As with all trees, the size a meyer lemon tree will reach will ultimately depend on how it is looked after, pruned, and harvested. With proper care and positioning, however, meyer lemon trees can reach up to six feet tall, making them an ideal choice for those looking to add a citrus tree to a smaller garden. Also known as ‘improved Meyer’ or ‘Ponderosa lemon’, it is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin/orange, resulting in juicy over-sized lemons that remain yellow when ripe.
Caring for meyer lemon trees involves keeping their soil moist but not too wet, because soggy soil can cause root rot. It is important to ensure the tree gets enough sun, but not too much, as this can cause scorched leaves. Pruning is also key to promoting healthy growth, by cutting back on diseased branches, and allowing plenty of room for branches to grow. Yearly fertilization is essential for good fruit production – organic fertilizers are best.
When harvesting meyer lemons, pick them when they take on a light yellow color for maximum sweetness. Be sure to leave some on the tree for birds and insects! If harvested too soon, meyer lemons will be tart and sour, and if left to overripen on the tree, they may dry out.
Meyer lemon trees are one of the easiest and most rewarding citrus trees to grow in the home garden, and with proper care and positioning, they can reach up to six feet tall. They require moist soil, adequate sun and regular pruning to ensure healthy growth, as well as annual fertilization to produce plenty of juicy, over-sized lemons. Lastly, pick lemons when they are light yellow to enjoy their maximum sweetness.
Further Varieties of Meyer Lemon Trees
Apart from the classic meyer lemon tree, there are several other varieties available – each providing different flavour and texture characteristics. One such variety is the Improved Meyer, which is a hybrid of the meyer lemon and the mandarin/orange, with even sweeter lemons. Another popular taste variation is ‘Meyer Improved’ which is a combination between the Improved Meyer and the ‘Mrs. Meyer’ variety.
Those who prefer a more tart tasting lemon can opt for the ‘Palestine’ variety that produces an even flatter fruit than the classic meyer lemon. Finally, the ‘Villa Frutteto’ is a relatively new variety, having been cultivated in Europe, that provides a strong, tart flavor in comparison to other lemons.
Whichever variety you choose, with proper care and positioning your meyer lemon tree can reach up to six feet tall. Keep soil moist but not soggy, give enough sun but not too much, and prune regularly to ensure healthy growth. Additionally, don’t forget annual fertilizations and to pick lemons when they are light yellow to enjoy the sweetest taste.
Growing a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors
Growing a meyer lemon tree indoors can be a great way to help ensure it gets the optimal conditions it needs. Ensure the pot is well-drained, and planted a top grade potting soil that is specifically designed for citrus. Choose an area with plenty of sunlight for the tree, and make sure to rotate it often so that all sides get an equal amount of sun exposure.
Ensure temperatures remain consistent during the winter months and avoid cold humid air, as this can cause fruit to drop prematurely. Water only when the soil is dry, but not for too long – overwatering this variety of tree can lead to root rot. Once the tree begins to flower, sit back and enjoy it – the sweet, juicy lemons should begin to appear in a few months.
Persimmon Trees vs. Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer lemon trees (Citrus x meyeri) and persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki) are both attractive, decorative trees that produce edible fruit, but their respective characteristics and beneficial qualities differ significantly. Meyer lemon trees tend to be much smaller, with a maximum height of up to 6 feet, while persimmon trees can reach up to 40 feet in height. The distinctive citrusy and sweet flavor of meyer lemons make them more popular to use in beverages and cooking, while persimmons are typically eaten as is or dried.
Meyer lemon trees prefer cooler climates, with temperatures of around 60-80°F, whereas persimmon trees are more tolerant of temperatures as low as 5-10°F. In terms of growing and maintenance, persimmons generally require less water than meyer lemons, which need to be watered regularly to prevent root rot. The meyer lemon tree also requires more pruning and fertilization to produce sweeter fruit, unlike persimmon trees which often do not require fertilization due to their self-fertilizing nature.
Natural Ways to Pest-Proof Your Meyer Lemon Tree
Due to their juicy sweetness and size, meyer lemon trees are often subject to damage by pests and other creatures. Therefore, it is important to take preventative steps to protect your tree from being eaten by pests. The most important preventative measure is to make sure your tree is healthy and not under stress by providing it with sufficient nutrients, water and sun. Another effective way is to use natural deterrents, such as adding crushed eggshells or pepper around the base of the tree, or mulching with cedar chips.
Gathering fallen fruit off the ground can also help to reduce pest infestations, as well as wiping the tree trunk or branches with soapy water to get rid of eggs, larvae, or happy. It is also important to use natural pesticide sprays on the tree if needed, but always as a last resort when other preventative methods have failed. Finally, try to attract natural predators to your garden, such as ladybugs or birds, which can be a great way to control the pest population.
Benefits of Eating Meyer Lemons
In addition to their distinctively citrusy and sweet flavor, meyer lemons also provide many useful health benefits. One of the best known benefits is their high vitamin C content, which helps to boost the immune system and support skin health. Meyer lemons also contain bioactive substances that can help reduce inflammation, as well as a compound called limonene which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Meyer lemons are also high in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative damage and may have cancer-fighting properties. Studies have also linked them to improving digestion and aiding in the body’s absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, the potassium content of meyer lemons can help with muscle fatigue, while the folate content can help to regulate heart health.
In summary, with proper care and positioning, meyer lemon trees can reach up to 6 feet tall, and with the right pruning, fertilizing and harvesting techniques, they can provide plenty of sweet, juicy lemons. There are several variations of the meyer lemon tree, and they can even be grown indoors with the use of good soil and ample sunlight. Lastly,eating meyer lemons provides a range of useful health benefits, from boosting the immune system to regulating heart health.
