Meyer lemon trees are an easy-to-grow citrus variety that can be grown indoors. Caring for a Meyer lemon tree indoors requires plenty of sunlight, right watering and pruning habits. Here’s how you can make sure your Meyer lemon tree stays healthy:
First, give your Meyer lemon tree at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it in the brightest spot in your home, near a south- or west-facing window if possible. Without sufficient sunlight, your Meyer lemon tree won’t be able to photosynthesize, which will stunt its growth and reduce the number of fruits produced.
Second, water your Meyer lemon tree regularly. The soil should always remain moist, but not soggy. If possible, set up a drip-irrigation system so that you can water your tree at the exact time each day. Be sure to check the soil before watering, and if it already feels moist, wait until it dries out a bit before irrigating.
Third, prune your Meyer lemon tree routinely. Cut off any dead leaves and twigs, as well as any branches that are growing outward instead of upward. Doing so will help your tree stay healthy and maximize its fruit production.
Fourth, fertilize your Meyer lemon tree regularly. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer to ensure that your tree is getting all the nutrients it needs. Fertilizing can help encourage the growth of new branches and leaves, as well as improved fruit production.
Fifth, make sure to keep your Meyer lemon tree away from cold drafts and extreme temperatures. Move it away from AC vents or other drafty areas if possible. Lemon trees prefer temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your home is cooler than that, you may need to invest in a heating pad or fan to keep your lemon tree comfortable.
Sixth, check your Meyer lemon tree for pests and diseases. Spider mites, scales and citrus blight can damage your lemon tree and reduce its yields. If you notice any signs of pests or fungal diseases, treat your tree ASAP.
How to Choose a Meyer Lemon Tree
When selecting a Meyer lemon tree, start by inspecting the trunk and leaves. Look for signs of pests or disease, such as webbing around the leaves or discolored spots. A healthy Meyer lemon tree will have a strong, straight trunk and bright, glossy leaves. Avoid any trees that display signs of stress, as they may not survive long in an indoor environment.
Next, consider the size of the Meyer lemon tree you want. Most citrus trees can grow up to 10 feet tall, so be sure to pick one that fits in your living space. Dwarf varieties, on the other hand, top out at around 3 or 4 feet tall, making them ideal for smaller homes.
Finally, don’t forget to consider your budget. Meyer lemon trees can cost anywhere from $20 to over $100, depending on variety and size. Look around for deals and discounts, but be wary of trees that seem to be too cheap – they may not be the healthiest.
How to Grow Meyer Lemons
Once you have your Meyer lemon tree at home, it’s important to give it the best environment to start producing healthy fruit. To do this, provide plenty of sunlight and water, as mentioned above. You can also prune your tree after it has reached a certain size to encourage growth. Additionally, you should be sure to fertilize your tree at least once a year.
Your Meyer lemon tree should also be planted in a nutrient-rich soil mix. This can be done by adding a potting soil specifically designed for citrus trees. This soil mix will provide your tree with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and start producing fruit.
Once you have your Meyer lemon tree properly planted and watered, it is time to wait for it to start flowering and producing fruit. This can take anywhere from one to two years, so be patient. When it does produce fruit, be sure to pick the ripe ones immediately.
How to Harvest Meyer Lemons
Once your Meyer lemon tree starts to produce fruit, it’s important to pick the lemons as soon as they’re ripe. If lemons are left on the tree too long, they can potentially become overripe and rot. To pick a ripe lemon, look for yellow-colored lemons with a slight give when you press them.
When you go to pick the lemons, be sure to use a pair of gardening scissors. Carefully cut the stem, as pulling the lemon can damage the tree. Also, be sure not to get any of the stems or leaves on the lemon, as this can cause premature rotting.
Finally, when you are done picking the lemons, it is important to collect and store them properly. Put the lemons in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can last up to a month when stored correctly.
How to Use Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are tart, yet slightly sweet, making them a great addition to many recipes. You can use them to make lemonade, lemon bars, salads, dressings, and even marinades. They can be used just like regular lemons in recipes, adding a unique flavor.
Meyer lemons are also great for making cocktails. They provide the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. You can make simple cocktails like a classic gin and lemon, or get creative by adding a few drops to your favorite glass of wine.
Meyer lemons can also be used to make preserved lemons. This is a great way to store your lemons for later use and add flavor to dishes. Preserved lemons can be used to make sauces, soups, and stews, and can even be added to salads and sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
Finally, Meyer lemons can be used to make more creative dishes. For example, you can add them to roasted vegetables or blend them into a sauce for grilled fish. Or you can make a delicious marmalade with a few jars of your freshly-picked lemons.
How to Store Meyer Lemons
Once you have harvested your Meyer lemons, it is important to store them properly to ensure they last as long as possible. For best results, store the lemons in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator. Make sure there is at least an inch of space between each lemon, as this will allow air to circulate around the fruit.
If you don’t have a refrigerator, the next best option is to keep the Meyer lemons in a cool, dry place. Make sure the temperatures don’t go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and keep them away from direct sunlight. This will help keep your lemons fresh for up to a month.
If you want to freeze your Meyer lemons, you can do so by wrapping each one in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Be sure to remove all air from the bag before sealing it. The frozen lemons can then be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a year.
Finally, another way to store Meyer lemons is by making dehydrated lemon slices. To do this, simply slice the lemons and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the lemons at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours, or until they look dry and crispy. Once they are cool, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
