Lemon trees in Kentucky
Eric Asked
How rare is a lemon tree in Kentucky? My grandma has lives in Eastern Kentucky and has several 20-30 feet tall lemon trees and they do produce lemons!!! I’ve heard of people planting them in pots and etc… but these are huge , very old trees and planted in her backyard.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Eric: Wow!! This is definitely an anomaly! Lemons and other citrus are considered tropical for Kentucky gardeners. Eastern Kentucky is in USDA hardiness zone 6a or 6b. This means that the average lows range from -5 degrees F to 10 degrees F. Lemons and other citrus are hardy in zones 8-11. Your grandma has trees in her backyard that are not sold as hardy options in any garden center/nursery in Kentucky. Even if the roots survived our winter temperatures, it is crazy that the blooms are not damaged by the lower temperatures in the spring. You should have her contact the Johnson County Cooperative Extension offices. Maybe take the horticulture/agriculture agents some lemons and let them know they were grown locally. The offices are located at 826 FM Stafford Ave, Paintsville, KY 41240. I hope you get lots of lemonade when you visit!
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
