Hello, I've started a lemon tree from seed. It's still small, but at some point I would like to plant it in the garden. Will the tree survive winters with below freezing temperatures?
Lemon can stand temps slightly below freezing for a SHORT TIME IF it has been cold hardened (exposed to less than 68 F for several weeks). You can provide additional protection by covering the tree with sheets or blankets and adding a string of Christmas lights. This additional protection would probably allow the tree to survive exposure to temps in the range of 20 F or -5 to -7 C. It will probably take 7-9 years to get fruit from seed unless you graft mature wood onto the tree. Skeet
A store bought lemon is likely to be either the Lisbon or Eureka variety. I believe Geneva is in zone 7 (-18 to -12C, 0 to 10F). It may be too cold even for the hardier Meyer lemon.
Junglekeeper is correct, the chance of a Lemon surving outdoors in Geneva, without massive protection, such as a greenhouse, is zero. - Millet
Thank you all for your input. Another question: Is there any way that I can keep this tree indoors? I understand that it may reach up to 20 feet in height. Can I trim the top when it gets too tall?
Just because the tree will be growing as a container tree, I doubt that it will ever even come close to 20-feet. Container growing is very dwarfing. My guess the tree will reach around 8-10 feet tall. - Millet
If you're referring to one for outdoors then Meyer lemon but it will need protection. You may want to look at [thread=10076]this[/thread] (very long) thread. This variety is currently available at various nurseries that sell tropicals.
Splatman, what are you looking for? I may be able to help you. Send me a private message. Where on the Coast do you live? Do you have a full sun - protected spot to plant a tree? IE south facing house wall or fence? You will need to have string of large 7 watt Christmas lights on for about 20 nights and 10 days a year. If you are willing to do that then some lemons can grow successfully here. Greg
