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When to Plant Lemon Tree in New York City, New York (10121)

Location

New York City, New York

ZIP Code

10121

USDA Zone

7b

Last Frost

Sunday, April 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, April 5, 2026 · Zone 7b

Pro tip: Sow Lemon Tree directly outdoors 4 weeks after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Citrus limon
Days to Maturity 1095 days
Mature Height 60-120"
Spread 96"
Type Evergreen Tree
Fruit Size Medium (2-3 inches)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (deep, infrequent watering)

↔️

Spacing

120" apart

Ready to Plant Lemon Tree in New York City?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, May 3, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

MarigoldLavenderLemon Balm

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lemon Tree

See which plants help Lemon Tree thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🪴 Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Lemon seeds grow polyembryonic seedlings, many of which are true-to-type clones of the parent — worth trying.

Plant fresh seeds immediately — lemon seeds lose viability quickly when dried.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 0 plants of Lemon Tree. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Tree in New York City, New York? +

In New York City (Zone 7b), direct sow Lemon Tree outdoors around Sunday, May 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for New York City, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for New York City, New York (ZIP 10121) is around Sunday, April 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7b.

How long does Lemon Tree take to grow? +

Lemon Tree typically matures in about 1095 days from direct sowing. In New York City, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, May 3, 2026 plus 1095 days.

Should I start Lemon Tree indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Lemon Tree does best when direct sown outdoors. In New York City, sow directly around Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Other Plants for New York City

Growing Lemon Tree in Zone 7b

Lemon Tree (Citrus limon) is a popular garden vegetable. In New York City, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, April 5, 2026. Lemon Tree grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.