Here in Central Florida temperatures can vary drastically. While this is not particularly
damaging to most native plants, citrus trees can suffer if the temperature is not stable enough.
Citrus plants have been known to survive temperatures of about 20 degrees fahrenheit, but this
is not without damage to the tree. Many small citrus trees lack cold hardiness and can suffer
damage during the chilly winters and brisk spring months.
When the temperatures start falling, many large citrus groves warm their plants with
warm water sprayers, or semi-flammable products to ensure that their groves stay at a constant
temperature. This process ensures that the trees in their groves suffer less shock when the
temperatures plummet, and is said to help keep the plant alive for longer. This is a remarkably
effective process for large scale growers, but what about those of us who have citrus trees at
home? How can you ensure the health and safety of your own trees when you do not have access
to the large scale warming methods that are used at the nearest grower?
Luckily, this is a fairly simple task, and with a little help from tools you likely have
around the house, you can ensure that your trees remain strong, tall, frost damage free, and
bearing fruit for years to come.
If you happen to grow a lemon, orange, grapefruit, or lime tree in your yard, you may be
concerned about how to ensure that it continues to gain cold hardiness during its juvenilicy. One
of the easiest ways to prevent the frost build up and minor injuries that can result from chilly
weather is by watering your tree with copious amounts of warm water in the days before a
freeze. This will help your plant face the rough weather with well hydrated roots, which will help
to keep the plant flushing out toxins, as well as keeping the plant tissue at about 32 degrees
fahrenheit. It is also a method to ensure that the roots remain warm, since moist soil usually
radiates more heat than dry soil.
Another common at home method, is to wrap the trunk of your tree in plastic wrap. This
will also help your tree retain heat, as well as keep the frost off the physical trunk of the tree. If
you are still concerned about the impending weather, try wrapping the trunk in christmas lights
as well, for additional warmth (if you choose to utilize this method, please ensure you are using a
functioning outdoor plug so that you do not suffer a nasty shock, or risk lighting your tree on
fire). This method is highly effective, but it only protects the trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, this
will not protect the fruit your tree has born.
Unfortunately, fruit is very susceptible to damage via inclement weather. Since oranges,
grapefruits, lemons, and limes are primarily made up of sugars and liquid, they freeze and spoil
very quickly. The best way to salvage your fruit is to just harvest it immediately. While it is
unfortunate that you plant will no longer have any fruit on it, the more important thing to
remember is that doing this will ensure that your plant will still be able to bare fruit in the future.
Large, mature trees usually withstand cold damage better than young samplings, although
this is not always true.
Overall, citrus trees survive best in warm, stable weather, but this does not mean that you
cannot have a citrus tree of your very own. As long as you are able to keep the temperature
relatively stable, you can enjoy fresh fruit right from the comfort of your own backyard. Just
make sure to take a tip from your local growers and keep your trees wet, wrapped, and warm.
If you’re interested in learning more about the citrus industry, and the history behind it, please feel free to stop by the Mckay Archives Center at Florida Southern College, as we currently have an exhibit case dedicated entirely to citrus frost, as well as an entire gallery of citrus history.
Do you have any at home tips for keeping your trees warm throughout the last few weeks
of chilly weather? If so, let us know in the comments section below!
Works Cited
Dan Gill, The Times-Picayune garden columnist. “How to Protect Citrus Trees from Freezes.” NOLA.com, NOLA.com, 10 Dec. 2016, www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2016/12/how_to_protect_citrus_trees_fr.html.
Data, US Climate. “Temperature - Precipitation - Sunshine - Snowfall.” Climate Florida - Temperature, Rainfall and Average, www.usclimatedata.com/climate/florida/united-states/3179.
“How to Cover a Citrus Tree in Freezing Weather.” Home Guides | SF Gate, homeguides.sfgate.com/cover-citrus-tree-freezing-weather-59756.html.
“Q&A: How Can I Protect My Citrus Tree from Frost?” Horticulture, 13 July 2010, www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/citrusfrostprotection.
“Http://Ljournal.ru/Wp-Content/Uploads/2017/03/a-2017-023.Pdf.” 2017, doi:10.18411/a-2017-023.
Written By: Emma Morton
Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame
In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center
