"downholme" wrote ...

We were, slightly to our horror, given a 18" tall lemon tree in a pot
for Xmas. I have no experience of citrus in the UK.

It's currently in an unheated, SW facing conservatory. Temp got down to
zero in there! It came with 3 lemons, all now picked and is forming one
new lemon.

I am mindful of not overwatering it; I have begun feeding it with citrus
feed at the recommended intervals (in rainwater) and it seemed to be OK-
it's got blossom on it- BUT now the leaves are dulling, in places
yellowing a bit, even curling and all in all it doesn't look that
happy.

I guess I need to move it outdoors but is it safe to do so with possible
frost still forecast or are its chances better out there in a sunny
sheltered spot that in a possibly overheating conservatory?

Any advice please!

Our citrus trees have been outside against a S. facing wall of our house for
a few weeks now. They will take a little frost especially if it does not
last long, as in the S. of the UK now, so introduce yours to the great
outdoors. Do it slowly mind because it's been in a nice conservatory so will
need to become accustomed to outside. Put it outside during the day and
bring it in at night for a few days.
Have you considered that it may need repotting? Use Ericaceous compost with
some added grit or similar to aid drainage, the plant will thank you.
Oh, and do not use a water tray under it, let it drain any excess away. Wet
roots are the usual cause of death for these plants.
--
Regards
Bob Hobden
W.of London. UK