Being a citrus tree, a Meyer lemon tree produces a large amount of lemons. In the right conditions, the tree would produce an abundance of the yellow fruits, each weighing an average of four ounces with an additional six to eight ounces when they are packed into bags. Meyer lemon trees grow more slowly and produce more lemons than other varieties of lemons.
In most cases, a Meyer lemon tree can produce up to 80 pounds of lemons every year, if well cared for. A tree will typically bear fruit in the spring and summer, with three rounds of fruiting for the season. Each round can produce up to two dozen lemons. During peak production, some trees may even reach up to three hundred lemons in one season.
Successful production of lemons from a Meyer lemon tree heavily relies on the conditions of its environment. A Meyer lemon tree is a tropical citrus, so it requires a warm, sunny climate that is not too hot or too cold. They thrive in temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with up to eight hours of sunlight each day. If a tree is not exposed to enough sunshine, it will be unable to correctly photosynthesize and therefore won’t produce as many lemons.
Soil pH levels also play a key factor in the amount of lemons produced. A Meyer lemon tree prefers slightly acidic soil between the pH levels of 6-7, as any higher or lower values can affect its performance. Adequately feeding a Meyer lemon tree with the right fertilizer is equally important in achieving healthy yield, as a healthy tree is more likely to bear plenty of fruits.
Watering a Meyer lemon tree is also vital for a good production of lemons. The soil must be kept moist, but not saturated as too much water can lead to root rot. Remember that young trees need more frequent and thorough watering to strengthen their roots and grow a sturdy, healthy tree.
Pruning a Meyer Lemon Tree
Pruning is a fundamental part of lemon tree maintenance, as it reduces the Meyer lemon tree’s size and encourages the tree to be more fruitful. Pruning should be done during the tree’s dormant season, meaning during the winter months, so that the tree will have enough energy to reach new growth during the spring. Pruning should be done in a strategic way to ensure the branches of the tree grow in the directions to get the best exposure to the sun. However, cuts should not be too deep as it can damage the tree.
The fruit should also be harvested correctly to ensure that the Meyer lemon tree produces more lemons for the following season. Lemons should be picked when they are fully grown and yellow in color, as any unripe fruits will hinder new luscious ones from growing. Fruits that are left on the tree will eventually get shrivelled and fall to the ground, meaning more effort will have to reapply and new fruits won’t have enough time to blossom on the tree.
Overall, depending on the age of the tree, climate, and other conditions, a Meyer Lemon Tree can produce anywhere between 40-80 pounds of lemons every year. With the right care and maintenance, Meyer Lemon Trees can become hugely productive, providing the home with a plentiful citrus crop.
Environmental Conditions for Growth
As with any other type of vegetation, Meyer Lemon trees need to be surrounded by the right environmental conditions for it to be productive and maintain its robustness. First of all, Meyer Lemon Trees require a subtropical or tropical environment as its ideal growing spot as climates that are too cold can result in the death of the tree. Mean temperatures should fluctuate between 60°F – 80°F with a very minimum of a low winter chill to stimulate flowering. Since Meyer lemons are a type of citrus, they require a lot of direct sunlight, preferably 8 hours per day, to optimise their fruiting.
Along with temperature, soil conditions are also an essential factor for a Meyer Lemon tree. They require a normal to slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6-7 as its optimum condition. This can be achieved by adding organic matter or mulch to the base of the plant, which will also help to retain moisture. Meyer lemons require a high level of consistency with their soil levels, as too wet or too dry can cause damage that can be detrimental to the tree. A moderately moistened soil is recommended and regular watering is essential.
Fertilising and pruning are the final steps for successful Meyer Lemon growth. When applied during periods of growth it ensures vigorous development and produces a bumper crop of lemons. Fertilizing should be an organic blend for acidic soils and applied during the spring months. Pruning should be done in late winter and not too heavily, as lemon trees intend to remain bushy for the most part. Pruning gives an older tree space to breathe and encourages the development of larger fruits.
Common Diseases and Pests
As with any other crops, Meyer Lemon Trees are vulnerable to various diseases and pests in their environment. Disease prevention requires a consistent vigilance, as the diseases can spread quickly and cause irreparable damage to the tree. Some common diseases include root rot, greasy spot, scab, canker and melanose, all of which can be eradicated by applying appropriate fungicides.
In regards to pest control, the most vulnerable parts of Meyer Lemon trees are the fruits and leaves, as they are prone to mites and fruit flies. Natural remedies include garlic sprays and insecticidal soaps. If the outbreak is too severe then the affected parts of the Meyer Lemon tree should be cut away and the remaining area washed, spraying with insecticide if needed.
Meyer Lemon Trees must be monitored for pests and diseases on a regular basis, as organic treatments can only do so much and will require professional care if the infection is too widespread. If the tree is beyond treatment then the only option may be to remove and dispose of it to prevent the spread of diseases or infestations.
Harvesting Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemon Trees normally start to produce fruits four to five years after planting. For optimal harvest, picking should be done with due care and at the right time. Meyer lemons should be picked when they have the brighter yellow color and have reached their full size, as leaving them to ripen on the tree can cause them to reduce in size. The picked fruits should be left to ripen and soften for a few days before using. This ensures that it gains maximum tartness and sweetness.
For the best yield and quality of fruits, thinning the fruitless branches and removing the excessed Meyer lemons is recommended. Overburdening the tree with too many fruits could put the tree in a state of stress, as the tree will have to be put under a lot of pressure to produce these fruits, taking away nutritional elements away from other essential aspects of the tree. Therefore, thinning out the fruits can help the overall development.
Regular pruning helps too, as these excessive fruits will have their own space to grow and reach full maturity quickly and easily, as there is less competition. To facilitate the growth, regular fertilization and water supply should also be scheduled twice or thrice. This helps to promote healthy development of fruits naturally, and prevent them from undergoing diseases or being affected by pests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Meyer Lemon Tree can produce an abundance of lemons when properly cared for. The amount of yield depends on factors such as the climate, the soil conditions, the pruning techniques and the amount of sunlight a tree receives. Along with regular fertilizing, watering, and pruning, a Meyer Lemon Tree can provide an ample supply of lemons for an entire season. However, vigilance should be kept in regard to pests and diseases, as they can cause severe damage to the tree if left unattended.
