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Charlotte, Peaceful Valley Says:
Dec 8th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Anne, Thanks for your question and Gail, we appreciate your tips!
In general, lemon trees can grow well in USDA Zone 8. They will tolerate 32F but not much lower. Here’s what Purdue University says about lemons and cold weather:
“The tree is defoliated at 22º to 24º F (-5.56º-4.44º C). A temperature drop to 20º F (-6.67º C) will severely damage the wood unless there has been a fortnight of near-freezing weather to slow down growth. Flowers and young fruits are killed by 29º F (-1.67º C) and nearly mature fruits are badly damaged below 28º F (-2.22º C).”
For more of this thorough article on lemon trees, see http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/lemon.html
During cold snaps in Zone 8 drape your tree with an Agribon frost blanket or row cover fabric http://www.groworganic.com/growing-supplies/frost-protection/garden-fabric.html.
When Tricia said “Zone 7 or lower” in the video she meant the lower zone numbers with colder climates. They cannot grow lemons outdoors all year-round, and need to overwinter them indoors or in greenhouses.
Hope this info helps!
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