Growing lemons is rewarding and fun! Under the right conditions, these trees are prolific fruit producers that will brighten your landscape with stunning white blossoms and fragrant dark green foliage. Not to mention the delicious bright-colored fruits that can have plenty of uses in the kitchen!
Where do Lemon Trees Like to Grow
We associate these plants and fruits with warmth and summer (and with reasons). Indeed, lemon trees grow well in USDA 9-11. They need full sun to partial shade and are not are tolerant to low temperatures as other fruit trees. Indeed, contrary to other plants that produce fruits, which need a minimum of chilling hours to create harvests, lemons will thrive in warm climates such as Florida or California.
The plant is versatile and relatively low-maintenance (in a suitable climate). You can grow lemon trees in containers or directly in the soil. Provided that you give them what they need to thrive, they will grow fast.
There are different varieties of lemon, among which Meyer, Four Season, and Garey’s Eureka are some of the most popular choices. You can select one that best suits your taste and your yard’s conditions.
But can you grow lemons in Missouri? If you know something about this state, you should be familiar with Midwestern’s cold winters. Let’s get things straight: the truth is that in Missouri, a citrus tree might be difficult to grow.
The state includes hardiness zones between 5 and 7, which are not what lemons need. But does that mean you can’t plant these stunning fruit trees on your property? Keep reading to find out! Sometimes even things that seem impossible might work, as long as you put in the necessary effort!
Can you Grow Lemon Trees in Missouri?
Despite the not-so-optimal conditions, there are stories of the success of growing lemons in the Midwest. So, yes: you can grow lemon trees in Missouri. However, you may have to struggle to have these plants thriving.
For starters, lemon trees won’t survive frost and low temperatures. So, if you want to grow them in Missouri, you must do so in containers. Indeed, you’ll need to move your plants indoors when temperatures fall below 45F. If you are worried about stressing your plants, don’t. Lemons are versatile and fast to adapt to different conditions.
If you don’t like the idea of constraining a full-size tree to such a limited space, consider getting citrus bonsai plants. These plants will grow well indoors and give you plenty of fruits. But of course, you’ll need to take care of them to get the results you wish. Jump to the following section to learn how you can make the most out of lemon trees in Missouri.
Growing Lemon Trees in Missouri: Our Tips
To have your trees produce harvests, you’ll need to find a location for them that receives plenty of sunlight. Inadequate lighting might halt fruit production. Plus, keep in mind that you might have to consider adding a humidifier. If you are using central heating in your house, your lemon might suffer due to a lack of humidity. Consider misting your plant’s leaves at least twice a week to increase humidity and recreate optimal conditions for your lemons to grow.
The ideal solution would be to grow your lemon trees in a warm and sunny location in the summer and move your plant indoors in fall, winter, and early spring. Keep in mind that temperatures below 45F will damage or even kill your plants. Don’t forget to add mulch around your lemon tree to regulate the soil temperature and improve water and nutrient retention.
Lemons need moisture to grow but won’t stand soggy conditions. Remember to decrease watering frequency in the winter to avoid overwatering. If your tap water is alkaline, consider using rainwater or de-ionized products: lemons trees don’t like alkaline conditions.
If you notice your tree is growing denser than you’d like, consider pruning it: it will help keep your plant healthy and boost fruit production. Do so in the fall to encourage more blooming over the following season. Plus, don’t forget to move your lemon when it outgrows its container: you’ll need to provide your plant with plenty of space to ensure it keeps producing fruits.
Can You Grow Lemons in Missouri?: Final thoughts
One of the best varieties of lemon trees to grow in Missouri is the Meyer lemon tree: a small but dense plant that, under the ideal conditions, can live and produce for a long time.
Related Article: Lemon Tree Dropping Leaves