Meyer lemon trees are a hybrid of lemons and mandarin oranges. Cultivating Meyer lemon trees (Citrus × lemon ‘Meyer’) is simple in warmer regions like California and Florida, where they’re commonly grown as low-care container plants both indoors and outdoors. These trees handle cooler temperatures slightly better than Eureka and Lisbon lemon varieties, but still require a sunny, protected spot to grow well. Avoid planting them in waterlogged areas and choose a location with excellent drainage. If drainage is a concern, raise a broad mound of soil for planting or place the tree on a slope. Like other citrus plants, their skin and foliage are harmful to cats and dogs.
Where to Plant a Meyer Lemon Tree
Meyer lemon trees need a warm environment to grow well outdoors. In cooler areas, you can place your tree outside during the warmer months in a large pot, then move it indoors when temperatures dip below 10°C. While they can tolerate some cold, they still benefit from a brief period of cooler weather around 15°C to help trigger blooming.
Growing Meyer lemon tree indoors is a great option if you’d rather not deal with changing outdoor conditions. Just ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. Position it near a sunny, south-facing window, or move it throughout the day to keep it in direct light.
How and When to Plant Meyer Lemon Tree
Plant your Meyer lemon tree in the garden during early spring. Choose a spot with well-draining, loamy soil and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. For the best fruit production, the tree needs around 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can manage with at least 6 hours. Dig a hole double the tree’s root ball and equal in depth. Set the tree in the hole at the same height it was in its original container. Refill the hole with the removed soil and water thoroughly.
To improve the texture of garden soil, mix in compost or worm castings and apply a light mulch like straw to help retain moisture without making the soil too dense.
If you’re in a region where temperatures drop to freezing, grow your Meyer lemon tree in a container and move it indoors or to a protected space during colder months. Use a potting mix of peat moss, soil, and perlite. Place the container in the sunniest spot available, as insufficient sunlight will reduce fruit production.
Meyer Lemon Tree Care
Caring for the Meyer Lemon tree comes first when you’re learning how to grow Meyer Lemon. Here are some care tips:
Light
Ensure your Meyer lemon tree gets plenty of sunlight to boost growth and fruit yield. It grows best under direct sunlight but can tolerate some partial shade. Whether it’s indoors or outside, the tree needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. If your indoor space lacks natural light, consider using grow lights as a supplement.
Soil and Water
Plant your tree in sandy, loamy soil that drains well. Keep the top layer of soil moist, but avoid overwatering or letting the soil become soggy. The ideal range of pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. To lower the pH, use sulfur; to raise it, apply garden lime as directed.
Temperature and Humidity
Meyer lemon trees thrive in humid conditions. Indoors, maintain humidity at 50% or higher. Use a humidifier, mist the leaves a few times daily, or set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to boost moisture in the air. Keep the tree away from vents or drafty areas.
Fertilizer
Feed your tree with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer designed for citrus varieties. Apply it two to three times during the growing season, from spring through early fall. Yellowing leaves often signal a need for fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain your Meyer lemon tree’s health and shape, and it can encourage the development of larger fruit. Wait until the tree reaches about 3 to 4 feet in height and any existing lemons have ripened before trimming. Start by trimming dead branches and removing thin stems that aren’t sturdy enough to support fruit.
Meyer lemon trees often have thorns. Trim off any thick or thorny branches that appear below the graft line, as these come from the rootstock and won’t produce fruit.
Potting and Repotting
Whether you’re moving your tree indoors for winter or it has outgrown its container, repotting is straightforward. Pick a slightly bigger pot with good drainage holes. Fill it halfway with peat moss, potting soil, and perlite. Remove the tree from its container, and place it into the new pot. Add more potting mix around the root, press the soil to secure the tree, and water thoroughly.
Pests and Problems
Citrus trees, including Meyer lemons, are often targeted by pests like mites, whiteflies, aphids, leafminers, mealybugs, and spider mites. These insects can cause serious harm, especially to young trees. To keep infestations under control, apply neem oil spray regularly to deter pests and stop them from spreading.
