Gardening Life 365 ™

Meyer lemon trees are a must-have in any garden. One reason is these unique lemons are unavailable in grocery stores since their thinner skin will bruise in crates during shipping. Instead, this fruit must be grown in a nursery, garden center, or in-home to enjoy.

Another reason is these beautiful trees are a focal point with their highly fragrant, white blossoms and dark shiny leaves. When they bear fruit, these trees pop with color. Becoming even more attractive with the bright, sunny, yellowish-orange fruit they produce.

History & Care

While a native shrub to China, Meyer lemons trees can now be found in many places. Today, they are commonly shaped into tree form for planting indoors or out. But even though the Meyer lemon tree can be kept inside or out, it is most suited for indoors if temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. During the warmer months, the tree can be kept outside. But it’s vital to bring the plant indoors when temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meyer lemon trees love humidity and direct sunlight, needing a minimum of 6-8 hours of light per day. They are broadleaf evergreens, reaching between six to ten feet tall. In warmer climates, these trees can bloom all year and thrive in growing zones 8-11. Meyer lemon trees are a hybrid, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. The fruit is less tart than most lemons, having a juicy, flavorful, sweet taste, great for cooking and cocktails. 🥧 🍸

Blooming & Harvesting

These citrus trees are slow growers and drought tolerant. Although, some trees will give blooms in the first year. But others may take up to one to four years to flower, depending on where it’s located and the care received. Once they begin to bloom, Meyer lemon trees produce abundantly, giving fruit up to four times per year. Most fruit usually ripens during fall and winter and are slightly soft with a yellowish-orange color when ready to harvest.

Note:

Meyer lemon trees come in different varieties that can be grown indoors or out with varying care. Our flower facts and care tips are for maintaining an indoor Meyer lemon tree. Click here to see our review and unboxing of a Meyer lemon tree.