Nothing brings those Mediterranean vibes to your patio quite like a lemon tree (*Citrus x limon*). But let’s be real—unless you live in a tropical paradise, these beauties need to be grown in pots here. They are definitely not fans of the cold, so you’ll need to bring them indoors before the first frost hits.
Winter Hardiness
In most parts of the country, lemon trees are simply not winter-hardy. As soon as the air gets chilly, it’s time to move them inside. In the spring, don’t be too quick to rush them back out; wait until the threat of late-season frost has completely passed.
Cold Tolerance of Lemon Trees
Meyer Lemon (Citrus x meyeri)
The Meyer lemon is often called the hardiest of the bunch. You’ll sometimes see it rated down to 23°F (-5°C), but in reality, its limit is closer to 26°F (-3°C). Even then, it can only handle those temps for a few hours—like during an unexpected overnight dip.
Other Citrus x limon Varieties
For many other popular varieties, such as:
- Amalfi
- Feminello
- Lunario
- Verna
- Zagara Bianca
The standard rating is Hardiness Zone 9b. These trees can technically survive down to about 25°F (-3.8°C) for a very short window. However, keep in mind that a potted lemon tree is much more sensitive to cold than one planted in the ground. To play it safe, I always recommend treating 32°F (0°C) as your absolute limit.
When to Bring Them In?
Hardiness zones and minimum temperature ratings are good guidelines, but in practice, you want to be much more cautious. Regardless of the variety, the outdoor season for your lemon tree should end when:
- Temperatures consistently settle just below 50°F (10°C).
- Late summer brings constant, heavy rain.
Moving them in early also helps avoid “temperature shock.” Lemon trees hate drastic swings between the cool air on your balcony and the cozy warmth of their winter quarters.
When to Put Them Back Out?
To protect your tree from late spring frosts, it’s best to wait until mid-May (after the “Ice Saints” period) before moving it outside. If you kept your tree in a cold winter spot, start waking it up in March by gradually moving it to warmer indoor areas. This helps your *Citrus x limon* acclimate slowly so it’s ready to soak up the sun without the stress of a sudden climate change!
