Meyer lemon trees are a great way to add a bit of variation to gardeners’ lemons. One of the ways to ensure fruiting is through pollination, but it’s not always straightforward. Here are the steps to take to ensure success in pollinating meyer lemon trees:
Firstly, determine whether the tree is in bloom. There’s no sense in attempting pollination if the tree isn’t flowering. Use a fine-tooth comb to identify the presence of blossoms, which normally occur between December and March.
Secondly, determine the sterility of the fruit. Certain Meyer lemons are seedless, so it’s essential to be sure that the variety is intended for pollination. If the tree is intended for pollination, observe if it already has seeds.
Thirdly, consider the structure of the flower. A proper meyer lemon blossom features both the pistil and the stamen, or male and female parts of the flower. Compare this with the bloom of other plants to ensure that the anatomy is correct.
Fourthly, select a pollinating agent. Bees are common pollinators, but other insects, such as moths or butterflies, also work. Identify and select an appropriate pollinator for the variety of meyer lemon tree.
Fifthly, bring the pollinator and the flower together. The best way to do this is to place the pollinator on the flower and ensure the stamen brushes up against its body. Some rubbing work may be necessary too.
Lastly, inspect for any pollination success. The colors of the stamen and pistil may change, indicating a successful pollination. If not, repeat it a few more times.
Additional Benefits of Pollinating Meyer Lemon Trees
Pollinating meyer lemon trees can bring several benefits to a garden or landscape. Cultivating these plants is straightforward when steps are followed carefully and should bring a few advantages.
Firstly, pollinating an already blooming meyer lemon tree can produce fruit. A successfully pollinated meyer lemon can bring forth a multitude of lemons which can be used as natural remedies, or incorporated into food or drink.
Secondly, meyer lemons are hardier fruit trees than many others. They are resistant to pests such as larva and mites, and can stand against strong winds or torrential rain. Pollinating them can help ensure that the tree remains healthy instead of succumbing to pests.
Thirdly, meyer lemon trees are very easy to breed and ideal for use as ornamental plants. Pollinating them can allow gardeners to get two varieties in one tree, by cross-pollinating within the tree.
Fourthly, growing a meyer lemon tree yields a few aesthetic results. Blooming meyer lemons are a delightful sight, and may bring color to a backyard all year long in some climates. The added benefit of breeding is also nice for gardeners as they can select a particular type of blossom.
Lastly, beekeeping is also possible with meyer lemon trees. Gardening with meyer lemon trees gives honeybees a ready source of nectar and allow for a more secure environment for them to thrive, which can have reflective benefits for other plants in the garden.
Additional Considerations for Pollinating Meyer Lemon Trees
Having a successful pollination of a meyer lemon tree requires careful consideration. Taking the proper steps to ensure a successful pollination and a healthy fruit tree is essential.
Firstly, care must be taken when selecting the pollinator and the flower. Just because a pollinator is “available”, doesn’t mean it’s the right one. Usually, local pollinators are best and their health should be taken into account as they are handled.
Secondly, the timing of the pollinating should be taken into account. When two meyer lemon trees are used, the blooms should match. If the blooms aren’t synchronous, the pollen might not transfer correctly.
Thirdly, even successful pollination does not necessarily mean that fruit follows. Pollination is a service rendered in the tree’s flowering and is not necessarily connected to the fruiting of the tree. If there are no lemons, check that the tree is healthy, otherwise seek professional advice.
Fourthly, blooms vary from sample to sample. When attempting pollination of meyer lemons, be sure to follow the sample as otherwise incorrect pollination may occur. In some cases, a small bit of guidance is necessary before proceeding.
Lastly, bloom size varies hugely. When pollinating, be sure to follow the scale established by the sample. If unsure, seek out guidance and direction. This ensures that the size of the bloom which is ultimately pollinated is appropriate.
Best Practices for Pollinating Meyer Lemon Trees
Once prepared, pollinating a meyer lemon tree is a matter of correct execution. Following a few key bits of advice can help ensure that the desired results are acquired.
Firstly, be sure to use the right equipment. Using a fine-tooth comb to examine the bloom is often the best first step, but subsequently, a bit of precision is necessary. A cotton swab is better than a bee for instance.
Secondly, ensure that the blossom is firmly in place. A wiggling blossom may confuse the pollinator and may ultimately lead to incorrect pollination. It is sometimes necessary to peg the flower for best results.
Thirdly, sometimes the best luck is had when the pollinator is used multiple times. Use the same agent multiple times to ensure full pollination of the same bloom, thereby increasing chances of successful cross-pollination.
Fourthly, consider the proximity of other blooms. If two meyer lemon trees are close by and one is intended to pollinate the other, be sure to remind the pollinator of its target if it appears to be moving away.
Lastly, consider the volatile nature of the blossom, and be sure to be careful in transporting it. Bleeding petals or wilting flowers are sure-fire sign that the blossom is not viable and any pollination from it is sure to be fruitless.
What to Do if Pollination Does Not Occur
If pollination does not occur, there are a few things gardeners can do to get a better result.
Firstly, ensure that the tree is the correct type for pollination. Some varieties are not intended for pollination so any attempts may be fruitless.
Secondly, consider the timing of the pollination. If possible, ensure a synchronous bloom between two meyer lemons to allow for maximum pollination side.
Thirdly, double check that the anatomy is correct when pollinating. Consider the pistil and the stamen, and if necessary, compare with other plants.
Fourthly, select an appropriate pollinator. For meyer lemons, bees work particularly well, but other flying insects can be used as well.
Lastly, ensure to handle the pollinator with care. If it is beaten up or injured, it cannot render services to the meyer lemon tree, and any attempts at pollination may be fruitless.
