Lemon trees are too cold in the Central European climate, which is why they should be cultivated in containers. On the one hand, this means they don't get that big - when planted out, a lemon tree can grow to a good 10 meters high, while in a pot it reaches an average of two meters - that's a good thing, because the plant, which comes from a subtropical climate, shouldn't overwinter outdoors on the balcony.
Can a lemon tree overwinter on the balcony?
A lemon tree can stand on the balcony in summer, but in winter it should overwinter indoors at around 10 °C with additional plant light. A glazed balcony could be an exception, but avoid drafts.
Why lemon trees cannot overwinter outdoors
The lemon comes from a consistently hot, very sunny climate. As such, the plant cannot tolerate frost, even though some hybrids may be hardy. But it's not just the temperature that prevents overwintering outdoors, the other winter weather conditions also make it impossible. In winter it is not only too cold, but also too wet, too dark and too windy - lemons don't like all of these things and would simply die.
There is no room to overwinter in the apartment, can the lemon tree go on the balcony?
For the reasons already explained, even overwintering on the balcony is not advisable. The uncomfortable weather and, above all, the lack of light are a problem. Although lemons need a cool place to overwinter, it shouldn't be too cold. Temperatures of around 10 °C plus additional brightness thanks to specially installed plant lamps (€79.00 on Amazon) offer a lemon optimal conditions for overwintering. An exception might be possible if you are the lucky owner of a glazed balcony: In this case, however, you have to make sure that the lemon tree does not get any drafts.
In summer the lemon tree belongs on the balcony
In the warm season, however, you should give your lemon tree a sunny, but protected and not drafty location on the balcony. Lemons don't like to stand all year round in summer, which is mainly due to the lack of air, but also to the sunlight filtered through window glass. Although the sensitive plants do not like drafts, they also react to the absence of any breath of air by dropping their leaves. It would be ideal if you own a south-facing or at least a west-facing balcony. The outdoor season for lemons begins around mid to late May (end of the Ice Saints) and ends with the last warm days in October.
Tips & Tricks
However, you should not necessarily leave your lemon tree on the balcony in very bad weather or a cold front - in such cases it is advisable to bring the plant into the protective living room for a few hours or days.
