Meyer lemon trees, Citrus x meyeri, are often touted for their flavor, fragrance and decorative qualities, but it’s not only important to know how much water and fertilisation a meyer lemon tree needs. Learning how much sun is necessary is also key to providing the best growing conditions. So, how much sun does a meyer lemon tree need?
Simply put, meyer lemon trees need full sun exposure. This means at least 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight at minimum, although 10-12 hours per day is the ideal. A meyer lemon tree that’s grown in shade won’t flourish and will become weak, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. This can be a problem particularly when grown in USDA zones 8b and 9a, which have some of the hottest climates
Meyer lemon trees also need protection from the wind. While a slight breeze is essential for healthy growth, exposure to heavy winds can cause branch damage due to the tree’s delicate limbs and thin bark. When choosing a place in your garden for your meyer lemon tree, make sure it’s protected not only from the sun but also from windy conditions.
Meyer lemon trees require plenty of sun exposure, but they also need protection from the elements. If you’re going to be growing your tree in an extremely hot area, such as USDA zones 10 and 11, it’s best to plant it on the east or north side of a structure, and not directly underneath it. This will help protect it from the extreme midday sun.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the positioning of your meyer lemon tree doesn’t interfere with other plants. The purpose is for the tree to receive the full 8-12 hours of sunlight it needs for healthy growth without having to compete for space with other plants.
Excess Sun
As with all other citrus trees, meyer lemons need a lot of sunlight to thrive, but that doesn’t mean they can’t suffer from sunburn. In extreme hot climates or if left unprotected, meyer lemon trees may be prone to sunburn, which is characterised by yellow patches on the leaves or reddish-brown spots on the fruit.
If you notice your meyer lemon leaves turning yellow, it’s likely due to too much sun exposure. To reduce sunburn, you may need to provide some kind of shade such as a canopy or a mesh shade cloth. This should be placed over the top of the tree, so it still gets plenty of light but is protected from the scorching rays of the midday sun.
It’s also important to remember that too much sun will cause the soil pH to become unbalanced and become too acidic, which can cause nutrients to be lost from the soil and lead to nutrient deficiencies in the tree – so keep an eye on your meyer lemon’s soil pH.
Finally, make sure to water your tree regularly during summer (although avoid overwatering) as this will reduce the temperature of the soil, keeping the roots healthy and preventing the tree from suffering sunburn.
Too Little Sun
On the other hand, a meyer lemon tree may not be receiving the amount of sun it needs if the leaves become dull and yellow, the branches become unusually thin or weak, or the tree simply doesn’t seem to be growing properly.
In this case, you may need to reposition the tree in a sunnier location. Keep in mind that meyer lemon trees need a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day, so if your tree is planted in a shady area, it won’t get the amount of sun it needs to thrive.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some trees may be more sensitive to sunlight than others. If you have a meyer lemon tree that is particularly sensitive to sunlight, you may need to amend the soil with mulch or compost to keep it protected from extreme temperatures.
Finally, if your tree is getting less than 8 hours of sunlight, you can supplement the sunlight it is receiving with artificial lighting. This can be in the form of either fluorescent or LED lamps. Keep in mind, however, that artificial lighting should be used in addition to the 8 hours of sunlight, and not as a replacement.
Avoiding Disease
As mentioned earlier, meyer lemon trees need plenty of sunlight to thrive – but getting the right amount of sunlight is not just important for ensuring healthy growth, it’s also key to keeping the tree disease-free.
Meyer lemons are particularly susceptible to citrus canker, a bacterial disease which causes lesions on the fruit and leaves. Ensuring that your tree has the right amount of sunlight is essential for keeping the tree disease-free, as citrus canker thrives in shady areas with high humidity.
To prevent citrus canker, it’s important to keep a close eye on your tree’s health. If you notice any signs of disease, such as discolored leaves or lesions on the fruit, you should take immediate action to prevent it from spreading.
In addition, it’s important to also make sure that your tree is getting plenty of air circulation. This will help to keep humidity levels low, which is key to keeping citrus canker and other diseases at bay.
Water Requirements
Meyer lemon trees need plenty of sun, but they also need plenty of water. In the hotter months, these trees need to be watered at least once a week, and twice a week during extreme heat. More frequent watering may be necessary during dry spells.
Watering early in the morning is best, as this will give the tree the opportunity to drink up the water before the sun starts to heat up. Make sure to water the tree until the soil is wet, but not soggy or saturated.
Finally, keep in mind that it’s not only important to water your tree regularly, but also to make sure that it’s receiving the right kind of water. Tap water is usually fine, but make sure that it’s not too hard or too alkaline, which can make it difficult for the tree to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Fertilization
Watering isn’t the only thing that your meyer lemon tree needs for healthy growth – it also needs to be fertilized. Fertilizing your tree allows it to absorb essential nutrients from the soil, which will help it to grow and flourish.
When it comes to fertilizer, it’s important to choose the right one for your particular tree. Keep in mind that meyer lemon trees need a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
In addition, it’s important not to over-fertilize your tree. Too much fertilizer, especially in the hotter months, can burn the roots and leaves of your tree. Make sure to follow the fertilizer instructions and only use a small amount each time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fertilizing your meyer lemon tree may not be enough if it’s not receiving the right amount of sunlight. Make sure to fertilize your tree regularly, but also give it the right amount of sun for the best possible growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
The amount of sun your meyer lemon tree receives is also essential for proper pruning. Pruning allows your tree to be kept in shape and healthy, and it can also reduce the amount of sunlight your tree needs by thinning out the branches and foliage.
It’s important to prune your meyer lemon tree in the wintertime, when the temperatures are cooler and the tree is dormant. Prune your tree back gently and only remove the branches that are necessary. Always use sharp pruning shears and be sure to sterilize them between each cut to prevent the spread of disease.
Finally, it’s important to also keep an eye on pests and diseases. While regular pruning and maintenance can help reduce the amount of pests and diseases, it’s still important to do regular inspections to make sure your tree is free from disease and infestation.
