From their subtropical homeland, lemons are used to permanently pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sun - so it's no wonder that they don't particularly appreciate the cold, wet and darkness of the German winter. That's why lemons should never overwinter outdoors, but are best kept in a winter garden.
When should you put out the lemon tree?
A lemon tree can be placed outside for hours on warm, sunny days in March to acclimate it to the sun. After the Ice Saints (mid to end of May) it can remain outdoors permanently as long as no more night frosts are expected.
When should I put the lemon tree out?
Generally, the end of the Ice Saints is given as a guideline for relocating the lemon tree after winter, a period that can be found in the calendar around mid to late May. However, since most lemons go into hibernation from the beginning of October, this period of poor vegetation, with an average of eight months, is simply too long - in the short remaining time, the tree has little chance of producing flowers or even fruit. That's why you should put the lemon out during the day and by the hour, even on the first warm days - in March. However, on such a day it should be sunny and warm - frost is taboo for lemons.
Keep an eye on temperature and weather conditions
On such sunny days in March and April, however, you should definitely keep an eye on the temperatures and the weather, after all, they can quickly turn unpleasant so early in the year. In addition, only put the lemon out for a few hours to soak up the sun and be sure to bring it back in before it gets cold and dark again as the late afternoon approaches.
Slowly get the lemon tree used to the sun
Although lemons are real sun worshipers, they still need to slowly get used to the rising sun again after the long summer break. Otherwise, leaf burns can occur, which weakens the plant unnecessarily. Get the tree used to the sun by initially only placing it for a few hours and, above all, not in the blazing midday sun. If the weather permits, the periods can be gradually extended. Only when night frosts and other cold snaps are no longer expected can the lemon tree go completely outside.
When to bring lemon tree in
At the end of the growing season, you should also carefully prepare your lemon tree for the winter break by gradually reducing the amount of watering and fertilizing the plant for the last time in September at the latest. With the last warm days in October, the lemon should finally be moved to its winter quarters. From now on it only needs to be watered rarely, initially watering every two to three weeks during the winter break and later about every four weeks. However, how often you really need to water depends on the needs of your plant.
Tips & Tricks
Basically, a little bit of cold - as long as it's not frost - doesn't harm the tree, but unfavorable and too long winter storage does.
