Can You Grow A Lemon Tree In The Midwest?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you grow a tree in the Midwest? Although the naturally grown citrus tree may fail in the Midwest,

the container-grown citrus tree, or citrus bonsai, can thrive successfully in the Midwest while producing quality, edible fruit

. Select a deep, well-drained potting container for your citrus tree.

Can I grow a lemon tree in Illinois?



Lemon trees grow where temperatures get no colder than 60 degrees F

.” Danvers IL is right on the line between USDA Hardiness Zones 5a and 5b, which means you have an average annual minimum temperature of -20 to -10 deg.

What states can you grow a lemon tree?

In fact,

Arizona is one of four states in the United States that can commercially grow citrus, along with California, Florida, and Texas

.

Can lemon tree survive winter?

While

your lemon trees can survive a few chilly nights with the proper protection

, too many freezing nights will decrease their likelihood of survival. Depending on which zone you live in, you may be able to choose whether or not to keep your tree outdoors during the winter holidays.

Will a lemon tree survive in Chicago?

You will want a dwarf lemon tree that would visit the Chicago summers, then hide in your home the balance of the year.

Tropical trees can certainly live in this climate

, which was well documented by Erik M who grew a Kaffir lime tree. Just as long as they are indoors when the temperatures are less than 50 degrees.

Can you grow a lemon tree in Indiana?


Citrus trees are not hardy in Indiana

and should be grown in containers with drainage holes. The larger the pot, the larger the plant will grow! These are dwarf plants, however, and will bear fruit when they are still small enough to live indoors.

Can I grow a lemon tree in Iowa?


Some citrus trees do very well as houseplants, so you can grow them yourself right here in Iowa

! All you need to grow citrus is a little patience and care. You're not limited to just oranges either—lemons, limes, and even kumquats are all on the list of citrus fruits you can grow in containers!

What temperatures can lemon trees tolerate?

Temperature

Meyer Lemon Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures

down to about 20 degrees

. If your area gets colder than that, your tree will need to be planted in a container and brought inside when the temperature drops. But when they're inside, winter heat can dry them out.

Can lemon trees grow in Wisconsin?


There are several cultivars of dwarf lemon that do very well in Wisconsin as houseplants if you have a bright window

. Look for “Meyer,” “Eureka,” or one of the “Lisbon” lemon trees to try. These can be found in most garden centers in five gallon pots.

Can I grow a lemon tree indoors?

Regardless of your climate,

you can grow a container lemon tree indoors

and enjoy your own homegrown lemons. Growing indoor lemons isn't hard as long as you choose the right tree and meet its special needs. These basics on how to grow and care for an indoor lemon tree can have you drinking lemonade in no time.

Can lemon trees grow in Minnesota?


Yes, you can grow lemons in cold climates (even here in Minnesota), if you have a sunny window and give them some outdoor time each summer

. In May, the tree (on the steps behind the rhododendron) spent about a week going in and out of the house as it got used to outdoor conditions.

Can I leave my potted lemon tree outside in winter?


Acclimate your outdoor container lemon tree to the environmental change before you move it inside for the winter

. Do this about a month before the first predicted frost in your area. Leave the plant in direct sun during the mornings and move it to shade in the afternoons for two weeks.

Where do I put my lemon tree in the winter?

Despite citrus trees being classed as ‘indoor trees', they don't like direct heat and central heating can dry out the air where humidity is needed. Citrus trees flourish in places with good air circulation and where they can receive plenty of light, so

a porch area

for example would be perfect.

Can I grow lemons in Missouri?

Well-adapted for migratory indoor-outdoor movable pots,

citrus trees will thrive in Missouri with just a good south-facing window for the winter

. I myself am addicted to citrus.

Can I grow a lemon tree in Zone 5?

Grow your plant in a sunny (south-facing) window. Consider supplementing low light conditions with artificial lights if needed.

You can grow lemon trees indoors year round or move them outdoors for the summer

. In both cases keep the soil moist but not soggy wet.

Can you grow a lemon tree indoors Chicago?


A lemon tree should be brought indoors during the winter

and placed in a cool area free of drafts that receives direct sunlight. Soil should be kept evenly moist; however, be sure that the plant is in a container with good drainage. Fertilizer should be withheld during the winter months.

Can you grow Meyer lemons indoors?

