Overwintering a lemon tree – Important care tips

The lemon tree is a popular Mediterranean plant. It has evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers. This plant comes from India and produces delicious fruit if cared for properly.

The lemon tree is sensitive to frost. It must therefore be protected in winter.

Overwintering of the lemon tree begins between mid-October and mid-November. It ends in spring, usually between mid-April and early May. It is important to find the right time to move it to its winter quarters.

Optimal conditions such as temperature, light and humidity are required. This will keep the lemon tree healthy and it will bear fruit again next year.

Important findings

• Lemon trees are sensitive to frost and require sheltered wintering.
• Overwintering begins between mid-October and mid-November and lasts until mid-April or early May.
• During overwintering, optimum conditions should prevail in terms of temperature, light and humidity.
• With the right care, the lemon tree can produce delicious fruit every year.
• Common problems during overwintering are pest infestation, deficiency symptoms and incorrect watering.

General information on overwintering the lemon tree

Citrus plants such as the lemon tree are a challenge in our latitudes. They are not native and need special conditions in winter. Frost protection is important to prevent damage.

Why overwintering is necessary

Lemon trees are frost-hardy down to approx. -2°C. Deeper frost damages flowers, leaves and trunks. They come from the subtropics and need plenty of light.

They do not overwinter well without protection. It is therefore important to overwinter them under shelter.

Overwintering options: Light and warm or dark and cool

There are two ways to overwinter the lemon tree:

1. Bright and warm at 18-21°C with additional light, regular care and increased risk of pest infestation.
2. Dark and cool at 5-10°C with reduced care and watering, which is more in line with natural winter dormancy.

The choice depends on space and personal preference. Here is a comparison of the two options:

It is important to acclimatize the lemon tree to the conditions. Regular checks for pest infestation are necessary. With the right care, the lemon tree will survive the winter well.

Preparing for the winter

Preparation is important to ensure your lemon tree winters well. Choose the right time, a good winter habitat and prepare your tree optimally. This way, your lemon tree will survive the winter without any problems.

Finding the ideal time for overwintering

Move your lemon tree between mid-October and mid-November. This will help you avoid the first frost. Check the weather forecast to find the best time. Plan the move early to avoid stress.

Choose the right winter habitat

There are two options: bright and warm or dark and cool. Bright places such as conservatories or cool garages are ideal. Dark cellars and warm living rooms are bad. The temperature should be between 5-10°C or 10-15°C.

Preparing the lemon tree for the dormant phase

Check your tree for pests and remove diseased leaves. A strong pruning promotes a broad crown. Water the tree well before moving it. Choose a pot that is 5 cm larger than the current one.

With the right preparation and choice of location, your lemon tree will survive the winter. Follow these care tips and look forward to a healthy tree in spring.

Overwintering a lemon tree – step by step

To overwinter your lemon tree properly, you need to create the best conditions. You need the right temperatures, light and care. This will keep your tree healthy and give it a good start in spring.

Optimal temperatures and light conditions

Your lemon tree needs a windless place with 3-13°C. Or you can overwinter it at 18-20°C. It is important that the temperature remains the same and that the tree receives 6 hours of light per day. A plant lamp will help if there is not enough light.

Watering and fertilizing during the winter

The lemon tree needs less water in winter. Only water it sparingly every 1-2 months. Watch out for dryness, such as curled leaves. Avoid waterlogging.

It does not need any additional fertilizing during the winter.

Measures against pest infestation

Before you bring the tree into its winter quarters, check it for pests. Aphids, spider mites and scale insects are typical enemies. Use water or potash soap to combat them.

Check the tree regularly to detect and control pests at an early stage.

With the right care, your lemon tree will stay healthy. In spring, from April or May, you can take it outside again.

Conclusion

To get your lemon tree through the winter, you need to choose the right time and place. In central and northern Germany, this is the beginning of November. In the east and south-east and at high altitudes, it should be the end of October. In the west and southwest, it can wait until mid-November.

The tree needs water every two months or when the soil is dry. The temperature should be between 5 and 10°C. Sometimes it can briefly withstand temperatures as low as -2°C. It is important to check the tree regularly for pests.

In cooler conditions, the tree needs less, but the dormant period is longer. Overwintering at over 20°C is more intensive. It requires more light, but the transition from winter to summer is easier.

In spring, when it gets to around 5°C, the tree should be slowly acclimatized to outdoor conditions. A sunny spot is important, especially if it is outside. After overwintering, a sunny balcony or a sheltered spot on the patio suits the lemon tree well. With the right citrus plant winter care, the tree will survive the winter and bear fruit again next summer.