Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’ (Meyer’s Lemon)

Meyer Lemon: A Sweet and Fragrant Citrus Delight

Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’, commonly known as the Meyer Lemon, is a beloved hybrid citrus tree prized for its sweeter, less acidic fruit and year-round beauty. Thought to be a cross between a true lemon and either a mandarin or sweet orange, this small, evergreen tree produces deep golden-yellow fruit with thin, fragrant skin and juicy, floral-tasting flesh. It’s ideal for home gardens and container growing due to its compact size and ornamental appeal.

What is a Meyer Lemon?

Description

The Meyer lemon is a small, broadleaf evergreen citrus tree in the Rutaceae family, related to other popular fruits such as grapefruit, pomelo, clementine, citron, Key lime, calamansi, and kumquat. Unlike regular lemons, the Meyer variety is prized for its complex flavor—sweeter and more aromatic, with less bite. Its skin is thin and deep yellow to orange when ripe, making it a standout in both the kitchen and the garden.

Native Range

Discovered in China and introduced to the United States in the early 20th century by agricultural explorer Frank N. Meyer, this lemon was later popularized by chefs like Alice Waters and Martha Stewart. It thrives in subtropical to warm temperate climates and is especially beloved in California home gardens.

Growth Habit

Meyer lemon trees are bushy, rounded, and relatively compact, making them ideal for small gardens or container culture. Their moderate growth habit and ornamental value—thanks to fragrant white blossoms and colorful fruit—make them both practical and decorative.

Size

Mature Meyer lemon trees typically reach 6–10 feet (1.8–3 meters) tall and 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 meters) wide. In containers, they generally stay smaller, about 3–5 feet tall (0.9–1.5 meters), which makes them well-suited for patios and balconies.

Flowers

The flowers are white with purple-tinged undersides and have a strong, sweet fragrance. They often appear in clusters and bloom multiple times per year under ideal conditions.

Blooming Season

Meyer lemons bloom and fruit year-round in warm climates or indoors, with peak blooming in spring and fall. Fruit ripens 6–9 months after flowering.

Fruits

The fruit is rounder and smaller than standard lemons with a smooth, thin peel that turns deep yellow to orange when ripe. Its juice is sweeter and less acidic, ideal for desserts, salad dressings, drinks, and sauces.

Leaves

Leaves are ovate, glossy, and deep green with a mild citrus scent when crushed. They provide an attractive evergreen canopy for year-round interest.

Hardiness

Best suited to USDA zones 9–11. Can be grown indoors in cooler zones, provided they receive ample light and warmth.

Award

Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses

• Culinary: Meyer lemon juice and zest are prized for their subtle sweetness in baked goods, marinades, drinks, and preserves.
• Ornamental: Compact, fragrant, and attractive, it’s perfect for container gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
• Aromatherapy: Blossoms and peel oils are used for their uplifting, calming aroma.
• Beyond Lemon and Orange: Citrus You’ve Never Heard Of (But Need to Taste)

Toxicity

Like all citrus, the leaves, peels, and oils of Meyer lemons may be toxic to pets. Exercise caution if you have cats or dogs that might chew on the plant.

Meyer Lemon Nutrition

Meyer lemons provide a slightly different nutritional profile than common lemons, with a milder taste and slightly higher sugar content. They are still a rich source of vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.

Values are approximate and may vary slightly based on fruit size and ripeness.

Why Choose Meyer Lemon?

• Sweeter Taste: Perfect for desserts, beverages, and salad dressings without the harsh tartness of common lemons.
• Compact Growth: Its small size makes it ideal for patios, balconies, and indoor containers.
• Year-Round Blooms: Fragrant white blossoms appear multiple times a year, often while fruit is still on the tree.
• Decorative Appeal: Glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, and golden fruit make it an attractive houseplant.

How to Grow and Care for a Meyer Lemon Tree

Light Requirements

Meyer lemons thrive in full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, place near a bright, south-facing window or use grow lights to maintain strong light levels.

Soil Requirements

These trees prefer well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). In containers, use a citrus-specific or cactus potting mix.

Watering

Water when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil feel dry. Avoid waterlogging the roots. Container-grown Meyer lemons often need more frequent watering, especially in warm, dry weather.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced citrus fertilizer high in nitrogen, with trace micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Apply every 6–8 weeks from early spring to late summer.

