The Improved Meyer Lemon tree produces think-skinned fruits with flesh that is sweet, juicy, and delicious" Believed to be the cross between a citron and a mandarin, the Improved Meyer Lemon takes the best of both worlds to produce a rich floral flavor, and sweeter fruit than a classic lemon. Beloved by chefs across the culinary world, the fragrant taste acconpanied by lower levels of acidity and a hint of sweetness makes it perfect for lemon squares, seasoning seafood, or as the perfect garnish for your favorite cocktail as you relax by the pool. The Meyer Lemon tree, with its beautiful white blooms, was initially used for ornamental purposes. But don't let its beauty fool you, the Meyer lemon tree is hardy and will thrive indoors planted in a pot or container, or outside basking in the sunlight. The evergreen tree with its gorgeous, glossy green leaves, and fewer thorns produces fruit all year long, so every season is Meyer season.
Meyer lemons are known for their thin skin, which makes them versatile for cooking, as they can be eaten with the skin on. They’re smoother and rounder than a classic lemon, they have fewer seeds, and their flesh is more orange in color. Fragrance-wise, think lemon with a sweet, spicy, floral complexity and a hint of bergamot. Our Meyer Lemon tree is grown in Standard, Semi-Dwarf,/Dwarf forms. The Semi-Dwarf and Standard citrus tree has a single trunk and branches out to form a canopy. Dwarf citrus trees are topped low, and as a result, grow as a bush. These are great for pots! The Meyer Lemon tree can be kept small and most people prune to keep them short. Outdoors, many grow their Meyer lemon tree 7 – 12 feet tall. When it comes to spacing, plant citrus trees as close as 9 feet apart or provide more space to allow for larger growth.
A cross between a citron and an orange, the Meyer lemon is native to China, where it was used primarily as an ornamental plant. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1908 by its namesake, Frank N. Meyer, an intrepid U.S.D.A employee who traveled the world, hunting for new plants to introduce to the U.S. Due to its thin skin, the Meyer lemon proved challenging to ship and was rarely encountered outside the citrus growing areas of California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. In the 1960s, they were almost driven to extinction by a virus, but fortunately, one virus-resistant stock was found and cultivated — this is what we now know as the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree. Meyer lemons were first popularized by the Bay Area chef, Alice Waters, in the 1980s, and then introduced to a wider audience by Martha Stewart in the 2000s. This is when their popularity really exploded and they started showing up in recipes and farmers markets all over the country."
How To Plant, Water, and Fertilize An Improved Meyer Lemon Tree
Plant a Meyer Lemon tree in the full sun. Use with high-quality planting mix and fertilizer in soil that drains well. Water a newly planted tree twice per week during the Spring through Summer. Water once per week in the Fall and Winter, while the weather is cool. Trees in hot climates or sandy soils may need water more frequently. Spring is the most important time to fertilize a citrus tree. Use citrus food fertilizer with a 2-1-1 NPK ratio in the Spring through Summer. To promote growth, there is twice as much nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium. Blood meal and manure are great organic sources of nitrogen. Use a fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium like humus or bone meal during the Winter to promote flowers and fruit. Citrus are less attractive to birds and animals like squirrels because of their tart flavor. The Meyer Lemon tree is available in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties. Pick up or have delivered.- Easy to control size.
- Taste test winner.
- Cold hardy.