The Best Way To Care For A Meyer Lemon Tree For A Luscious Supply Of Fruit

Who doesn't love delicious Meyer lemons? These tasty citrus fruits are sweeter than regular lemons and originated from a cross between a common lemon and an orange. While you can sometimes find them in grocery stores, they're also a delight to grow at home, either in your yard in warmer regions, or as a houseplant if you garden in a cooler area. As long as you pay attention to their temperature needs, provide them with enough light and good soil , and make sure to water and fertilize them properly, these delicious lemons are a perfect way to grow citrus at home.

Meyer lemons (Citrus x limon 'Meyer') can only survive winters outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8b and higher, so if your climate won't allow you to grow Meyer lemons in ground, consider planting them in a large container and bringing them indoors before your first frost. Make sure you use a large enough container. A 5 gallon pot is a good starting size, but you will likely need to transplant your tree to a larger container as it continues to grow. Fortunately, Meyer lemons remain relatively small, generally reaching heights of around 10 feet, making them a good tree for enjoying inside. Just don't forget to harden off your tree when moving it back outdoors in spring. 

Meyer lemons like full sun, so be sure to either plant them in a sunny spot or find a bright location for your potted Meyer lemon in your yard or patio. Put them in a south facing window when growing them indoors. You can also use grow lights if necessary.

These lemons thrive in soil that is moist but well draining. They appreciate loamy or sandy soil, so if you're growing them in a container, consider using a potting soil designed for cacti. If you're growing your tree in ground, be sure to amend your soil with compost if it is especially clay-heavy. Meyer lemons like a somewhat acidic growing medium, so test your soil before planting the tree, and amend it if necessary.

As Meyer lemons need moist soil, you should water them when their soil is dry about 2 inches down. An overwatered Meyer lemon can struggle or even die. Only fertilize your lemon during its growing season of spring and summer. You should ideally use a fertilizer designed for either citrus trees or for acid loving shrubs like blueberries.