Pruning

Prune to shape the tree, remove dead wood, and maintain airflow. Best done in late winter or early spring. Remove suckers and shoots below the graft line.

Container Growing

Meyer lemons are ideal for pots. Choose containers at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide with drainage holes. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and prevent root crowding.

Temperature and Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 9–11. Meyer lemons tolerate cool temperatures better than other lemons but must be protected from frost. Bring indoors or to a greenhouse if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).

Pollination

Meyer lemons are self-pollinating. However, for indoor trees, hand-pollination using a soft brush or gentle shaking of flowers may improve fruit production.

Tips for Success

• Provide consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil.
• Protect from extreme cold and drafts in winter.
• Rotate indoor trees weekly for even sun exposure.
• Clean leaves occasionally to allow optimal light absorption indoors.

How to Grow Citrus Indoors: From Fragrant Blooms to Homegrown Fruit

How to Harvest Meyer Lemons

When to Harvest

Meyer lemons are typically ready to harvest 6 to 9 months after flowering. Unlike standard lemons, they turn a deep golden yellow to light orange when ripe. The fruit should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed, with a fragrant, citrusy aroma. Meyer lemons can be left on the tree longer than other lemons without becoming bitter, offering flexibility for picking. However, color alone isn’t always reliable; taste-testing or checking for fragrance and slight softness is best

How to Harvest

• Use clean, sharp hand pruners or scissors to snip the fruit from the tree, leaving a short stem attached.
• Alternatively, twist the fruit gently off the stem without damaging the branch.
• Do not pull or tug on the fruit, as this may damage the tree and lead to branch breakage.
• Pick only dry fruit to avoid encouraging mold or rind damage.

Storage Tips

• Store harvested Meyer lemons at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to three weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze lemon juice or zest in airtight containers or ice cube trays.

How to Propagate a Meyer Lemon Tree

Propagation by Cuttings

• Select Cuttings: Use 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, disease-free Meyer lemon branches.
• Prepare Cuttings: Remove all but the top few leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
• Plant: Insert into a sterile, moist potting mix in a container with good drainage. Cover with a plastic bag or dome to retain humidity.
• Care: Place the container in a warm, bright spot (not direct sunlight). Roots form in about 6–8 weeks. Mist regularly and ventilate to prevent fungal growth.

Propagation by Grafting

• Rootstock: Use hardy rootstock like Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) for disease resistance and cold tolerance.
• Scion: Take scion wood from a known, productive Meyer lemon tree.
• Technique: Use T-budding or cleft grafting during the active growing season (spring to early summer).
• Advantages: Grafted trees maintain the parent tree’s fruit quality and typically produce lemons within 2–3 years.

Seed Propagation (Not Recommended)

Meyer lemons can be grown from seed, but they may not produce true-to-type fruit and can take over 5 years to bear. Use cuttings or grafting for reliable results.

Common Pests and Diseases of Lemon Trees

Common Pests

Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from new growth, causing curling and yellowing of leaves. They also excrete sticky honeydew, promoting sooty mold.

Citrus Leafminers: Larvae that tunnel through young leaves, creating winding trails and reducing photosynthesis.

Spider Mites: Cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. Fine webbing may be visible under severe infestations.

Whiteflies: Tiny insects that gather on the undersides of leaves, excreting honeydew and weakening plants.

Scale Insects: Appear as immobile bumps on stems and leaves. Severe infestations can stunt growth and lead to branch dieback.

Mealybugs: Soft-bodied, cottony pests that damage plant tissue and attract ants.

Common Diseases

Citrus Canker: Bacterial disease that causes raised, corky lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. Spread by wind and rain.

Greasy Spot: Fungal disease that creates yellowish-brown blisters on the underside of leaves. Leads to defoliation.

Sooty Mold: Black, powdery fungus that grows on honeydew from pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Root Rot (Phytophthora): Fungal infection caused by poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, dieback, and rotting roots.

Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing): A deadly bacterial disease transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid. Symptoms include yellow shoots, misshapen bitter fruit, and eventual tree death.

Prevention and Management

• Regularly inspect trees for signs of pests and disease.
• Prune to improve air circulation and remove affected branches.
• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control soft-bodied pests.
• Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Practice good sanitation—clean fallen leaves and fruit promptly.
• Use copper-based fungicides preventatively during humid periods.
• Ensure excellent drainage to reduce fungal root infections.