Meyer Lemon Tree

Why grow a Meyer lemon tree?

There is nothing like a Meyer lemon, which imparts a unique mellow citrus flavor that is sought after by home cooks, chefs and mixologists worldwide. Substitute a Meyer lemon for a standard yellow lemon in your favorite recipes: lemon squares or meringue pie, your favorite cocktail or salad dressing. The difference will really turn your head.

Meyer lemon trees do well in containers, both indoors and out. If your climate is warm enough, the tree may be planted successfully in the ground. A potted Meyer lemon can be a patio focal point, with its dark green oblate leaves, fragrant white blooms and gorgeous yellow-orange fruit. The improved Meyer lemon tree is more disease-resistant than earlier cultivars, so it’s easy to care for.

You’ll enjoy a continuous harvest of beautiful Meyer lemons as the tree matures, giving you ready access to a steady supply of lemons that can be quite expensive at the store—that is if you can even find them.

What is the fruit like?

Meyer lemons are far less puckery than other lemons because they are only mildly acidic. Their sweeter disposition is the result of a cross between a standard lemon and a mandarin orange, which “tames” its hybrid partner and makes the fruit/juice more versatile.

The skin of the fruit is thin, smooth, and eventually turns an egg-yolk color. Meyer lemons are a bit smaller and rounder than regular lemons, and have a more golden-orange pulp. Like other lemons, it has high levels of folate, vitamin C and healthy flavanones.

How do I grow this tree?

This item can be grown in colder climates if it’s planted in a container and brought indoors during the winter months. We recommend growing this tree in a large container, the tree’s mature height will be controlled by pot size. Pruning also helps keep the Meyer lemon tree a more manageable size and will “bush” the tree out, giving it a fuller appearance.

Meyer lemon trees are self-pollinating, so if it lives outdoors (in a pot or in the ground), it will be pollinated in a natural way. If the tree lives indoors, you can pollinate it by hand using a small paint brush or makeup brush.

Citrus trees require moist, well-drained soil, with a moderate to slightly-acidic pH. Water deeply, but not too frequently. A good program of consistent fertilizing will give you a crop within 1-2 years. We recommend a high-nitrogen fertilizer formulated specifically for citrus trees—simply apply as directed during the spring and summer.

Full sun is a must for this tree, at least 6 hours per day. In warmer growing zones, morning sun and afternoon shade are preferable, if possible. Meyer lemons can take high heat and humidity, but they are not cold-hardy, so if you live outside of the recommended growing zones, bring it indoors before freezing temperatures set in.

Once you try a Meyer lemon, you’ll be hooked, but you’re not likely to find them at your local supermarket. Grow your own for the tree’s natural beauty and exceptional fruit … you’ll be so glad you did!

This variety is self pollinating.