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Citrus Plants, Meyer Lemon
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Citrus Plants, Meyer Lemon
Description
(Citrus x meyeri) Your order includes 1 plant. A citrus fruit so special it has its own U.S. postage stamp! While on an expedition to Asia for the USDA, botanical explorer Frank N. Meyer encountered this variety in the village of Fengtai (now a district of Beijing) in 1908. Noting that the short, potted plant bore prodigiously, he wrote that "the fruit is large, very smooth, and thin-skinned, very juicy, only slightly sour, and is practically seedless." Meyer sent a sample of the variety to the USDA in California, and after its release it quickly gained a following among home gardeners. The Meyer lemon is a cross of citron and a mandarin-pomelo hybrid. Its sweeter, more floral flavor, thinner skin, smaller size, and lower acidity distinguish it from regular lemons.
- Perennial in USDA zones 9-11 (can be grown in containers and brought indoors in cooler zones)
- Days to harvest: 180-365 days (6-12 months from flowering)
- Sun exposure: 6-8 hours of full to partial sun
- Planting depth: Same depth as the root ball
- Plant spacing: 8 to 12 feet (4 to 6 feet for container-grown plants)
- Ideal temperature: 55°F to 85°F
- Frost Hardy? Moderately – can tolerate brief exposure to 32°F but needs protection from prolonged frost.
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Meyer lemon trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5) and require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Protect from frost, prune lightly to maintain shape, and remove dead or crossing branches.
When to Grow
Plant Meyer lemons in spring after the danger of frost has passed. In warm climates (zones 9-11), fall planting is also suitable. Container-grown trees can be started any time of year, as long as they are protected indoors during colder months or extreme weather conditions. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'
How to Sow and Plant
Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep. Place the plant so the root crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.
How to Grow
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during active growth. In colder regions, grow Meyer lemons in containers and move them indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F. Prune in late winter to control size, remove dead branches, and encourage new growth.
How to Save
- Meyer lemon trees are commonly propagated through grafting onto citrus rootstock, which ensures disease resistance and early fruiting.
- They can also be propagated by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in warm, humid conditions with the aid of rooting hormone.
- Seed propagation is possible but may produce variable fruit quality and take several years to mature.
FAQ
How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit?
Grafted Meyer lemon trees typically begin producing fruit within 2-3 years. Seed-grown trees can take 4-7 years. Once mature, the tree produces flowers year-round in warm climates, with fruit maturing in 6-12 months after flowering.
Can Meyer lemon trees grow indoors?
Yes! Meyer lemon trees can thrive indoors if they receive at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. Use a well-draining citrus potting mix and ensure proper air circulation. Indoor trees may need hand-pollination to produce fruit, especially if grown away from natural pollinators.
How do I protect my Meyer lemon tree from frost?
In areas prone to frost, protect your Meyer lemon by covering it with frost cloth when temperatures drop below 40°F. For potted trees, move them indoors or into a greenhouse. Mulch around the base helps insulate roots, and watering the soil before a freeze can also offer protection.
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