Lemon trees are definitely not fans of frost or chilly weather. Because they’re so sensitive, we usually have to grow them in containers here. But don’t worry—that doesn’t mean your citrus friend has to stay cooped up indoors all year long! Your lemon tree will absolutely love spending some time on the balcony or patio once the weather warms up.
Outdoor Season
*Citrus x limon* is at its happiest when it’s basking under the open sky. There’s just nothing like real sunlight to get those lemons growing. However, to keep your tree healthy, you need to be smart about when the outdoor season starts and ends. It’s not just about the lowest temperature on the thermometer; it’s also about avoiding big, sudden temperature swings, which can really stress a citrus plant out.
When to Head Outside
Deciding exactly when to move your lemon tree to the balcony depends a lot on where you live and how old your tree is. Younger trees are much more sensitive to a chill than older, established ones. Either way, it’s always better to play it safe.
A good rule of thumb is to wait until mid-May, after the “Mother’s Day” frost window has passed. By then, the risk of a late-season freeze is usually gone. If you live in a milder climate, you might be able to sneak it outside as early as April if it’s warm enough—just be ready to hustle it back inside if a cold front moves in!
Ultimately, let the thermometer be your guide. You shouldn’t move your lemon tree outside permanently until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 41°F (5°C). While a lemon tree can technically survive right down to the freezing point (32°F/0°C), it can only handle that for a night or two at most before it starts to suffer.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Since they’re sun-worshippers, lemon trees naturally want a spot with full sun. But hold on a second! You can’t just move it from a dim living room straight into the blazing sun, or the leaves will actually get a sunburn. Here’s how to acclimate it:
- Start by placing your tree in a spot with partial shade.
- Gradually move it into more sun over the course of a few days.
After about two weeks, your citrus plant will be toughened up and ready for its permanent home in the full sun. To keep it truly happy, try to find a spot that’s also protected from heavy wind and rain—*Citrus x limon* is a bit of a homebody when it comes to stormy weather!
