The Meyer Lemon tree is one of the most popular citrus varieties available. Growing up to twenty feet in height, this citrus tree produces sweet and juicy lemons. It also has a unique aroma that makes it a desirable choice for many gardens. When it comes to growing a Meyer Lemon tree, it is important to understand how tall it can get.
Most Meyer Lemon trees will not grow taller than twenty feet. Therefore, it is important to plan the planting area accordingly. If the tree is planted in a pot, it is important to ensure that it is in a container large enough to prevention root overcrowding. Additionally, the tree should be monitored for its growth and pruned regularly to ensure it stays at a manageable height.
Meyer Lemon trees can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, making them one of the easiest citrus to grow. To get the best growth from a Meyer Lemon tree, it is important to give it full sun for most of the day and provide adequate water and fertilizer. Additionally, these trees should not be planted near other trees, as they can be susceptible to root competition.
There are a few different varieties of the Meyer Lemon tree, including the ‘Improved Meyer Lemon’, ‘Bearss’ and ‘Lisbon’. Each variety produces slightly different characteristics, in terms of flavor, fragrance, fruit size and more. Regardless of the variety chosen, a Meyer Lemon tree should still stay within the height range of up to twenty feet.
When it comes to caring for a Meyer Lemon tree, it is important to take into account its mature height. Whether it is planted in the ground or in a pot, it is important to make sure the soil is well-draining and the tree receives enough light and water. Additionally, the tree should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth and keep it from reaching excessive heights.
Pollination Requirements
Meyer Lemon trees require pollination for optimal fruit production. This can be done either by hand or by birds and bees. Generally, hand pollination is considered the most successful and reliable way to achieve good fruit production. Pollination needs to be done at least once a week and should involve rubbing the stamen with a small brush, feather, or cotton swab.
Potential Pests and Diseases
Although it is a relatively hardy tree, the Meyer Lemon can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. This includes aphids, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, scale and rust. Additionally, it is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as canker, root rot and anthracnose. To protect against these problems, it is important to ensure that the tree is well-watered and maintained, and that it is not planted in an area where it is exposed to too much wind or rain.
Harvesting and Storage
Once the Meyer Lemon tree has produced fruit, it is important to wait for the lemons to ripen completely. This can take several weeks, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Once the lemons have ripened, they can be harvested by hand. It is important to keep in mind that the lemons are susceptible to bruising and cutting, so it is important to handle them carefully.
To store the Meyer lemons for a long period of time, it is important to wrap them in paper and store them in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from going bad. Fruits that are picked earlier in the season can be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Frost Protection
Meyer Lemons are sensitive to cold temperatures, specifically frost. In areas that reach temperatures below 32°F (0°C), it is important to take measures to protect the tree. The simplest and most effective way to protect is to cover the tree with a blanket or burlap. Additionally, it can be beneficial to provide the tree with some additional insulation, such as mulch, to help protect its roots.
Pruning
Like most other citrus trees, Meyer Lemons should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth and prevent the tree from becoming overly tall. Pruning also helps control the shape of the tree and encourages fruit production. Each year, the tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts to emerge. It is important to only prune off dead or diseased branches and to avoid pruning off too much of the canopy to ensure that the tree has enough leaves to photosynthesize effectively.
Fertilizing Requirements
Providing fertilizer to the Meyer Lemon tree is an important part of its overall care. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, when the new growth begins to emerge, and in early summer, as the fruit is starting to set. In both cases, it is important to use an citrus fertilizer, as this will provide the tree with all the nutrients it needs. Fertilizing should be done on a regular basis, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
