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Meyer Lemon
(Improved)
"Citrus × meyeri 'Improved'

How To Grow and Care For Meyer Lemon Tree
The Meyer
Lemon Tree, is believed to be the result of a cross between an orange
and a lemon tree. These sun-loving citrus trees are robed with
attractive green foliage, fragrant flowers and is self-pollinating.
Meyer
lemons produce delicious tangy citrus fruits as long as it receives
enough sunlight and proper care.
Where Did The Meyer Lemon Tree Come From?
The
original Meyer lemon tree came to the United States from China in 1908.
After the
introduction, the dwarf-sized plant became very popular. However, due to
being highly susceptible to disease, the Dwarf Meyer lemon tree was
banned.
In 1975,
the University of California introduced the “Improved Meyer Lemon Tree.”
A cold hardy plant, which bears thin-skinned fruits and grows well in
the right conditions.
Meyer lemon
trees grafted on to a rootstock will produce fruit in about two
years. Seed grown Lemon tree plants can take 4-7 years to start bearing
fruit.
These fruit
trees can grow as an indoor cold tolerant plant in colder zones but
grows well outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
When
comparing the fruits of Meyer lemons to other citrus fruits varieties
such as lime, mandarin orange, and regular lemons, you will see very
distinct qualities.
In
appearance, fruits of the Meyer lemon tree look smaller and rounder. The
fruits’ color ranges from deep yellow to orange with dark yellow citrus
pulps.
Fruits of
the Meyer lemon trees contain moderate levels of acidity. It does not
give a strong tang, unlike the regular lemons.
Moreover,
they have a sweeter taste which makes a lot of people prefer adding this
sweet lemon to different dishes.
Some of the
Meyer lemons recipes include Meyer lemon curd, lemon meringue pie, and
candies. It also serves as a great addition to salads and dressings.
Meyer
lemon’s spice and sweetness can make a recipe more palatable.
Nutrition Facts
For 1 fruit (2-3/8" dia) of meyer lemon (84g)
Nutrient
|
Value
|
%DV
|
Calories
| 25 |
0% |
Fats
|
0g |
0% |
Saturated fats
|
0g |
0% |
Trans fats
|
0g |
0% |
Cholesterol
|
0mg |
0% |
Sodium
|
0mg |
0% |
Carbs
|
8g |
3% |
Net carbs
|
6g |
0% |
Fiber
|
2g |
7% |
Sugar
|
2g |
0% |
Protein
|
0.5g |
0% |
Vitamins
& Minerals |
Calcium
|
20mg |
2% |
Iron
|
0.5mg |
6% |
Potassium
|
120mg |
3% |
Vitamin D
|
0μg |
0% |
Sugars
|
Sugar
|
2g |
0% |
Meyer Lemon Quick Care Tips
-
Botanical Tips: Botanical Name: Citrus x meyeri
-
Common Name(s): Meyer Lemon
-
Synonyms: Citrus limon x reticulata
-
Family & Origin: Rutaceae, China
-
Growability: Easy
-
Grow Zone: 8-11
-
Size: 7-10′ feet tall and wide
-
Flowering: Fragrant white flowers in spring and summer
-
Light: Full sun
-
Humidity: Moderate
-
Temperature: Prefers 50° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit and no
lower than 32°F
-
Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
-
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
-
Fertilizer: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer every 4-6
weeks during growing season
-
Pests & Diseases: Common pests include spider mites and
scale insects, can be susceptible to root rot and citrus canker
disease
-
Propagation: Grafting or rooting cuttings
-
Plant Uses: Edible fruit, ornamental plant for landscaping
or container gardening.
If you will
substitute citrus lemon for the Meyer lemon juice, it is recommended
that you start with smaller amounts and test. Gradually add more citrus
drops according to taste.
The Meyer
Lemon Tree is one of the simplest fruit trees for homeowners to care for
and grow. Follow these tips carefully for a successful tree.
Restrictions *Due to state
restrictions they cannot be shipped to the following:
Arizona, Florida, Texas, Canada, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto
Rico, Virgin Islands, Alaska, Alabama
Meyer Lemon Tree Care & Growing Tips
The first
step in successfully growing any plant is knowing what they like. Let’s
run down what Meyer Lemon Trees like:
-
Correct Watering – Water soil thoroughly. These citrus
trees need properly watered ground. Soil should not stay soaked or
soggy
-
Rich and good drainage when growing in a large container
with drain holes.
-
Full sun (direct sunlight 6 hours per day) and protection
from the wind
-
Temperatures between 50° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit and no
lower than 32° degrees Fahrenheit.
-
Regular feeding with an all-purpose slow-release
fertilizer, a high nitrogen fertilizer, a specialty citrus
fertilizer or even a lemon tree fertilizer. Do not feed meyer citrus
trees during winter.
What Meyer Lemons Don’t Like
-
Avoid keeping their feet wet and overwatering.
-
Temperatures below freezing. Move the tree indoors during
the winter, especially if temperatures fall to freezing
-
Too little or too much fertilizer
-
Not enough sunlight
Finding The Right Soil and Container For Your Meyer Lemon Tree
Although
the meyers citrus does well in almost all potting soil types, the tree
does well in loamy soil.
Ideally,
use a three-gallon pot for a non-mature plant and a seven-gallon pot or
larger pots for a mature plant. The tree grows to a full height of 7-10
feet.
Provide Trees With Plenty Of Sunlight
Citrus
trees do well in warm locations and a sunny spot. Make sure the Meyer
lemon plant will receive plenty of sunlight daily.
