Lemon Trees in Florida

Lemon trees (Citrus limon) are easily damaged by freezing temperatures, so they fare best in the warmest parts of Florida. In the state's panhandle, they're unlikely to survive the harshest winters, but with some creative planting strategies, Florida gardeners anywhere in the state can grow a lemon tree.

The true lemon (Citrus limon) is a small to moderately sized tree that reaches a height between 10 and 20 feet. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, and it is especially well-adapted to warm, dry climates like those of the Mediterranean region.

Meyer lemon (Citrus limon x Citrus reticulata) is a commonly grown lemon hybrid. It is also hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, but it is somewhat more tolerant of cool temperatures than true lemons are. It also tends to be smaller than a true lemon, typically reaching a height of between 6 and 10 feet.

Lemon trees are ideally winter hardy throughout much of Florida, from the USDA zone 9 areas south of Gainesville to the zone 10 areas of south Florida. They are also hardy in the Florida Keys, which fall into USDA zone 11. They are unlikely to be hardy, however, in the part of the state northwest of Gainesville, which falls into USDA zone 8.

Lemon trees produce the best fruit in coastal areas, where the coastal climate moderates the peak heat of the summer. In areas where winter temperatures may fall below freezing, dwarf lemon trees or Meyer lemons may be planted in containers and brought indoors during the fall and winter. In any case, the trees benefit from being positioned in a protected location, such as near a south-facing wall.

Because lemons are adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, they may be susceptible to rot and diseases when grown in extremely damp, humid climates like those of inland Florida. To help protect trees from excess moisture, avoid planting them with a depression at the base of the trunk that will collect water, and do not mulch around the base of the trunk.

Mature lemon trees will only need supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods, and frequent watering can have an adverse effect on the tree's health and fruit production.

Lemons grow well in sandy, well-drained soils, which are common in much of Florida. In areas where the soil is dense and does not drain well, consider planting lemon trees on a mound of soil 3 to 4 feet high to improve drainage. In areas like those around Miami, where the soil is thin and bedrock is close to the surface, it may be necessary to break up the rock in order to plant a lemon tree.

Again, where soil conditions are not optimal, planting a lemon tree in a container is an alternative.