Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Care and Maintenance

Watering: Water frequently after planting and then deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. More frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry periods. Check the soil regularly to determine the best time to water. Plants in containers require watering every 2-3 days or more in warm weather. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilizing: Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer higher in nitrogen, starting in spring. Feed once per season from spring to fall, or every 4 to 6 weeks in containers. Reduce feeding in winter. Ensure the fertilizer includes micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese, which are essential for citrus health.

Pruning: Pruning isn’t required for fruiting, but can boost growth and maintain the tree shape. Prune after fruiting by removing any damaged, dead, or crossing branches. Trim any lower branches hanging downwards to lift the tree and focus the growth upwards.

Pests and Diseases: Meyer lemons are susceptible to common pests like scale insects, mealybugs, white flies, and mites. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as soon as you spot a problem. Improve airflow and keep your tree healthy to reduce the risk of common citrus diseases like canker, scab, and root rot. Prune away diseased branches as they crop up. If in an area where citrus greening is a concern, monitor your plant for twisting, disfigured, or yellowing leaves and signs of the Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive pest that spreads the disease.

Pollination: This species is self-pollinating but may struggle to fruit if pollinator populations are low or the tree is in a protected area. If your tree is indoors or not attracting bees, hand pollinate by gently brushing a small paintbrush or cotton swab across the flowers to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

Harvesting: Meyer Lemons typically ripen in late fall to winter. Harvest lemons when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Twist and pull gently to remove from the bush or remove with shears.

Recovery Time: Transitioning from our nursery to your home can be a bit of a shock to your plant. A short acclimation period helps it recover and reduces stress.

Climate Adjustment: Every environment is unique. Giving your plant time to adjust to the local climate, humidity, and light conditions in a shady spot will set it up for better growth and health.

How to Acclimate Your Plant: Keep the plant in its container and place it in a shady, sheltered area away from high winds. Ensure it's watered adequately – the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Monitor the plant for any signs of distress and allow it to adjust for a few days before planting. After a few days of acclimation, your plant will be better prepared to thrive in its new home for years to come.

Planting Care

Sunlight: Plant in full sun, providing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with an acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In containers, choose a potting mix made for citrus plants.

Mature size: This tree grows between 5-10 feet in height, depending on location and pruning.

Climate: Meyer lemons grow best in warmer climates and are suitable for USDA Zones 8-11. Those in cooler climates can keep them indoors or in a greenhouse over winter.

Thinning: Prune lower branches to manage size and create the desired shape. Remove damaged or diseased branches to improve growth.

Location: Plant in a sunny position in well-draining soil, avoiding areas where water collects after rain. These trees are also suitable for planting in containers.

Watering: Water around once per week in the ground and every three days in containers, adjusting watering according to environmental conditions.

Pruning: Prune to maintain the tree shape and improve health by trimming damaged, diseased, or crossing branches.

Spacing: Plant at least 5 feet away from any other trees or nearby structures in your garden.

Harvesting: Harvest when the fruits begin to change color, typically in late fall or winter, depending on climate.

Pollination: Meyer lemons are self-pollinating. Encourage pollinators like bees to your garden or hand pollinate with a small brush when keeping your tree indoors.

Hardiness Zone: The Improved Meyer lemon is suitable for planting in USDA Zones 8-11.

Fertilizer: Feed once per season, or every 4 to 6 weeks for container plants from spring to fall, with a citrus fertilizer slightly higher in nitrogen.

Growing Zone

Grows Well In Zones: 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors