Lemon Meyers Tree
Sale
Original price
$99.00
Original price
$99.00
-
Original price
$225.00
Original price
$99.00
Current price
$59.00
$59.00
-
$225.00
Current price
$59.00
The Meyer Lemon tree (Citrus x meyeri), a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin orange, is a popular citrus variety valued for its flavorful fruit and adaptability to various growing conditions. Its compact size and attractive evergreen foliage make it a favorite for home gardens, patios, and container growing. Below is a detailed overview of its characteristics and care requirements.Taste
Meyer Lemons are prized for their sweet-tart flavor, less acidic than traditional lemons, with a floral, slightly orange-like undertone. The thin, edible skin is smooth and deep yellow to orange when ripe, encasing juicy, tender flesh with fewer seeds than other lemon varieties. These lemons are ideal for fresh eating, juicing, baking, or adding to desserts and beverages due to their milder, more complex flavor profile.Best Growing Environment
Meyer Lemon trees thrive in warm, subtropical climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). They prefer moderate to high humidity and protection from strong winds, which can damage blossoms or fruit. While adaptable to sandy or loamy soils, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. These trees perform well in coastal or inland regions but benefit from a sheltered location to avoid temperature extremes.Common Names
Meyer Lemon trees are known by a few common names, reflecting their unique heritage and popularity:
Meyer Lemon trees typically grow to 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 8 feet when planted in the ground. Dwarf varieties, often used for container growing, reach 4 to 6 feet in height. Regular pruning can maintain a smaller, bushier shape, making them suitable for patios or indoor cultivation.Growth Rate
Meyer Lemon trees have a moderate growth rate, adding about 1 to 1.5 feet per year under optimal conditions. They establish quickly and can begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting, with peak productivity after 3 to 5 years. Consistent care, including proper sunlight, water, and nutrients, supports steady growth and fruiting.Sun Requirements
Full sun is essential for Meyer Lemon trees, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure robust growth and fruit production. While they can tolerate partial shade, reduced sunlight may lead to fewer flowers and smaller yields. A south-facing location is ideal for maximum sun exposure.Cold Hardiness
Meyer Lemon trees are more cold-tolerant than many citrus varieties, hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F to 25°F (-6°C to -4°C) for short periods when mature, but young trees are more frost-sensitive. In cooler regions, such as Zone 8, winter protection (e.g., frost blankets or moving potted trees indoors) is recommended to prevent damage.Water Requirements
Meyer Lemon trees have moderate water needs. Young trees require watering 2 to 3 times per week for the first few months, providing 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Mature trees need deep watering once or twice weekly during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter, depending on rainfall. Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings to avoid root rot, especially in heavy soils or containers.Planting Guide
To plant a Meyer Lemon tree:
Fertilize Meyer Lemon trees to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit:
Meyer Lemon trees are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. They thrive in regions like southern California, Florida, and parts of Texas, where winters are mild. In Zone 8, they may require winter protection, while container-grown trees can be moved indoors in colder zones (6 to 7) to overwinter in a bright, cool location.
Meyer Lemons are prized for their sweet-tart flavor, less acidic than traditional lemons, with a floral, slightly orange-like undertone. The thin, edible skin is smooth and deep yellow to orange when ripe, encasing juicy, tender flesh with fewer seeds than other lemon varieties. These lemons are ideal for fresh eating, juicing, baking, or adding to desserts and beverages due to their milder, more complex flavor profile.Best Growing Environment
Meyer Lemon trees thrive in warm, subtropical climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). They prefer moderate to high humidity and protection from strong winds, which can damage blossoms or fruit. While adaptable to sandy or loamy soils, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. These trees perform well in coastal or inland regions but benefit from a sheltered location to avoid temperature extremes.Common Names
Meyer Lemon trees are known by a few common names, reflecting their unique heritage and popularity:
- Improved Meyer Lemon
- Chinese Dwarf Lemon
- Valley Lemon
- Meyer’s Lemon
Meyer Lemon trees typically grow to 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 8 feet when planted in the ground. Dwarf varieties, often used for container growing, reach 4 to 6 feet in height. Regular pruning can maintain a smaller, bushier shape, making them suitable for patios or indoor cultivation.Growth Rate
Meyer Lemon trees have a moderate growth rate, adding about 1 to 1.5 feet per year under optimal conditions. They establish quickly and can begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting, with peak productivity after 3 to 5 years. Consistent care, including proper sunlight, water, and nutrients, supports steady growth and fruiting.Sun Requirements
Full sun is essential for Meyer Lemon trees, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure robust growth and fruit production. While they can tolerate partial shade, reduced sunlight may lead to fewer flowers and smaller yields. A south-facing location is ideal for maximum sun exposure.Cold Hardiness
Meyer Lemon trees are more cold-tolerant than many citrus varieties, hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F to 25°F (-6°C to -4°C) for short periods when mature, but young trees are more frost-sensitive. In cooler regions, such as Zone 8, winter protection (e.g., frost blankets or moving potted trees indoors) is recommended to prevent damage.Water Requirements
Meyer Lemon trees have moderate water needs. Young trees require watering 2 to 3 times per week for the first few months, providing 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Mature trees need deep watering once or twice weekly during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter, depending on rainfall. Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings to avoid root rot, especially in heavy soils or containers.Planting Guide
To plant a Meyer Lemon tree:
- Choose a sunny, well-drained site, at least 15 to 20 feet from buildings or other trees.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance drainage and fertility.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the bud union (graft) is 2 to 4 inches above the soil line.
- Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
- Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or bark) around the base, keeping it 6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
- For containers, use a pot at least 15 gallons with drainage holes and a citrus-specific, well-draining potting mix.
Fertilize Meyer Lemon trees to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit:
- Early Spring (February/March): Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer (e.g., 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 NPK) as new growth begins. Use 1 to 2 cups for young trees or 3 to 4 cups for mature trees, spread around the drip line and watered in.
- Early Summer (May/June): Apply a second dose of the same fertilizer to support fruit development, using half the spring amount to avoid over-fertilization.
- Late Summer (August): Apply a light dose of a balanced fertilizer or one high in potassium (e.g., 5-5-10) to enhance fruit quality and prepare the tree for dormancy.
- Container Trees: Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season with a liquid citrus fertilizer (e.g., 5-1-3) diluted per package instructions. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter to prevent frost-sensitive growth.
Meyer Lemon trees are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. They thrive in regions like southern California, Florida, and parts of Texas, where winters are mild. In Zone 8, they may require winter protection, while container-grown trees can be moved indoors in colder zones (6 to 7) to overwinter in a bright, cool location.