Since lemon trees aren’t exactly fans of the cold or frost, they have to spend their fall and winter months hanging out indoors. But as soon as things start warming up again, you’ll want to get your little tree back outside. Trust me, they’re much happier in the fresh air!
The Outdoor Season: When to Move In and Out
Starting the Season
Technically, a lemon tree’s (bot. Citrus x limon) winter dormancy ends in March. However, since these beauties can’t handle frost or chilly snaps, March is usually way too early to move them outside. You’ll want to wait until the threat of late-season frost has passed. For most of us, that’s usually around mid-May (after the “Ice Saints” have passed, as the old saying goes).
If you live in a milder climate, you might be able to move your potted lemon tree out as early as April. Just keep a close eye on the weather forecast! If a sudden cold front is headed your way, you should:
- Cover your Citrus x limon with a frost blanket overnight, or
- Bring it back inside temporarily.
Ending the Season
When it’s time to bring your lemon tree back indoors depends entirely on your local late-summer temps. If you’re in a warmer region, your tree can enjoy the patio a bit longer; if you’re in a colder climate, the outdoor season will wrap up a little sooner. The golden rule? Get it inside before the very first frost hits.
If the end of summer turns out to be cold and rainy, it’s actually better to end the outdoor season early. Lemon trees aren’t big fans of being soggy and cold, so they’ll be much happier moving back inside sooner rather than later.
Location and Prep Work
The Perfect Spot
On a balcony or patio, Citrus x limon loves a spot with full sun. They can handle a bit of wind just fine, but they aren’t fans of major storms. To be safe, make sure your lemon tree is in a heavy pot so it doesn’t tip over during a gusty afternoon.
Rain is a bit of a mixed bag. Your tree will actually love a light rain shower—they much prefer rainwater over tap water! However, if you’re expecting a heavy downpour or days of constant rain, move the pot under a roof or awning. You don’t want the soil getting waterlogged.
Getting Ready
You can’t just move a lemon tree from a dim living room into direct sunlight overnight—it’ll get a “sunburn!” You need to acclimate it slowly. For the first two weeks of the outdoor season, try this:
- Place your tree in a partially shaded spot outside.
- Gradually move it into the sun a little more each day.
