Lemons in December that Survived Frost

December Lemons: An Unexpected Sight

When I took a walk this week, I did a double take when I passed the yard where this tree lives. I had never noticed the lemon tree there before. As you can see, it's grown quite high. This is no dwarf in a half wine barrel that can be moved to a warm spot when it's cold. 

I was surprised to see this lemon tree in my neighborhood. © B. Radisavljevic 

My husband found ice on his windshield one morning of the week I passed this tree. All the experts told me citrus would not grow here in Paso Robles. This is not the first tree I've seen that proved them wrong. 

Our Orange Tree in Newbury Park

We had a very productive nature navel orange tree at our Newbury Park house in Southern California before we moved here. The climate was perfect for citrus and everyone had citrus trees in their yards. The climate was just right -- except the day it snowed. It snows in Newbury Park about once every twenty years.

Our Orange Tree in Ventura County the Day it Snowed, © B. Radisavljevic

The tree survived with no help from us. I guess an occasional really cold day or night won't kill a tree. I'll be keeping an eye on that lemon tree if we have a really cold spell with freezing temperatures for several nights in a row. I hope this beautiful tree lives a long and productive life. May its owners enjoy lemons for years to come. 

Do you have a citrus tree in your yard? Is your climate favorable to its growth?

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