Meyer lemon trees are beautiful, sprawling plants. The round-shaped leaves are dark green and glossy, and the trees themselves can reach heights of up to 15 feet. The sweet and tart fruits, often in abundance, mature to a bright yellow when ripe. The fruits of the Meyer lemon tree are wonderfully tart, often used to create pies and jams, or to lend an acidic flavor to many dishes. Meyer lemon trees are prized for their ornamental value, with delicate white flowers blooming in springtime, as well as their unique flavor.
History of Meyer Lemons
The Meyer Lemon is not a true lemon variety, but rather a citrus hybrid thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange or a regular orange. The Meyer Lemon was initially discovered in China by Frank Meyer, an agricultural explorer. He brought the Meyer Lemon to the US in 1908, and it became widely popular in the 1930s. Now, Meyer Lemon trees can be found worldwide, and the citrus hybrid is widely prized for its flavor and ornamental value.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemons grow best in mild climates, where temperatures average between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants require an abundance of sunshine, and need to be planted in well-draining soil. Meyer Lemons can be grown in pots, though they do greatly prefer being planted outdoors in the ground. For best results, water and fertilize the plant on a regular basis.
Pruning Meyer Lemon Trees
Pruning Meyer lemon trees helps to maintain proper shape and enhance the fruiting process. Pruning should be done in late fall or winter, when the tree is the most dormant. To prune a Meyer lemon tree, start by removing any dead, broken or diseased branches. Then remove any crossed, rubbing or crowded branches, as well as any that are growing towards the center of the tree. Lastly, trim any unruly branches or stems that are growing too long. Before pruning, it’s a good idea to examine the shape of the Meyer lemon tree, and envision how you want it to look following the pruning.
Harvesting Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemons are ripe when they turn a bright yellow and feel heavy with juice. The fruits can be easily picked right off the tree, and can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to a week. Meyer Lemons do not store as long as traditional lemons, as they contain more water content, so they should be used as soon as possible.
Uses and Benefits of Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemons are prized both for their culinary uses and for their ornamental value. Their tart yet sweet and complex flavor is versatile and makes them ideal for many dishes and cocktails. Additionally, Meyer Lemons contain many vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and delicious snack to eat on their own or as a garnish. Meyer Lemons are also beautiful and make great additions to any garden or outdoor space.
Pest Issues for Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer Lemon trees are susceptible to all kinds of pests, such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can harm the trees, which is why it’s important to practice regular pest management. Regularly inspect the Meyer Lemon tree for any signs of pests, and take action to eliminate them as soon as possible. Additionally, Meyer Lemon trees will require regular fertilization and pruning. Following these steps will help ensure that the tree is healthy and thriving.
Watering Meyer Lemon Trees
In order for Meyer lemon trees to thrive, they need to be watered regularly. Meyer Lemons prefer to have their soil kept moist, though not too wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so keep an eye on how much water is given to the tree. During the first 12 months, Meyer Lemons should be watered on a regular basis until the soil is evenly moist. As the tree matures, the need for water may vary so pay attention to how much the tree is receiving to avoid any issues.
Fertilizing Meyer Lemon Trees
A well-fertilized Meyer Lemon tree will be much less likely to suffer pests and diseases. Fertilize your Meyer Lemon tree on a regular basis, using an organically derived citrus fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is the best choice for Meyer Lemon trees, as it will provide many of the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal health and growth. Begin fertilizer applications early in the season, around the time flowers appear, and then again throughout the growing season.
Pollination of Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer Lemon trees are self-pollinating, which means the flowers will release pollen onto themselves, in order to create fruit. Pollination is aided greatly by the presence of honeybees, which will visit the flowers and help to spread the pollen. If you have a Meyer Lemon tree and it is not producing fruit adequately, you may want to consider attracting honeybees to your garden to help with the pollination process.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer Lemon trees require very little maintenance, however regular attention to their needs will help ensure they are healthy and productive. The most important care tips are to provide proper watering and fertilizing on a regular basis, prune the tree as needed, and monitor for any pests or diseases. Additionally, keep in mind that Meyer Lemon trees require abundant sunshine and should be planted in well-draining soil for optimal growth and fruit production.