Did you know

you can grow citrus indoors no matter where you live

? The easiest citrus to grow indoors is the Meyer lemon. Meyer lemons are prized for their sweet flavor, a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon.

Can I grow a citrus tree indoors?


Tangerine, lemon, kumquat and small orange trees can be grown as houseplants

. Citrus plants grow best indoors at 65° during the day, dropping five to ten degrees at night. Plant in soil containing a fair amount of organic matter. Make sure the leaves are kept clean by periodically washing them.

How do you care for a potted lemon tree?

Are lemons easy to grow?


Lemons trees aren't hard to grow in your kitchen garden, but they won't thrive unless you live where the winters are mild

(hardiness zones 9 to 11), These subtropical plants are killed or damaged once the temperatures dip into the 20s. Even if you can't grow lemons in your backyards, you can grow them in pots.

How quickly do lemon trees grow?

The majority of lemon trees grow around

6 to 12 inches each year

. Over time they can reach up to 20 feet tall, or sometimes even higher depending on the variety. It all depends on what kind of lemon tree you are growing and the conditions they are living in.

How long does it take for a lemon to grow?

It takes around

three to six years

to grow a mature lemon tree from seed, with fruit starting to be produced at around year five. However, it only takes a few months to get a small lemon tree that will look pretty in a pot in your home.

How cold is too cold for lemons?

Lemons. The tart fruits of the lemon tree (Citrus limon) are damaged when temperatures drop below

28 degrees Fahrenheit

. Blossoms and young fruit die at 29 degrees. When temperatures reach 22 to 24 degrees, the tree's leaves are damaged and will drop.

Can I put my indoor lemon tree outside?


Lemon trees can be placed outdoors during warm periods

, which is also recommended in order to increase their chances of bearing fruit. When you grow a lemon tree indoors, bees and other insects are unable to pollinate them. Therefore, you should place them outdoors during summer unless you want to hand pollinate.

Can a lemon tree survive winter in a greenhouse?


Warmth is critical to successfully growing citrus trees in a greenhouse during winter

. I find that a minimum nighttime temperature of about 50

o

F is the best compromise between the cost of heating and the right amount of warmth to prevent the trees from dropping their leaves.

What zones do lemon trees grow in?

Lemon tree species (Citrus limon) are subtropical: they do well in warm climates, tolerate drought and are highly sensitive to frost. They are best suited to United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones

9 to 11

.

Can you grow oranges in the Midwest?

Although the naturally grown citrus tree may fail in the Midwest,

the container-grown citrus tree, or citrus bonsai, can thrive successfully in the Midwest while producing quality, edible fruit

. Select a deep, well-drained potting container for your citrus tree.

Can you grow lemons in Montana?


Lemon Trees can only grow in pots in Montana

. If you want a fruit tree that can easily be moved from indoors to outdoors, kept indoors all year, or even just as an ornamental tree then look no further.

Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?

Do lemon trees grow well in pots?


You'll first need to choose a planter large enough to accommodate your growing lemon tree

. Barrel planters, grow bags and large flower pots are great options, as they provide ample room for the roots to expand and thrive.

How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit indoors?

Repeat this process once a day to ensure pollination. Most lemon trees take

6-9 months

to harvest after being successfully pollinated. Your lemon tree may produce fruit even if you don't pollinate it, but the fruit will be larger if it is pollinated.

What is the best lemon tree to grow indoors?

Can lemon trees grow in North Dakota?


Lemon Trees can only grow in pots in North Dakota

. If you want a fruit tree that can easily be moved from indoors to outdoors, kept indoors all year, or even just as an ornamental tree then look no further.

Can an orange tree survive in Minnesota?

As a tropical plant,

it requires a little TLC to survive here in Minnesota

but it's well worth the bit of extra time and effort. Of course you can keep the tree, potted in a large container, outdoors in the summer to thrive in the heat and sunshine. Just keep it well watered.

Will a lemon tree survive in an unheated greenhouse?


In winter, orange and lemon trees will fare best in a cool, frost-proof area such as a garden shed, cellar or unheated greenhouse

.

Can Meyer lemon trees survive a freeze?

Of all citrus trees, Meyer lemons (Citrus x meyeri or C. limon x C. reticulata) are perhaps the easiest to grow in our area.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.