Growing lemons is achievable even in a state like Georgia, despite the perception that citrus only flourishes in tropical regions. Success hinges less on the summer climate and more on successfully navigating the challenges presented by the winter season. A homegrown lemon harvest requires understanding Georgia’s specific weather patterns and implementing strategies to protect these sensitive plants.
Feasibility and Climate Reality
Growing lemons in Georgia requires a careful approach to the state’s distinct climate reality. The biggest obstacle is the risk of winter cold, as lemon varieties are susceptible to freezing temperatures. True lemons and limes are the most easily damaged citrus, with temperatures in the mid- to high-20s Fahrenheit quickly causing severe harm or death.
Most of Georgia falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 7b through 8b, though the southernmost coastal areas reach Zone 9a. While the growing season offers ample heat and sun, periodic dips below freezing are the primary limiting factor for in-ground success. A hard freeze, defined as temperatures dropping to 20°F or lower, can severely damage or kill an unprotected tree. Even cold-tolerant lemon varieties can only withstand brief periods in the low 20s.
Georgia’s inconsistent winter temperatures make it difficult for trees to fully acclimate to the cold. Citrus plants become more resilient after extended periods below 50°F, but rapid, severe drops remain a significant threat. Planting lemons directly into the ground is only recommended in the warmest parts of South Georgia, and even there, it carries a high risk without active cold protection. Container growing is the most reliable strategy for nearly all of the state.
Essential Growing Methods
Overcoming Georgia’s temperature limitations primarily relies on container gardening to allow for mobility. Using a container permits moving the plant inside a sheltered structure when temperatures drop. Proper drainage is necessary for potted citrus; a free-draining potting compost prevents root rot, a common issue with container-bound trees.
The container size should increase as the tree grows, starting with a pot at least 12 inches in diameter for a small plant. Mature trees eventually require containers double that width and 18 to 24 inches deep for sufficient root space. Avoid overly large pots for young trees, as excess soil complicates moisture control. The main strategy for winter survival is “overwintering,” which means bringing the lemon tree indoors before temperatures fall below 40°F.
Sheltering the tree involves moving it into a greenhouse, sunroom, or an unheated garage or basement with a window. The goal is to keep the plant above freezing while providing the brightest location possible, ideally receiving at least six hours of light. For in-ground trees in the warmest zones, temporary protection is necessary when a freeze is anticipated. This involves covering the tree with a frost tarp or blankets, sometimes including a light source beneath the cover to generate heat.
Year-Round Care and Variety Selection
Successfully growing lemons involves managing water, nutrients, and structure. Potted lemon trees require consistent monitoring of moisture levels; the soil should never dry out completely, but overwatering is damaging. Allow the top two inches of potting mix to dry slightly before watering thoroughly.
Citrus trees are heavy feeders and demand generous amounts of nitrogen, along with micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese. Apply a specialized citrus fertilizer regularly during the active growing season, typically from early spring through mid-summer. Avoid fertilizing past August, as late feeding promotes new, tender growth highly susceptible to freeze damage. Pruning should focus on developing an open center for good air circulation and light penetration, and is best done in the spring or summer to shape the plant.
Selecting a cold-tolerant variety increases the chances of success in Georgia. The ‘Meyer’ lemon is the most recommended choice for home growers. This lemon-mandarin hybrid is naturally more cold-hardy than true lemons, handling short dips down to about 22°F. Other options include the Ponderosa lemon, known for its cold-tolerance and large fruit, and the ‘Grand Frost,’ a large, cold-hardy lemon released by the University of Georgia.