You get the best of all worlds with aMeyer lemon tree.
They grow pretty blossoms, add a splash of sunny color, and produce delicious fruit.
A hybrid of a lemon and mandarin orange, they’re juicy and less tart than other varieties.
Credit: Getty Images / Barbara Rich
They’re also on the sweeter side, which makes them a favorite for desserts and cocktails.
They’re not high maintenance, but they require patience.
It may take two to seven years for flowers to form.
Credit: Hector Sanchez
you might find Meyer lemon trees at retail nurseries, garden centers, and online stores.
Are Meyer Lemon Trees Evergreen?
Meyer lemon trees belong to the flowering citrus family.
They are broadleaf evergreen trees with shiny dark green leaves that remain on the plant year-round in warm climates.
How Big Do Meyer Lemon Trees Get?
How big do Meyer lemon trees get?
These plants can grow to reach 6 to 10 feet tall.
When Do Meyer Lemon Trees Bloom?
Meyer lemon trees bloom in the fall or early spring with intensely fragrant white blossoms.
The flower buds have a slightly purplish color before they open.
Then, bring the tree inside once temperatures drop below 50F.
However, you have to double-check it’s getting enough sunlight.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s rootball and the same height.
Place the tree in the hole at the same level it was in the nursery container.
Backfill with the soil dug from the hole and water the tree.
Use a planting mixture of peat moss, potting soil, and perlite.
Position the plant where it gets as much sun as possible.
Without sufficient sun, fruit is unlikely.
Meyer lemon trees prefer direct sun but can survive in partial shade.
Consider investing ingrow lightsfor indoor trees if your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light.
Soil and Water
Plant your Meyer lemon tree in loamy, sandy,well-draining soil.
Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy.
The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
Meyer lemon treeslove humidity.
Indoors, the levels need to be kept at 50 percent or above.
Use a humidifier or mist the leaves several times a day (especially during the drier months).
verify to place the tree away from air vents or drafty windows.
Fertilizer
Use afertilizer high in nitrogenmade specifically for citrus trees.
Pruning
Pruning will helpkeep your Meyer lemon tree healthy and attractive.
It can also stimulate the growth of larger lemons.
Most Meyer lemon trees have thorns.
Choose a container that’s slightly larger and has drainage holes.
Fill it halfway with a peat moss, potting soil, and perlite mixture.
Remove the tree from its current pot and gently spread out the roots in the soil mixture.
Use aneem oil sprayto prevent pests from spreading.
Grafted rootstock nursery plants may flower in as few as two years, but may take longer.
Fertilizing and letting the tree have a period of cooler temperatures in winter can speed things up.
Outdoor trees can flower year-round if in a warm climate.
Use a knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the branch.
Don’t pull, or you may damage the branches.
These fruits will last for up to one week when refrigerated.
They’ll have a shorter lifespan when placed directly on the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the trees areself-pollinating, so all you need is one.
If the tree is planted outside, bees and other pollinators travel from blossom to blossom.
These fruit trees live 50 years or more.
Meyer lemons are much sweeter than typical lemons.
They also have a hint of orange flavor and appear more orange in color than a standard yellow lemon.
Meyer Lemon.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
