The country, where the lemons bloom, actually lies beyond the Alps. But even with us, citrus plants can bear strong fruit and become very old – if they get through the winter well.
These plants are like our Nordic dream of the south: Luminous fruits amidst shiny ones, evergreen foliage, plus the beguiling scent of lasting spring – no wonder, that citrus plants are among the most popular potted plants in Germany. They are considered sensitive, and they are indeed asking right now, during hibernation, special demands.
All the pick-me-ups in the fruit basket (Photo) come from the evergreen citrus species, which also need a lot of light in winter: lemon, Grapefruit, lime, Apfelsine, Tangerines, kumquat and clementine.
For them are light and airy, 5° up to 10° C cool winter quarters ideal – e.g. unheated conservatories or frost-free greenhouses. Who can only offer his lemon the dark cellar with about 10° C, must provide light. Then should on the ceiling, about 50 cm above the plant, plant lights (see next issue) be attached, which should burn at least ten hours a day.
The rule of thumb for citrus, like most Mediterranean potted plants, is: The warmer it is overwintered, the brighter they must stand. But there is an easier way: with a frost-hardy citrus from a joint campaign by SelberMachen and the Südflora nursery. He can stay in the garden.
1 Ein Kübel Saures: Grown as a bush, Lemons look particularly lush. The "Lisbon" varieties are very well suited for pot culture, "Four-season lemon" and the "Meyer lemon".
2 Kumquat statt Drops: The date-sized fruits are eaten with the skin on.
3 Bonsai italiana: The small golden oranges or kumquat (Fortunella margarita) grow weak and compact as a tree or as a standard, the fruits stay on the plant for a long time.