In the world of gardening and horticulture, the quest for nurturing thriving citrus trees is a passion shared by many. If you're looking to embark on the rewarding journey of cultivating a Meyer lemon tree, you've come to the right place. At New York Garden, we understand the profound satisfaction that comes with growing your own Meyer lemon tree, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Overview

Growing Meyer lemon trees (Citrus × meyeri) can be a rewarding experience for both novice and seasoned gardeners, as these versatile citrus trees produce fragrant blooms [1] and delicious fruit. This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential aspects of cultivating Meyer lemon trees, including planting, care, and harvest techniques. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions and provide a conclusion that wraps up the key points.

Common Name

Meyer Lemon

Botanical Name

Citrus × meyeri

Plant Type

Fruit-bearing tree

Sun Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Mature Size

Height: 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

Width: 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)

Soil pH

Preferred pH range: 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Soil Type

Well-draining soil is essential for Meyer lemon trees. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal.

Flower Color

White with a hint of purple

Toxicity

Meyer lemon trees are generally not considered toxic to humans or pets.

Types of Meyer Lemon

Meyer lemons come in a few different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some common types of Meyer lemon trees:

  • Standard Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri): The standard Meyer lemon is the most widely recognized variety. It features medium-sized, round to slightly oval fruits with a bright yellow to orange-yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is moderately sweet and tangy, making it a versatile choice for culinary uses.

  • Improved Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri 'Improved'): This variety is a refined version of the standard Meyer lemon, characterized by slightly smoother skin and improved disease resistance. It retains the same sweet-tart flavor and fragrance, making it a popular choice for home gardeners.

  • Ponderosa Lemon (Citrus × pyriformis): While technically not a true Meyer lemon, the Ponderosa lemon is often confused with Meyer lemons due to its similar appearance. It is larger in size and has a more elongated, pear-shaped fruit. The flavor is more tart compared to the Meyer lemon.

  • Meyer Lemon Improved Dwarf (Citrus × meyeri 'Improved Dwarf'): The improved dwarf Meyer lemon is a compact and smaller version of the standard Meyer lemon tree. It is an excellent choice for those with limited space or those who prefer container gardening. The fruits are similar to standard Meyer lemons but are produced on a smaller scale.

  • Variegated Pink-Fleshed Eureka Lemon (Citrus limon 'Eureka Variegated Pink'): While not a Meyer lemon, the variegated pink-fleshed Eureka lemon deserves mention for its stunning appearance. It has variegated green and white foliage and produces lemons with a pinkish interior when ripe. The taste is mildly acidic.

How to Grow Meyer Lemon Trees

In warm climates like Florida or California, where they're popular as low-maintenance container-grown plants both inside and out, Meyer lemon tree care is a simple matter. Although they can withstand colder temperatures than Lisbon and Eureka lemon trees, they still need a protected area with plenty of sunlight to grow.

Because these trees don't thrive in wet environments, choose a location with great drainage. If you are worried about standing water, put your tree on a big mound of dirt or place it on a slope.

Temperature and Humidity

Since Meyer lemon trees thrive best in temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, bringing your tree indoors when temperatures begin to consistently fall below this range is a good idea unless you live in one of the USDA growth zones 8b to 11b. The tree needs to be protected when it gets below freezing in every zone.

To assist capture the heat from the earth, make sure to use a covering that extends to the ground.

With humidity levels of 50% and more, citrus trees thrive. Make a pebble tray if you don't have a humid enough area indoors. In order to increase the humidity around the plant, fill a tray with rocks, add water to just below the top of the pebbles, and then set your pot on top of the rocks. A tiny humidifier could also be positioned close by.

Light

The Meyer lemon tree is no different from other citrus plants in that it enjoys the sun. Though it can thrive in a slightly gloomy area, full sunlight is where it will grow and bear fruit at its finest. At least eight hours of direct sunlight each day are preferred by this tree.

Soil

As long as the soil has sufficient drainage, meyer lemon trees can flourish in practically any kind of soil. They do well in a loamy or sandy mixture and prefer an acidic soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Before planting, test your soil to see if it needs to be adjusted. If necessary, you can apply sulfur to raise the pH of the soil or lime to lower it.

Water

Meyer lemon trees require consistent moisture, but not oversaturation. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Potted trees may need more frequent watering.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, apply a well-balanced citrus fertilizer [2] according to package instructions. Reduce fertilization during the tree's dormant period.

How to Propagate a Meyer Lemon Tree

Cut off a healthy new stem that has neither fruit nor blooms in the late spring or early summer to reproduce a Meyer lemon tree. Place it in a light area and bury it (cut side first) in a 1-gallon pot filled with top-notch potting soil. Until the cutting begins to develop roots (which should take around two months), keep the soil moist and spray the cutting.

How to Harvest Your Meyer Lemon Tree

Before they flower, meyer lemon trees need to be a few years old. Although it may take longer, grafted rootstock nursery plants may blossom in as little as two years. The more sunlight, water, pruning, and pest control you offer your plant, the better. To hasten the process, fertilize the tree and give it a time of cooler winter weather.

Once the fruit starts to mature, you can anticipate a bountiful harvest every fall and winter. If you live in a warm climate, outside trees can bloom all year round. Before plucking, check to see if the lemons are ripe; they should be orange-yellow (like an egg yolk) and slightly pliable. To separate the fruit from the branch, use a knife or pair of scissors. Pulling could harm the branches, so avoid it.

Pest and Disease Control

Monitor your tree for common pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap [3] or horticultural oil. Keep an eye out for diseases like citrus canker and greasy spot, taking appropriate action if symptoms appear.

FAQs

When will my Meyer lemon tree bear fruit?

Meyer lemon trees typically begin producing fruit within 2-3 years of planting. However, it may take longer if the tree is grown from seed.

How often should I repot my potted Meyer lemon tree?

Repot your Meyer lemon tree every 2-3 years, or when the roots have outgrown the container.

Can I grow a Meyer lemon tree from seed?

Yes, although trees grown from seed may take longer to bear fruit and may not have the exact characteristics of the parent plant.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Fragrant Flowers for your Cutting Garden - University of Minnesota Extension

2. 2023–2024 FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION GUIDE: NUTRITION MANAGEMENT FOR CITRUS TREES - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

3. INSECTICIDAL SOAPS FOR GARDEN PEST CONTROL - Home and Garden Information Center