My lemon tree seems to be growing dispite the cooler Autumn weather, with it's burgundy tinted fresh growth. Frost will claim any of this tender new growth. Is this common? If so, how do I control or slow new growth?

Cheers, Barrie.

You really can't control it. Lemons have a tendency to react to cool temps like this. My Meyer has about 150-200 flower buds & new growth right now. Best you can do is protect it from frost. My inground gets covered & my container trees goes in the garage on frosty nights.

I was chewing on this question last night. I did look at one article that discusses various methods for preventing frost damage, but there are perhaps dozens out there.

http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1002.pdf

I just found an article that discusses a gel that is sprayed on leaves to keep them from frost damage, but I've never heard of this stuff before:

http://www.polymerag.com/tests.htm

Great info. Thanks Vince.

If you don't have any protection for your plants, do not apply any nitrogenous fertilizer one month before the onset of cool temperature (< 50 deg F). It helps prevent new growth or minimize them.

We use both anti-dessicants "Wilt-Pruf" and "Leaf Shield" (there are others) when moving large trees (tree spade or hand dug) during hot weather to reduce moisture loss through leaves, needles or stems. I've heard and read that these (type) products can provide some frost protection, but have never tried them for that purpose. I've seen Wilt Pruf in small aerosol cans in garden shops...might be worth a try.