Hi Karen!
I don't know much about growing citrus in the ground, but I do know that temperatures that cold would certainly kill a lemon. I would think lemons should only be planted in zones 9 and higher but I am sure that varies with variety. Lemons are tropical plants. Damage can occur as soon as temperatures dip below 32. I'm not sure why the care tag would say that!

Kristopher

Here's my "rule of thumb"... Hold up your thumb at arms length in front of your eye; now turn a complete circle. If you don't see any citrus growing in that circle, it probably means it won't survive there. I think Lisbon lemons will survive down to about 28 or 29 F; but below that, without protection, they will not.

Where is "here"? You don't indicate where you live :-) No lemon will survive -10 degrees F, even the pretty hardy Meyer lemon. Whoever wrote the care tag was delusional. Citrus are semi-tropical plants and are certainly not hardy in sustained temps much below 28 to 30 degrees. A few cultivars are more hardy, but lemons are not in that category. John's advice is funny, but true.

Patty S.

Thanks for the quick (and witty!) replies people. I didn't think that was correct. I live in central Tx right between Waco and Austin. So it's gonna have to be the container for this baby. Thanks, Karen

Karen, check around your area. Ask some of your better gardening centers. I suspect you're in too chilly an area of Texas to allow citrus to survive in the ground. You can also check on Texas A&M's web site to see where the citrus growing areas of Texas are as well. They have quite a bit of good info about growing citrus in Texas.

Patty S.

You can put your lemon in the ground there; my Brother in Austin has several. On the coldest nights you have to throw a blanket over the tree and put a 100 W bulb inside.

Patty and Johnmerr thanks for the info think I'll err on the side of caution and keep it in a pot. Thanks so much! Karen

My Lisbon (newly planted last fall) did not survive the winter temps this year. I planted a Trovita sweet orange at the same time that did survive. And my rio red grapefruit that has been in the ground for 2 winters is doing very well. I am giving it another try and planted another Lisbon last week. I will see if a few months more of growing season will allow it to establish better to survive the Tucson winter temps. If not, I am going with an entirely different citrus.

Newly planted replacement.

DocHollywood, ur tree is beautiful and full where did u get it? Thanks, Karen

DocHollywood, ur tree is beautiful and full where did u get it? Thanks, Karen

Doc, nicely planted. If you ever have to stake a tree, take a look at how Doc has his tree staked. This is the best way to temporarily stake a tree, until it is strong enough to go without a stake. Doc has it staked in such a manner that allows the trunk to flex during winds, which is what helps to strengthen and thicken the trunk. Also, good choice to put the Lisbon up against a wall, for radiant heat during the winter. Doc, you might also want to consider panting an Improved Meyer lemon, which tolerates much lower temps than the more tender Lisbon. Just a thought.

Patty S.

I planted a Key Lime here in Northwest Florida. We had a late frost, got down to around 28 degrees. Killed it dead. I didn't cover it because it never hurt my Satsuma.

Lesson Learned. If you have colder temps in the winter, I suggest Satsumas for ground planting.

Patty, yes the wall is a great source of radiant heat, but wasn't enough to protect the Lisbon. The Improved Meyer will be the replacement in the future if needed. The staking works very well for strengthening the trunk. The trunk needs some movement to strengthen, like all tissues.
Gardengirl, I believe my "yard guy" picked it up at Mesquite Valley Nursery. He knew the shape I wanted, but I forgot to ask him where he got it. Cannot believe I forgot to ask him. It took him a couple of weeks to find one of the shape wanted. Not in the area currently but will ask him next time I see him. I plan to keep the citrus pruned into a tree-shape with max height of about 10 feet with a single trunk, thus the reason for the shape of the one planted.

I planted this Lisbon in the ground with sw exposure last spring. I did not expect it to make it thus far as we have had a few weeks at around -5 degrees celcius. One was -15 with wind chill. I am located in langley BC. That's right citrus in Canada. Not sure if Johns rule of thumb applies out here. With adequate protection and a cold hardy variety I believe it can be done. I believe my Lisbon is on flying dragon. Still has all its leaves I'm positive it will pull through the winter.

If you want an inground sour citrus in 8b, that Meyer is your best bet. A lisbon wont make the winter in 8 without some major protection...