Lemons are a highly cold-sensitive citrus fruit, restricting successful commercial cultivation in the United States to a few specific, warm, and geographically limited areas. The lemon tree requires a stable, subtropical environment to produce viable fruit consistently, as it cannot tolerate conditions common in most of the country. US production is concentrated in regions that provide year-round warmth and protection from freezing temperatures.
Specific Climate Requirements for Lemon Cultivation
A lemon tree’s vulnerability to cold determines its growing location, as it is among the least cold-tolerant of all citrus types. Optimal temperatures for growth range between 77°F and 86°F. Temperatures dropping into the mid-to-high 20s°F will severely damage or kill young trees, and mature wood can be damaged below 20°F.
The fruit is highly susceptible to damage; exposure below 26°F for a few hours can cause internal juice vesicles to rupture, resulting in dry, unusable fruit. Lemon trees require full sun exposure, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for a healthy crop. The ideal growing medium is a well-draining soil, typically a light loam or sandy loam, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.5), since the roots cannot tolerate standing water.
Major Commercial Lemon Growing Regions
Commercial lemon production in the United States is dominated by California, which consistently accounts for approximately 95% of the total national output. Cultivation is concentrated in the warm, dry climates of the Central Valley and the mild, coastal microclimates of Southern California, including San Diego and Ventura County. The two primary varieties grown are the ‘Eureka’ and the ‘Lisbon,’ known for their excellent fruit quality and year-round production cycles in these favorable conditions.
Arizona ranks as the second-largest lemon producer, contributing a significant portion of the country’s harvest. Production is centralized in the southwestern part of the state, particularly in the Yuma and Maricopa County regions, benefiting from intense heat and dry air. The Arizona harvest often complements California’s schedule, providing fruit during different parts of the year.
Texas maintains a smaller commercial industry, mainly located in the subtropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley. This region grows both lemons and limes, relying on warm temperatures and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico to mitigate cold snaps. Florida’s lemon output is minimal due to historical disease challenges and the state’s preference for other citrus types, despite being a major producer of oranges and grapefruit.
Cultivating Lemons in Non-Traditional Areas
Gardeners outside the commercially viable growing zones of the Southwest can successfully grow lemons as container plants. This method allows the tree to be moved indoors for protection from winter cold, circumventing the lemon’s sensitivity to frost. Dwarf varieties are particularly well-suited for this purpose, with the Meyer lemon being a popular choice for its higher cold tolerance and abundant, flavorful fruit.
A potted lemon tree needs a large container with excellent drainage and must be placed in a sunny outdoor location during warm months. The tree must be transitioned indoors before nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 45°F to prevent cold damage. Once inside, position the tree near a south-facing window or supplement with grow lights to ensure adequate light during winter. Watering should be significantly reduced during this dormancy period, and fertilizer application should stop entirely until the tree moves back outside in the spring.