Growing Meyer Lemons In Florida

Meyer lemons are native to China and thought to be a cross between a lemon and a sweet orange. The Meyer lemon was first introduced into North America in 1908 by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) employee named Frank Meyer. Meyer lemons are a little sweeter and less acidic than true lemons. The flesh of this lemon is more orange than a true lemon. Meyer lemons are grown in China as a potted ornamental, but have become popular as a food in the United States. Because it is hardier than many other citrus crops, Meyer lemons grow well throughout Florida.

Step 1

Select a location for your tree. Meyer lemon trees can grow to between 6 and 10 feet tall and require full sun. They need full sun, but can sometimes grow in partial shade. Select a sunny location with soil that drains well.

Step 2

Remove your young nursery tree from its nursery pot. In some cases, you may need to loosen the roots from the side of the pot with a shovel.

Step 3

Dig a hole slightly larger than the width of your Meyer lemon tree's root ball. Dig the hole slightly shallower than the root ball. This will allow the root ball to create a bump to encourage drainage away from the tree's trunk.

Step 4

Place 7our tree in the hole and backfill the hole with at least 2 inches of soil over the top of the root ball.

Step 5

Cover the root area with mulch to reduce moisture evaporation from the soil and to discourage weed growth.

Step 6

Give your newly planted Meyer lemon tree about 5 gallons of water per week split between 2 or 3 waterings. After your tree is established, reduce the frequency of watering, but keep the amount the same. Give your older tree 5 gallons of water once a week.