Here in Canada, tropical trees planted outdoors will not survive our harsh winters. But growing lemon trees indoors is possible. In the winter, the blossoms are so fragrant that they can make you forget the frosty weather outside.
Can you leave lemon tree outside in winter?
Most citrus trees can handle a light frost, but any temperature below 32°F can be detrimental to its health. Keep your tree inside until you are sure the last spring frost in your area has passed, and the average nightly temperature is above 40°F before preparing to move your citrus tree outside.
How do you care for a lemon tree in Canada?
They’ll thrive outdoors in summer, and in winter put them in the sunniest window you have. No matter how sunny the window, they still won’t get their preferred 12 hours of light a day (6 hours minimum) so you may need to provide a grow light in the winter. If your lemon tree abruptly drops its leaves, don’t panic.
How do you keep lemon trees alive in the winter?
Winter Indoor Citrus Care
- Lower the room temperature. These trees go semi-dormant in winter and do best with a room temperature of 58-68 degrees.
- Consider supplemental lighting.
- Rotate the plant regularly.
- Fertilize monthly.
- Improve air circulation.
- Water properly.
- Watch for pests.
Do I need to bring my lemon tree inside for winter?
Unless you live in a zone with year-round warm weather, bringing your lemon trees indoors for the winter is essential for their survival. And it’s no hassle at all. Indoor lemon trees are easy to care for, bring a welcome touch of green to your winter, give off a sweet, fragrant aroma, and — best of all — bear fruit!
Should you cover a lemon tree in a freeze?
If a hard freeze is on the way, several things can help to protect young citrus trees from cold damage. Wrap the trunk in cloth or bubble wrap. Use tarps, old blankets or plastic sheeting to wrap the tree.
What’s the coldest temperature a lemon tree can handle?
The tart fruits of the lemon tree (Citrus limon) are damaged when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Blossoms and young fruit die at 29 degrees. When temperatures reach 22 to 24 degrees, the tree’s leaves are damaged and will drop.
Can I bring my lemon tree indoors?
Temperature: Indoor lemon trees grow best with nightly temperatures near 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits most homes fine. Lemon trees won’t tolerate hot or cold drafts, so place them away from all air conditioning and heating ducts.
Do you need 2 lemon trees to produce fruit?
There is always a lot of confusion about fruit trees, and how exactly to make sure they carry fruit. Some, like apples, need another variety to pollinate them, but citrus do not. Just one tree will produce a big crop, with no need for a second one of a different variety.
What do you feed a lemon tree in the winter?
Citrus benefit from a balanced Summer and Winter Citrus Feed. The Summer Feed has more Nitrogen for leaf growth and the Winter Feed has proportionately more Phosphorous and Potassium to help develop fruits. At this time of year you should be using a Winter Feed every other watering to keep your tree at its best.
How cold can potted lemon trees tolerate?
Temperature
Meyer Lemon Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees. If your area gets colder than that, your tree will need to be planted in a container and brought inside when the temperature drops.
At what temperature should I cover my lemon tree?
When the thermometer drops below 29 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there for more than about 30 minutes, your lemon tree is in danger. It takes only a few minutes to offer citrus freeze protection by covering your lemon tree to prevent potentially lethal frost exposure.
Will a lemon tree survive in an unheated greenhouse?
Caring for orange and lemon trees in winter
In winter, orange and lemon trees will fare best in a cool, frost-proof area such as a garden shed, cellar or unheated greenhouse. Centrally heated rooms indoors are to be avoided, which are too hot and dry.
How do you winterize citrus trees?
Move the trees to a south-facing window or a bright room where they will receive maximum light. A temperature range between 55 and 68 degrees F is ideal. Keep them away from heating vents or drafty areas. Citrus trees require humidity, so you should provide a supplemental form of humidity.
Are lemon trees OK in pots?
No longer do you need a big, old-fashioned backyard to have citrus on hand – with new dwarf varieties, you can grow productive citrus trees in pots. Plant breeders have brought citrus trees into the modern age. No longer do you need a big, old-fashioned backyard to have citrus on hand.
Can lemon trees live in pots?
You’ll first need to choose a planter large enough to accommodate your growing lemon tree. Barrel planters, grow bags and large flower pots are great options, as they provide ample room for the roots to expand and thrive.
How do you keep a lemon tree alive indoors?
So place your indoor lemon tree in a very sunny spot with an average nightly temperature of about 65 degrees F (or 18 degrees C). Keep it away from air conditioning or heating ducts as extreme temperatures can stress your tree. An important part of indoor lemon tree care is root pruning.
How many years does it take for lemon tree to fruit?
3 years
Lemon trees: 3 years
A lemon tree needs a lot of sun and good drainage, given the right conditions you should start to see fruit in 3 years. If you don’t have room for a fully grown lemon tree, you could just as easily grow one in a pot and prune as required.
How can you tell if a lemon tree is male or female?
Lemon trees are monoecious, so they have both the male and female reproductive organs in the same tree. There are no independent lemon trees. Lemon trees can produce bisexual flowers that have both male and female sex organs in the same flower.
How big is a 3 year old lemon tree?
2-3 Year Old (Approx. 2-3 Ft) Meyer Lemon Tree. Meyer Lemon Trees are prolific producers and is favored for its everbearing trait.
Where do I put my potted lemon tree in the winter?
Despite citrus trees being classed as ‘indoor trees’, they don’t like direct heat and central heating can dry out the air where humidity is needed. Citrus trees flourish in places with good air circulation and where they can receive plenty of light, so a porch area for example would be perfect.