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Can You Grow Lemon Tree in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Won't grow here

Lemon trees cannot survive your winters outdoors — but they thrive as container plants brought indoors.

Plant zones

9a–11b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Lemon Tree

Lemon trees are popular container plants and can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm climates.

In cold zones grow in containers and bring indoors before frost. Keep near a sunny window or under grow lights. Water when top 2cm of soil is dry. Feed with citrus fertiliser in spring and summer.

Full lemon tree growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.

See what grows well in Illinois →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Lemon Tree in Illinois?

Lemon trees cannot survive your winters outdoors — but they thrive as container plants brought indoors.

What zone is Illinois?

Illinois spans USDA Zone 5b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).

When do you plant Lemon Trees in Illinois?

See the planting guide for Lemon Tree — timing depends on your exact frost date.