperature range for lemon trees is between 40 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures within this range allow the tree to remain dormant during the winter months without experiencing any cold damage.
Are lemon trees damaged in winter?
Even with the best care and protection, lemon trees in cold climates may still experience some damage during winter. Here’s how to identify and address common cold-related issues: Frost Damage: Frost damage often appears as browning or blackening of leaves and fruit.
How do you care for a lemon tree in the winter?
Lemon trees should be watered regularly during the winter months and the soil should be kept moist. A good way to maintain the moisture level of the soil is to cover it with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. In order for a lemon tree to survive the winter, it also needs to be protected from strong winds.