- Why lemon trees cannot overwinter outdoors
- In summer the lemon tree belongs on the balcony
- tips and tricks
It is too cold for lemon trees in the Central European climate, which is why they should be cultivated in tubs. On the one hand, this means they don't get that big - planted out in the open, a lemon tree can reach a good 10 meters in height, in a bucket it reaches an average of two meters - that's a good thing, because the plant, which comes from a subtropical climate, shouldn't overwinter outdoors, either on the balcony.
Why lemon trees cannot overwinter outdoors
The lemon comes from a consistently hot, very sunny climate. As such, the plant does not tolerate frost, although some hybrids may be hardy. However, it is not just the temperature alone that prevents you from spending the winter outdoors, the other winter weather conditions also make it impossible. In winter it is not only too cold, but also too wet, too dark and too windy - lemons do not like all this at all and would simply die.
There is no room in the apartment to spend the winter, can the lemon tree go out on the balcony?
For the reasons already explained, even spending the winter on the balcony is not advisable. The uncomfortable weather, but above all the lack of light, is a problem. Lemons need a cool hibernation, but it shouldn't be too cold. Temperatures of around 10 °C plus additional brightness from specially installed plant lamps offer lemons optimal conditions for overwintering. An exception might be possible if you are the happy owner of a glazed balcony: in this case, however, you must ensure that the lemon tree does not get any drafts.
In summer the lemon tree belongs on the balcony
In the warm season, however, you should give your lemon tree a sunny, but sheltered and not draughty spot on the balcony. Lemons do not like to stand in summer all year round, which is mainly due to the lack of air, but also to the sunlight filtered through window glass. Although the sensitive plants do not like drafts, they also react to the absence of any breath of air by dropping their leaves. It would be ideal if you have a south-facing or at least a west-facing balcony. The outdoor season for lemons begins around mid to late May (end of the Ice Saints) and ends with the last warm days in October.
tips and tricks
However, you should not necessarily leave your lemon tree on the balcony in very bad weather or a cold front - in such cases it is advisable to bring the plant into the protective living room for a few hours or days.