Meyer lemon trees are one of the most popular citrus trees in America and make delightful additions to a home garden. They are also highly sought-after for their fragrant blossoms, prolific harvest of sweet and tart lemons, and ornamental qualities. But, just how big do these trees get? Let’s take a look.
Meyer lemon trees are smaller in size than other citrus trees, typically growing to 8-10 feet at full maturity. However, many gardeners have managed to grow their lemon trees to an impressive 15-20 feet in height when given the right conditions and care. Meyer lemon trees can also spread equally wide and may require up to 18 feet of space.
These trees have a moderate to rapid growth rate depending on the growing conditions they are exposed to; they generally reach full maturity in 4-6 years from when planted from seed or from a nursery-bought tree. The Meyer lemon tree can even live very long lives when well taken care of and can produce juicy lemons for well over 50 years!
Meyer lemon trees prefer well-drained, fertile soil that’s slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Planting any citrus tree in a sunny spot with plenty of room to spread its branches is essential in order to get the most out of it. Be sure to prune it properly to give the tree shape and promote healthy growth. Ideally Meyer lemon trees should be fertilized once per month with slow release citrus formula fertilizer and watered deeply when the soil in dry.
Because Meyer lemon trees come in dwarf-sized varieties, if space is at a premium, a smaller tree is a great option for your garden. Dwarf trees usually reach heights of 6–7 feet and can be planted in containers for a patio-adapted landscape. Keep in mind, however, that container-grown trees usually require more frequent watering and treatment with fertilizers.
Caring For A Meyer Lemon Tree
Caring for a Meyer lemon tree is a relatively straightforward process. During the spring and summer months they require a lot of water to stay hydrated and keep their foliage green and healthy. In the winter months, water should be reduced as the tree enters dormancy. Pruning is also important to keep the tree in shape as too little or too much can have an effect on the size and health of the tree.
To avoid pests, it may be necessary to apply some pesticide and insecticide. Mulching should also be used to help ensure the tree’s soil is not dried out or overly-moistened. While Meyer lemon trees can survive occasional cold spells, it’s important to keep them sheltered from frost when temperatures drop to below 40 F. Keeping the tree warm will help it produce better and more consistent fruit.
Container-Grown Meyer Lemon Trees
For those with limited space, growing a Meyer lemon tree in a container is an excellent choice. Containers provide more control over the growing environment and, if done properly, a Meyer lemon tree can easily reach and exceed 8–10 feet in height when given the right care.
Pots or planters come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so you must select one that best suits your growing needs. Using a pot that’s too big may mean wasted soil, which may become too heavy to move when the time comes, while too small of a pot could lead to stunted growth or root binding.
The soil mixture should be loose, rich and well-drained, and fertilized regularly with a slow-release fertilizer suitable for container-grown plants. When selecting a container, the rule of thumb is that the bigger the pot, the bigger the Meyer lemon tree will grow, so choose wisely. Finally, make sure the pot has ample drainage to avoid waterlogging the tree’s roots.
Planting Meyer Lemon Trees In The Ground
If you have enough space in your landscape, planting Meyer lemon trees directly in the ground is probable the most efficient option for you. Meyer lemon trees require soil that’s well-draining and rich in organic matter, so soil preparation is key when planting in the ground. Keep in mind that a Meyer lemon tree can spread out its branches up to 18 feet, so choose a planting spot that accommodates its full growth.
Meyer lemon trees also need full sunlight to bear better fruit and reach its fullest potential, so plant it in an area that receives as much direct sunlight as possible. The citrus tree should be immersed 2–3 inches deeper than the tree’s original planting depth, and mulching should be done to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
It’s also important to apply proper fertilization to the tree when planted in the ground. During the growing season, use slow-release fertilizer once per month, and in the first few years, water the tree deeply for the first few weeks to aid in root development.
Protecting Meyer Lemon Trees From Cold
Cold weather is the biggest threat to Meyer lemon trees. They tend to tolerate a light frost, but more severe temperatures can cause the tree to start dying from the inside and result in the loss of fruit. To avoid the risk of frost damage, it’s best to keep the tree sheltered in the winter.
If you’re growing a Meyer lemon tree in a pot, consider bringing it indoors and placing it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight and ventilation. If it’s planted outdoors, cover it with a special frost cloth and make sure it’s secured so the fabric doesn’t flap in the wind. Also, wrap the tree’s trunk in burlap and keep in mind that it’s important to remove the cloth during the day, so the tree receives ample sunlight and air.
Another way to protect a Meyer lemon tree from cold temperatures is to plant it next to a wall. Doing this helps the tree maintain a higher and more consistent temperature. If possible, install frost protection devices around the tree, such as a heated electric wire, a windmill, or a fan.
Watering & Fertilizing Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer lemon trees need ample water to stay healthy and promote better fruit production. During the spring and summer months, water your Meyer lemon tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. When temperatures cool down in the winter months, reduce the number of waterings to avoid overwatering.
It’s also important to fertilize your Meyer lemon tree for better and more consistent results. During the growing season, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer once per month. If planting in a container, use fertilizer formulated for container-grown plants to avoid “burning” the tree’s roots.
Harvesting Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons can take up to a year to ripen and reach their full flavor. The color of the skin becomes a brighter yellow when it’s ready to pick, although they can be harvested while they’re still partly green. The optimal time to harvest the lemons is when the fruit is firm to the touch and the blossom end of the fruit has a pale yellow hue.
When harvesting Meyer lemons, it’s important to use clean, sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid bringing pathogens onto the tree. Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid carrying any diseases that may be on your hands. Try to avoid bruising the fruit while picking and take only what you need, as Meyer lemons tend to store better on the tree than off it.
Pests & Diseases Affecting Meyer Lemon Trees
The most common pests that affect Meyer lemon trees are aphids, mites, scale, and mealybugs. Regulating the number of pests on the tree is important to keep it healthy and prevent it from developing diseases. Applying a pesticide may be necessary if there is an abundance of pests.
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of a pest infestation as well as diseases. Common signs are yellowing of leaves, spotting on the foliage, or rounded bulges on the branches. Prevention is key to avoiding severe pest and disease infestations, so take preventative measures when necessary.
Pruning Meyer Lemon Trees
Pruning a Meyer lemon tree is important to promote healthy growth and keep it in shape. As Meyer lemon trees tend to grow up to 10 feet in height at full maturity, pruning helps keep them in bounds and allows them to spread their branches as much as possible.
As Meyer lemon trees have a moderate to rapid growth rate, pruning two or three times yearly is recommended. This can be done by removing dead wood from the center of the tree to allow more light to reach the inner branches, as well as selectively thinning out branches to promote air circulation and so the tree doesn’t become overly dense.
When pruning, only remove healthy stems and foliage, and make sure to use clean, sterilized pruning shears to avoid carrying any diseases onto the tree. Pruning also helps the tree stay healthy and helps encourage flower and fruit production.
