Discussion
dba3087108 said:
I see these in garden centres and Aldi etc. Do they last in this country outside?
No.They might survive a summer but they will drop fruit at any hint of a temperature fluctuation.
That being said I’ve seen quite a large banana plant living happily outside in Hastings I think it was. A very sheltered microclimate and they may well have taken it in during winter.
borcy said:
Yes, there's plenty that leave them outside all year round. I don't but some do, although if I was getting one I'd get one from a garden centre rather than a supermarket.
What do they do to protect from frost?While some locations might be able to guarantee no frost it’s not easy.
Without the worry of frost most citrus needs at least 5c not to struggle.
trickywoo said:
borcy said:
Yes, there's plenty that leave them outside all year round. I don't but some do, although if I was getting one I'd get one from a garden centre rather than a supermarket.
What do they do to protect from frost?While some locations might be able to guarantee no frost it s not easy.
Without the worry of frost most citrus needs at least 5c not to struggle.
But it's possible, loads of pics of them on the FB groups
Which one is a vital question; they have differing levels of frost hardiness - although none of them should be considered truly hardly.
Yuzu lemon is known for being the most hardy, so if you really wanted to keep one outside I would look at that - your local climate will determine success.
Yuzu lemon is known for being the most hardy, so if you really wanted to keep one outside I would look at that - your local climate will determine success.
What are people's winter care routines for citrus?
We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
Greenhouse heater? A mate who is into showing plants at big shows installed underground heating in his greenhouse. Not cheap but as it's his hobby he doesn't mind.
Another mate put a diy system in using an old woodburner to warm up water for pipes into his greenhouse.
Both mates also use bubble wrap on the glass, especially the roof areas.
Another mate put a diy system in using an old woodburner to warm up water for pipes into his greenhouse.
Both mates also use bubble wrap on the glass, especially the roof areas.
Harpoon said:
What are people's winter care routines for citrus?
We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
I put mine in the greenhouse and give them a winter feed every month or so. We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
Harpoon said:
What are people's winter care routines for citrus?
We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
I have a 2kw heater in the Greenhouse , don't let the temperature drop below 34 in mid Winter (Controlled by SMARTTHINGS and SENSORS and alerts me if a failure)..... Limes and Lemons I find drop leaves most (the Lime has been completely bald twice , but recovered)... Oranges/Mandarin and Grapefruit less so .We have a lemon in a pot which moves into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I wrap the pot in some thick bubble wrap and stand it on some raised planks so it's not on the cold soil. The plant I cover with fleece. In previous years we've probably neglected it but this winter we gave it some water every 3 to 4 weeks to stop it totally drying out. We tried to pick a warmer day for watering and do it in the morning, so the plant wasn't sat in cold water overnight as the temperature has dropped.
However, despite paying more attention, it looks very sad at the moment and most, if not all, the leaves have dropped. One site (might have been the RHS) suggested using a winter citrus food.
If we can resurrect it this summer, I'm wondering what to try next year? Double fleece it against the cold?
They don't like being in the Greenhouse , can get black mould or worse mealy bugs , so I like to get them outside ASAP.
I don't think fleece would work too well over a long period of time and it does tend to damage branches.
Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Monday 30th March 11:48
I have two. Mine live outside all year but on the coldest nights I have zip up covers to keep the cold and frost off. I should say I live on the south coast so probably have some of the best weather the uk sees.
They like good drainage, as much sun as possible and plenty of water and feed on the summer.
They like good drainage, as much sun as possible and plenty of water and feed on the summer.
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