How do I grow lemons in Victoria?
Lemon (and lime) trees may be grown in the coastal region of southwest B.C. A growing location with 6 or more hours of full sun per day and protection from wind is best. If growing trees in the ground, locate against a south or southwest facing wall with an overhanging roof (may also be grown in pots). While hardy to temperatures just below freezing, protection is needed when temperatures drop below minus 2 degrees Celsius to prevent plant damage or death. Wrap strings of Christmas lights (use old-style with incandescent bulbs that generate heat, not LED lights) through the plant and cover the plant with floating row cover cloth (e.g., Reemay) during cooler times of winter to maintain temperatures warm enough to protect plants. A popular variety is the ‘Meyer’ lemon which is one of the more hardy and may survive temperatures as low as minus 6 degrees
Sources:
Presentation on growing lemons and limes in south coastal BC by Bob Duncan available on YouTube: Growing Lemons and Limes in South Coastal BC, Canada - YouTube (accessed August 24, 2023)
Article on growing a patio lemon tree in winter in Southwest BC on BC Farms & Food website: Growing a Patio Lemon Tree in Winter - BC Farms & Food (bcfarmsandfood.com) (accessed August 24, 2023)
Detailed instructions for growing lemons and limes in ground in south coastal BC by Bob and Verna Duncan available on Comox Valley Horticulture Society website: GROWING-Lemons-Limes-IN-the-ground-in-SOUTH-COASTAL-BC.28-Sept-2016.docx.pdf (comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca)(accessed August 24, 2023)
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