Highly Popular and Hardy Lemon Variety

Citrus × meyeri, often called the Meyer lemon, is a hybrid between a lemon (Citrus × limon) and an orange (Citrus sinensis group), possibly also with some mandarin (C. reticulata) influence. This beautiful citrus plant originates from China and was introduced to the USA in 1908 by the Dutch-born botanist and explorer Frank Meyer, who found the plant near Beijing.

The Meyer lemon produces lemon-like fruits that are less acidic, juicier, and sweeter than common lemons, without bitterness. The large, rounded yellow fruits ripen earlier than regular lemons, usually as early as December-January.

The tree is a beautiful, small tree with an irregular growth habit, typically growing 1.8-3 meters tall. The glossy dark green, leathery leaves are evergreen. Along the branches, there are green, sharp thorns. The waxy, deliciously fragrant white flowers are porcelain-like and appear year-round in warm climates. Once the tree has bloomed, it can take up to a year for the fruit to develop.

Care

During summer, the plant thrives best outdoors in a warm, sheltered, and sunny location. It prefers well-drained, slightly moisture-retentive, and chemically acidic soil.

Overwinter in a bright, frost-free location with sparse watering. The optimal temperature is around 10°C. Citrus trees benefit from plenty of light even in winter, so use grow lights to compensate for the short sunny days.

When the night temperature is above 10°C, you can move the tree outdoors. Acclimatize it to sunlight slowly to prevent the leaves from burning.

You can facilitate pollination with a brush, especially if the plant is indoors.

The Meyer lemon is somewhat more cold-tolerant than common lemons and usually withstands short cold snaps down to about -8°C without major problems, but it thrives best frost-free. Buy a Lemon Tree online!