In a warm climate, this hybrid tree produces sweet, juicy, and delicious Meyer lemons year-round.
The rind is thin and soft, with a color that ranges from yellowish-orange to orange.
Meyer lemons were discovered by plant explorer Frank N. Meyer in China in 1908.
Credit:Hector Sanchez
Meyer lemon trees are considered fast-growing, adding 12 to 14 inches per year.
Their natural shrub-like growth makes pruning and maintaining the plant easier than other fruit trees.
Warmer climates will produce better results, including year-round produce.
Here is what you’re gonna wanna know about the care of Meyer lemon trees.
They are more cold-tolerant than lemon trees but will not survive a frost.
Meyer lemon trees also are suitable to be grown in pots with well-draining potting mix.
Meyer lemon trees are self-pollinating so you only need one fruit to produce fruit.
Outdoors, the tree is pollinated by insects.
To produce fruit indoors, the flowers need to be hand-pollinated.
The tree responds well to pruning, which improves airflow and keeps the tree at a smaller size.
The trees survive in partial sunlight, but the bloom and fruit production are improved in more direct sunlight.
Soil
Loamy, sandy soils are best but Meyer lemon trees adapt to most soil types.
The soil should be moist but not soggy; excellent drainage is critical for growing Meyer lemon trees.
Acidic soil is preferable.
If you are unsure if your soil meets the pH requirements, do a soil test.
Water
Water consistently to keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.
Only water when the top few inches are dry.
Use a soil moisture meter to determine whether your plant needs watering.
Ensure containers have proper drainage and never leave your container in a saucer of standing water.
The ideal temperature range for Meyer lemons is between 50F and 80F.
The tree thrives in humid environments.
Indoors, the tree does best with a relative humidity of 50% to 60%.
Use a humidifier if the air in your home is too dry.
Fertilizer
Meyer lemon needs fertilizer during their active growing season (early spring through late summer).
Cosmetic pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape but does not impact fruit production.
Only prune trees that are at least 3 to 4 feet tall.
Start by removing dead or dying branches near the tree’s base.
Next, eliminate branches that are not strong enough to support bearing fruit.
This improves the airflow within the tree.
To produce a larger and healthier fruit, thin large fruit clusters when the Meyer lemons are pea-sized.
This helps the tree produce fewer but larger lemons.
Growing a Meyer lemon tree from seeds is not a viable propagation method.
Always select a pot with plenty of drainage holes and large enough in diameter to comfortably contain the roots.
Overwintering
Once temperatures drop below 50F, bring your tree inside to a sunny window.
Keep it away from heating vents, which dries out the leaves.
Keep the plant in an area where temperatures remain between 55F and 70F.
Don’t place plants near heating vents, as it will dry out the trees.
Use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity.
Tree growth slows down during the winter so adjust the watering accordingly.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Meyer lemon trees are relatively pest-free and disease-resistant.
Apply copper-based fungicides on the foliage before and after the summer season to fungal diseases.
This was a threat to the entire citrus industry.
Once a specific stock was rescued that proved to be virus-free, a new version of the tree emerged.
Use your fingers to feel the top inches of soil to know when to water.
If it is dry, then the plant needs more water, but see to it it drains entirely.
Branches might die back, and the foliage might become yellow in addition to leaf droop.
Do not replace the infected roots with soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes a tree at least four years to bear fruit.
Meyer lemon is a naturally ocurring hybrid (cross) between a lemon and an orange.
