Meyer lemon trees are a popular lemon variety, prized for their versatility in recipes, fragrant flower display and ease of cultivation. Lemon trees are renowned for their hardy nature, surviving in some of the harsher climates of the Mediterranean region. Meyer lemon trees are an attractive, bushy evergreen tree that may reach up to 8 feet in height, though many will remain smaller. This citrus tree is a hybrid variety, bred somewhere between lime and lemon, and is especially good for containers and as a conversation piece in the home.
Meyer lemon trees grow best in warm temperatures and prefer full sun. Once planted, they have the ability to survive temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. The root system of a Meyer tree is quite large, so it is important to space the tree away from foundations and other structures. Exposure to cool winds can cause leaf damage, so it’s best to provide them with a wind-free area.
With enough spacious and direct sunlight, Meyer lemons will produce an abundant, if not abundant and consistent, yield. A Meyer lemon tree will produce fruit several times a year. The Meyer lemon tree yields juicy, deep yellow fruits that are typically larger than regular lemons. The sweet, highly aromatic Meyer lemons can be eaten fresh or used in baking, cooking and juicing recipes.
It takes approximately 3 years for a Meyer lemon tree to start producing fruit. While it takes a little extra work to plant and care for a lemon tree, the results will be worth the effort. Meyer lemons will not only yield delicious fruit, but also add a delightful scent to your outdoor space. To ensure proper care and adequate fruit production, provide the tree with the right sunlight, water and fertilizer requirements.
Most Meyer lemon trees require minimal pruning, if any, and their flowers can be pinched off to encourage bushier growth. The mature, more established trees should have their dead branches snipped away and their roots should be watered regularly. During warm months, Meyer lemon trees should receive plenty of water and fertilization to promote growth and fruiting.
Overall, Meyer lemon trees are a surefire way to boost any backyard with such a great looking, hardy and useful citrus plant. The lemon tree will offer weeks of fragrant blooms and the sweet-tart fruits produced are always a great addition to any meal or recipe. If one’s conditions are right, enjoy years of abundant yields from your Meyer Lemon tree.
Volunteering for Meyer Lemon Trees
Growers of Meyer Lemon Trees should consider volunteering for a fruit yielding tree. Volunteering for a lemon tree can provide benefits such as boosting the environment, teaching volunteer how to properly plant and care for a lemon tree, and gaining knowledge about the various types of lemon trees. Meyer Lemon Trees are a great option for those looking to volunteer, due to its versatility, hardiness, and because of its ability to thrive in numerous climates.
Volunteers will learn the basics of planting and caring for a lemon tree, such as the right soil type and the spacing that must be maintained between the tree and any structures. Also, volunteers will be taught how to prune a Meyer Lemon Tree and the importance of giving the proper amount of water to ensure fruitful harvests. Volunteers will also learn the pests and diseases to look out for and what methods to take when faced with these issues.
Additionally, volunteers can gain insight and knowledge about the various types of lemon trees, which will help them decide which type of lemon tree may be best for them. Volunteers may even get to work with different types of lemons and decide what variety may be best for their climate. Lastly, volunteers will get to witness first-hand how their work is providing helpful resources to the environment and community.
Growing a Meyer Lemon Tree
When considering to grow a Meyer Lemon Tree, ensure one’s area offers the optimal conditions for the tree to reach its full potential. Meyer Lemon Trees thrive in areas with ample sunlight and the right soil type. A sandy loam, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is needed, as well as regular watering and suitable fertilizer to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
Meyer Lemon Trees grow best in warm and dry climates, as exposure to cold, wet weather can cause leaf damage and impair the amount of fruit production, however trees still yield a healthy harvest even in the colder months. Plant the lemon tree in a spot where the root system has plenty of room and doesn’t come in contact with any structures.
When planting Meyer Lemon Trees, ensure adequate drainage is available as too much water can lead to root rot. These trees benefit from regular watering, but watering judiciously and equally over the area will aid in better root growth. To gain optimal fruit production, fertilize the tree with a citrus fertilizer, either one made specifically for Meyer Lemon Trees or one made for citrus fruits in general.
For those living in cooler climates, planting Meyer Lemon Trees in containers is a great way to protect them from colder temperatures and sub-optimal soil. With the right container for the size of the lemon tree, one can ensure that their Meyer Lemon Tree can be moved indoors or to a warmer area, if desired. Planting in containers also allows for easy access to the tree for critical pruning, harvesting and fertilizing.
Harvesting Meyer Lemon Trees
The fruits produced by Meyer Lemon Trees can be harvested and used for many culinary applications, from teas to keeping a jar of fresh lemon slices to garnishing meals. When harvesting Meyer lemons, one should not pull them from the tree, but instead use a pair of pruning shears. The main concern when harvesting Meyer lemons is potential damage to the tree, as it can cause undue stress and lead to diseases.
Meyer lemons are typically plumper and sweeter than other types of lemon, making them ideal for use in baking, desserts and salads. The shelf life of Meyer lemons is longer than many other varieties, making them a great option for those looking to keep a lemon stock in the kitchen. Once picked, Meyer lemons can maintain their freshness and flavor for several weeks, depending on the storage location.
The harvest season for Meyer Lemon Trees lasts from mid to late winter, with the fruits being ripe and ready to enjoy as early as December. Volunteers or growers of Meyer Lemon Trees can expect to harvest an abundant yield within the first few years, as long as the tree is planted and maintained properly.
Preserving Meyer Lemon Trees
Once harvested, Meyer Lemon Trees should be preserved appropriately, so that one can enjoy the benefits of their harvest for as long as possible. Proper storage of the Meyer lemons is key, as they are not only an incredibly versatile fruit, but they are also highly perishable. One should store the Meyer lemons away from direct sunlight and near a cool area such as the refrigerator. Meyer lemons stored at room temperature still retain their flavor, but are more susceptible to spoilage.
When freezing Meyer lemons, one should first cut the fruit into desired sections. Slice the lemon into slices, quarters or other desired shape and remove the seeds. Arrange these pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the pieces into an airtight container. Meyer lemons can last up to one year in the freezer.
Meyer lemons can also be preserved by way of dehydration or a technique commonly referred to as “jamming”. To make jam from Meyer lemons, one should zest and juice the lemon, combine it with a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar, and boil it on the stovetop for about 25 minutes. Once the jam is cooled, it can be transferred into a jar and stored for several months.
Meyer Lemon Trees are a great choice for a backyard orchard, due to its hardy nature, bushy, evergreen form, and its ability to yield abundant fruit in a short amount of time. These beautiful trees provide many benefits, and offer year-round satisfaction. When considering to plant a Meyer Lemon Tree, it is important to ensure one’s conditions are right and to follow the proper planting and maintenance instructions, which will reward one with delicious, sweet fruits that can be enjoyed fresh, in baking or juices.