If you live
in an area with freezing winters, bring the citrus trees inside to avoid
damage. Take them outdoors in the spring.
When
indoors, place the tree in a south-facing window for it to receive
sufficient direct sunlight. Ensure that the tree receives at least six
hours of sunlight every day.
Meyer Lemon Fertilizer and Feeding
The Meyer
lemon tree needs regular feeding to improve blossom growth as well as
fruit production, as soon as the tree starts producing new growth in
spring.
Reduce the
frequency of feeding once the tree finishes producing fruit. During the
first year of planting, provide the tree with 0.4 pounds of a balanced
6-6-6 fertilizer or a specialty citrus fertilizer. Split the amount into
six spaced applications.
In the
second year use a pound of the same lemon tree fertilizer divided into
five equal proportions.
Use about
1.9 pounds of fertilizer split into four applications during the third
year.
Progressively use about 4.4 pounds divided into three application during
the fourth year and 6.1 pounds split into three equal application during
the fifth year and the years after that.
Lemon Tree Watering
To grow
healthy citrus trees proper watering is essential.
The key – DO
NOT overwater. For potted Meyer lemon trees, you can check the
moisture level by dipping your finger to the second knuckle into the
soil. If the soil feels damp, wait another day before watering.
Recheck the
moisture level the following day and if the second knuckle comes out
dry, water the plant.
Provide the
tree with 4-6 cups of water and check the dampness.
If the
water is not enough, add two more cups. The frequency of watering will
depend on the temperature and season. Keep on rechecking the soil
dampness and water only when necessary.
NOTE: Meyer Lemon trees, Key lime, grapefruit and other citrus
trees growing in large pots will require more water.
Temperature Requirements
The Meyer
Lemon tree will do well with a relatively cool room temperature.
To be
specific, the plant does well when maintained in an average of 65°
degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55°-60° degrees Fahrenheit during
the night.
However,
the tree will do well with much higher temperatures, especially during
the summer. The Meyer lemon does not like freezing temperatures.
Aid In Pollination Of The Meyer Lemon Tree Using A Cotton Swab
Although
the Meyer’s Lemon self-pollinates, indoors pollination may not occur
because of no breeze or insect for pollinating.
Collect
pollen (the yellow powder found in the center of a flower) by rubbing a
cotton swab against a stamen.
Want a
boost? Here’s how to pollinate a lemon tree even though they
self-pollinate.
Rub the
stigma with the cotton swab covered with the pollen to help pollinate
the flowers.
Pruning The Trees
To keep the
plant in shape, avoid overcrowding and prune as needed. Look for long,
dead branches and branches that grow towards the tree trunk.
Pruning
will allow proper airflow around the plant, encourage growth and help
reduce potential diseases.
For
large size lemons snip off all but one budding fruit to allow the tree
to produce fruit larger in size.
Protecting Meyers Lemon From Pests
Some of the
pests that affect Meyer lemon includes aphids, spider mites, and leaf
borers. This pest can cause the plant stress and other problems making
the citrus tree weak, reducing the fruit yields.
Learn Tips
on Getting Rid of Aphids on Lemon Trees.
Proactively
protect the young tree against these pests starting in spring when peak
activities typically start.
Practicing
good hygiene such as picking fallen fruits and keeping the garden
weed-free.
When you
find pests, use horticultural oils spray as well as applications of
insecticidal soaps to eradicate the pests safely. Removing affected
branches or leaves will help get rid of stem and leaf borers.
Guarding The Fruit Tree Against Diseases
Brown rot
and bacterial cankers start appearing in spring. To tackle these
problems before they get out of hand, inspect your plants every week and
take action if you suspect any signs of a disease.
Use a
standard citrus fungicide spray made of fifty percent-concentrated fixed
copper available in garden centers and nurseries. This spray works as an
effective all-purpose fungicide for most common diseases affecting this
fruit tree.
If you live
in Florida, California or Arizona you will need to purchase citrus grown
in those states due to agricultural restrictions.
FAQ's
Grow Meyer lemon trees in a pot so it can be moved indoors for the
winter or if a freeze is predicted.
Question: I saw a Meyer lemon tree for sale, and I am
considering getting one for our backyard. Will this plant survive the
northern winters in our area?
Answer: No. It will have to be protected indoors during hard
freezes, but I think Meyer lemons are worth the effort. Grow it in a
container so you can move it inside when needed.
Question: I have a productive 8-year-old Meyer lemon that’s
been planted in the ground for about two years. When and how can I
transplant this tree to a more suitable location?
Answer: Dig a rootball with a circumference equal to the
dripline of the tree. This should preserve a viable portion of the
roots. Keep the rootball in tact as you move it to the new planting
spot. The new hole should be a well-draining area and dug as deep as the
rootball. Preferably, soil in the new area is comparable to that in the
old. If you transplant from light, loamy soil into heavy, poorly
draining clay, the tree may suffer, possibly die.
Question: My three-year-old dwarf lemon tree has never
had fruit. What is the problem?
Answer: Only certain varieties of lemons selected for pot
culture will set fruit while young. The dwarf Ponderosa lemon is the one
most commonly grown.
Sometimes
it requires more than three years to come into bearing stage. During the
summer keep the plant outdoors in a lightly shaded place, with the pot
plunged to its rim m the ground.
Bring the
plant indoors in the early fall and keep at a moderate temperature, as
low as 50° degrees Fahrenheit at night. Give it all the sunlight
possible during the winter.
And when do
Meyer lemon trees bloom?
It should
bloom and set fruit in the fall and spring.
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