Lemon tree species (Citrus limon) are subtropical: they do well in warm climates, tolerate drought and are highly sensitive to frost. They are best suited to United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 to 11.
What states can grow lemon trees?
In fact, Arizona is one of four states in the United States that can commercially grow citrus, along with California, Florida, and Texas.
Where do lemon trees grow best in the US?
Ideal Hardiness Zones
Meyer lemon trees flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, which are regions on the southern coastal margins and deep southern half of the US.
Can you grow lemons in the US?
The top five lemon-producing countries are India, Argentina, Spain, Iran, and the United States (Anonymous 2004) In the United States, lemons are grown primarily in California (45,000 acres) and Arizona (13,500 acres) (Perez and Pollack 2007) with only a small amount of acreage (less than 600 acres) in south Florida (
What zones grow lemons?
Gardeners in the warmest parts of the United States (USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11) can grow citrus outdoors year round, while colder-climate gardeners (Zones 7 and colder) should consider growing lemons, oranges, limes, and other dwarf citrus trees in containers to enjoy fresh citrus fruit, too.
Is it illegal to grow lemons in Florida?
Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit can all be grown here in Florida.
Why are citrus plants illegal in Texas?
Many people do not realize that it is illegal to bring citrus trees into Texas from any state or country outside Texas. It is even illegal to bring fresh citrus fruit into Texas from Florida. The purpose of this law is to prevent the spread of diseases.
What state is known for lemons?
The United States is one of the top five producers of lemons. California, Florida and Arizona are the top producing states in the U.S., combining to produce nearly 800,000 tons of lemons each year.
Why can’t I buy a citrus tree in California?
A Threat to California Citrus
A plant disease that kills citrus trees has been found in California. The disease, called Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease, isn’t harmful to humans, but it is fatal for citrus trees and has no cure.
How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit?
When grown outdoors in warm climates, regular lemon trees grow 20 feet tall and take up to six years to bear fruit.
How far north will lemon trees grow?
Lemon tree species (Citrus limon) are subtropical: they do well in warm climates, tolerate drought and are highly sensitive to frost. They are best suited to United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 to 11.
What two states grow 95% of the lemons grown in the USA?
Arizona and California produce 95% of the U.S. lemon crop. The average lemon contains about 3 tablespoons of juice. Arizona is one of only four states that produce lemons. Others include California, Florida and Texas.
Do you need 2 lemon trees to get lemons?
You do not need two lemon trees to get fruit, since lemon trees are self-pollinating. According to the University of Georgia Extension, citrus trees are self-fruitful (self-polinating) and do not need cross-pollination with trees.
How hard is it to grow a lemon tree?
Lemons trees aren’t hard to grow in your kitchen garden, but they won’t thrive unless you live where the winters are mild (hardiness zones 9 to 11), These subtropical plants are killed or damaged once the temperatures dip into the 20s. Even if you can’t grow lemons in your backyards, you can grow them in pots.
How cold can a lemon tree tolerate?
Temperature
Meyer Lemon Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees. If your area gets colder than that, your tree will need to be planted in a container and brought inside when the temperature drops. But when they’re inside, winter heat can dry them out.
How long does it take to grow a lemon tree?
It takes around three to six years to grow a mature lemon tree from seed, with fruit starting to be produced at around year five. However, it only takes a few months to get a small lemon tree that will look pretty in a pot in your home.
Are lemons legal in Texas?
It is not illegal to grow lemons in Texas, but it is unlawful to transport citrus plant material into Texas.
Why are there no lemons in South America?
True lemons do not do well in tropical conditions, so are not grown commercially.
Can you have lemon trees in Texas?
Lemons are among the most cold sensitive of all citrus. Because of the likelihood of damaging temperatures in most of Texas, lemon trees cannot be expected to survive for long outside the Valley unless special efforts are provided for cold protection.
Why are Meyer lemons illegal?
Originally brought over from China in the early 1900, the Meyer lemon was found to carry a virus that killed off millions of citrus, so it was banned in California.
Is it illegal to grow citrus in Florida?
No Florida-grown citrus may enter any citrus-producing states or territories. This includes citrus for personal use. For more information, please contact the Division of Plant Industry at 1-800-282-5153.