Lemon trees are not hardy. At temperatures around the freezing point there is a risk of massive damage to blossoms, leaves and branches or total loss. If an optimal winter quarters is not available, there is a solvable alternative. Read here where and how to overwinter a lemon tree.

Lemon trees need a bright and cool place to hibernate

Ideal: spend the winter on lemon trees in a bright and cool place

Before the onset of winter, a lemon tree must move into a closed room with the right general conditions. Based on centuries of experience in European orangeries, the noble citrus plants should spend the winter in a bright and cool place. How to do it right:

  1. Change of location in autumn in front of a wall protected from wind and rain
  2. Give in lemon trees at the earliest after the first nightly ground frost
  3. Place the lemon light and cool at 5° to 10° Celsius
  4. Check weekly for leaf loss
  5. Make it brighter or illuminate if it loses its leaves

Do not water or fertilize a lemon tree in winter. At 5°-10° Celsius, the evergreen leaves evaporate very little moisture. If at all, water noticeably dry substrate in sips of rainwater every two months. If you don't want to rely on your instincts, you can use a moisture meter. The device is inserted into the citrus substrate and shows the need for watering on a scale.

Suitable winter quarters for lemon trees

The list of suitable winter quarters for lemon trees is unexpectedly long:

  • Cold house with frost guard
  • Greenhouse with heat source
  • Overwintering tent with heater and automatic thermostat
  • Staircase flooded with light
  • Outbuilding with many windows and frost protection (garage, garden shed, (24.90 €) shed)

Hardy sleepers among the hobby gardeners share the bright bedroom with their lemon trees in winter. So that the sensitive little trees don't get cold feet in the ideal winter quarters, slide a block of wood or a polystyrene plate (€35.50) under the bucket.

Solvable: Hibernate lemon trees in the living room

For a long time it was considered impossible to successfully overwinter lemon trees in heated living spaces. Inevitably, the discrepancy between a lack of winter light and comfortable room temperatures causes the complete loss of leaves. Modern plant lamps bring light into the warm darkness and throw the door wide open for lemon trees to hibernate in the living room. This is how the plan works:

  • location: Window sill or glass door on the south side
  • light supply: at least 1000 lux at the winter location (measure with a lux meter)
  • compensate for lack of light: Hang the plant lamp (€21.99) a short distance from the crown
  • lighting duration: at least 6 hours a day
  • maintenance: water sparingly, do not fertilize, spray weekly with soft water

Thanks to the plant lamp, you don't have to compromise on the room temperature. All in all, daylight and artificial light are sufficient to overwinter a lemon tree in the living room without losing its leaves. The rule of thumb is: the warmer the room, the longer the lighting time of the plant lamp.

tips

Before the clearing out, there is a lot of activity in the winter quarters of lemon trees. A caring pruning ensures order in the branch network of the crown. All citrus plants appreciate repotting in fresh substrate in early spring. A two-week hardening phase in a semi-shady location on the balcony or terrace effectively prevents sunburn on the lush green leaves.

Category:

Vegetable garden