contents
- When to go outside?
- Optimum time
- Pay attention to the location
- frequently asked Questions
The lemon tree (Citrus limon), popular as a container plant, does not tolerate frost and must therefore hibernate frost-free. So the question arises as to when you can put the lemon outside again in spring.
In a nutshell
- out from March
- Minimum temperature 5 °C
- prefer a sunny, sheltered location
- get used to the sun slowly and by the hour
- Place or store indoors at night and when there is a risk of frost. cover
When to go outside?
The rule of thumb is: you can lemon Tree Put them outside as soon as the temperature is at least 5 °C. It used to be said that you should wait until after the ice saints in mid-May to put the lemon out. However, this tip is now obsolete. Instead, the trees should go outside as early as possible because they get more light there and bloom earlier. Instead, clear it out too late winter quarters, the vegetation phase is too short and the lemon does not form any (ripe) fruit.
Tip: If your lemon tree is still bearing unripe fruit in autumn, you can place it in the brightest and warmest possible place in the house for the fruit to ripen. After the harvest, the bucket finally migrates to its winter quarters.
Optimum time
There is basically no such thing as the "optimal time" for putting out the lemon. Instead, these factors are more relevant to the decision:
- daytime temperature of more than 5 °C
- sunny weather, no continuous rain
- Shelter in case of frost
- alternative protective measures (e.g. B. winter hood)
- suitable location
For optimal development, you should bring the sapling back into the warmth at lower temperatures or provide it with appropriate protection. This applies in particular if a colder phase has been forecast again or if there is continuous rain. Late frosts often still occur at night in the months of March and April, which is why the pots should always be put away or covered in the evening.
Tip: Even windy weather cools the lemon down quickly. Strong wind lowers the perceived temperature, which is why you should protect the lemon tree.
Pay attention to the location
From when you can put the lemon out does not only depend on the time or place. from the temperature. The right location is just as crucial. In the right place, the tree feels good even early in the year. Consider these factors when choosing a location:
- protected by walls
- as close as possible to a warm house wall
- no shadow
- facing south, i. H. in full sun
- with translucent canopy that protects against precipitation
- ideal, for example, on a terrace or sunny balcony
But beware! If you place the lemon tree in the blazing sun immediately after wintering, there is a risk of leaf damage from sunburn. After putting it outside, get the lemon used to its new location slowly and by the hour. You should also avoid the midday sun for the time being.
Tip: It is also important that the temperatures do not fluctuate too much. So you should not put the tree outside at 5 °C during the day and keep it in the living room at 20 °C at night. In that case it will be fast lose leaves.
frequently asked Questions
In fact, there are frost hardy citrus species that you can even plant in the garden. These include the bitter lemon (Citrus trifoliata), which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 25 °C. The bush, which is up to three meters high, also bears plenty of fruit, which, however, is not suitable for consumption. Bitter lemons contain a lot of bitter substances and are therefore inedible. Therefore, the species is mainly used to refine other citrus species to make them less sensitive to frost.
If the lemon tree has gotten frost for a short time, it is usually not that dramatic. It is important that the substrate and thus the roots do not freeze through - frozen roots inevitably mean the death of the plant. Therefore, always place the pot on a base made of wood or similar so that no cold penetrates from below. Cut away frozen plant parts above ground with a suitable, cleaned cutting tool.
In its natural location, the lemon tree produces flowers that have a strong scent almost all year round. In addition, flowers and (ripening) fruits are characteristically found on the tree at the same time. With us, the lemon blooms at suitable, double-digit temperatures from around April or May and into November. With a bright and warm wintering, the tree will bloom even in winter.
