Overwintering a lemon tree
Citrus limon
Quick answer
Bring a potted lemon in as soon as autumn nights turn noticeably cooler, and always before frost. It overwinters best somewhere bright and cool at about 10 °C (50 °F). Water only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil are dry. Move it outside once temperatures stay above 10 °C (50 °F), then acclimate it gradually to sun over one to two weeks.
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Overwintering a lemon tree
- 01
When to bring a lemon tree in
Bring it indoors as soon as autumn nights turn noticeably cooler, and always before frost. The Bavarian horticulture institute (LWG) counts citrus among the tougher container plants that survive a little below zero. Don’t rely on it.
- 02
Where: bright and cool
The best winter spot is bright and cool at about 10 °C (50 °F): a bright, barely heated room, a conservatory or a big stairwell window. How much cold it takes depends on the variety. The RHS says some lemons are fine down to about 5 °C (41 °F), so 10 °C (50 °F) is a safe target.
A warm living room works too. Then it needs the brightest spot right at the window and a bit more water. Keep it away from cold drafts and big temperature swings.
- 03
Watering and feeding in winter
Overwatering is the most common winter mistake. Let the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil dry before watering, and never leave water standing in the saucer.
Keep feeding through winter, from November to mid-March with a balanced winter citrus feed, as its label directs.
- 04
Why lemon trees drop leaves
Winter leaf drop usually comes from too little light, cold drafts, big temperature swings or wet roots. Check the soil and the spot before changing anything else.
- 05
Pests in winter quarters
Scale insects, mealybugs and spider mites are common indoors. Check leaf undersides and branches when you bring it in and regularly after.
- 06
Pruning before and after winter
Prune in February or March: thin out crowded branches and shorten overlong shoots. No pruning is needed before moving it in.
- 07
When it can go back outside
Once temperatures stay above 10 °C (50 °F). Acclimate it over one to two weeks, starting in a sheltered, partly shaded spot and gradually giving it more direct sun.
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Common mistakes
Too much water: wet roots in a cool room cost it leaves and roots.
Too dark: without light it drops leaves.
Drafts and radiator heat: lemons handle sudden swings between cold and warm badly.
Common questions
How cold can a lemon tree get in winter?
Keep it bright at around 10 °C (50 °F) to be safe. Some lemons tolerate about 5 °C (41 °F), depending on the variety.
Why is my lemon tree dropping leaves in winter?
Usually too little light, cold drafts, temperature swings or soggy soil.
Can a lemon tree overwinter in a living room?
Yes, at the brightest window, out of drafts and not right above a radiator. It needs a little more water there than in a cool room.
Should I feed a lemon tree in winter?
Yes. Citrus are fed all year, so from November to mid-March use a balanced winter citrus feed and follow its label.
When can a lemon tree go back outside?
Once temperatures stay above 10 °C (50 °F). Acclimate it over one to two weeks, moving gradually from sheltered partial shade into direct sun.
All indoor lemon tree guides
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