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Meyer Lemon trees are more popular than the common Eureka lemon due to their tart, slightly sweet, and very juicy flesh. The skin of the Meyer lemon is thinner and has a slightly orange hue.
Tree Characteristics
Officially known as the Improved Meyer Lemon tree, this hardy evergreen produces a bountiful harvest. It features dark green, glossy leaves, relatively few thorns, and small white flowers. This tree is highly valued for home gardens due to its aesthetic appeal and impressive fruit yield — even when young.
Unique Qualities of Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are smoother and rounder than traditional lemons, with fewer seeds and orange-tinted flesh. While still tart, they are slightly sweeter than Eureka lemons. The fragrance is a complex blend of sweet, spicy, floral notes, and a hint of bergamot.
General Care Instructions
- Sunlight: Plant the Meyer Lemon tree in full sun, but take care if planting against a south-facing block wall or reflective surface, as this can stress the tree during heat waves.
- Spacing: Plant trees 10-15 feet apart. Provide more space for larger growth or plant closer for smaller trees. While the tree can grow over 20 feet tall, many people prune them to keep them at a manageable height of 9-15 feet.
Tree Forms and Growing Habits
- Tree Forms: Meyer Lemon trees are available in Standard and Semi-Dwarf forms. The Semi-Dwarf and Standard trees have a single trunk and branch out to form a canopy.
- Dwarf Meyer Lemon Trees: Dwarf trees are topped to grow as a bush, making them ideal for pots and containers. They are prolific at a young age and can produce fruit nearly year-round.
Origin and History
The Meyer lemon tree is a hybrid native to China. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1908 by Frank N. Meyer, a USDA employee who traveled the world seeking new plants for introduction to the U.S.
Meyer lemons gained widespread popularity thanks to Bay Area chef Alice Waters in the 1980s. Their popularity exploded in the 2000s after Martha Stewart introduced them to a wider audience, making them a common ingredient in recipes and a staple at farmers' markets.
When planting fruit trees, spacing is crucial for their healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Here's a brief instruction on size and spacing:
Spacing Between Trees:
- Standard-sized fruit trees typically require spacing of 20 to 25 feet between each tree.
- Semi-dwarf varieties may need spacing of 15 to 20 feet, while dwarf fruit trees can be spaced closer, around 10 to 15 feet apart.
Row Spacing:
- If planting multiple rows of fruit trees, maintain spacing between rows to allow for adequate sunlight penetration and airflow.
- Rows should typically be spaced 25 to 30 feet apart for standard-sized trees, and 15 to 20 feet apart for semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties.
Consider Tree Height and Spread:
- Consider the mature height and spread of the fruit trees when determining spacing.
- Ensure enough space between trees and other structures to accommodate their growth without crowding.
Orientation:
- Plant fruit trees in rows with the north to south orientation to maximize sunlight exposure on both sides of the trees.
Planting Distance from Structures:
- Avoid planting fruit trees too close to buildings, fences, or other structures, as their roots may cause damage over time.
Soil Preparation:
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Depth:
- Plant fruit trees at the same depth as they were in the nursery container, ensuring that the graft union (if present) is above the soil level.
By following these spacing guidelines and considering the size and growth habits of the fruit trees, you can ensure proper spacing for healthy trees and abundant fruit production.
Step One:
Soil and Planting: Plant in soil that drains well. Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree’s roots and at least twice as wide.
Step Two:
Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the plant’s roots with a mixture of the native soil and high-quality planting mix that has washed sand and organic fertilizer.
Step Three:
Create a basin around the roots drip zone so that water collects. Water deeply until the roots and nearby soil is saturated and reaches field capacity.
Timing of Fertilization:
- Fertilize fruit trees in early spring, just before new growth begins, to provide essential nutrients for the upcoming growing season.
- Avoid fertilizing fruit trees late in the growing season, as it may stimulate late-season growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
- Choose a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer.
- Consider using organic fertilizers, such as compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer blends, to promote soil health and reduce the risk of chemical buildup.
- Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the fruit tree, extending beyond the drip line of the branches.
- Avoid placing fertilizer directly against the trunk of the tree, as it may cause root burn or damage to the tree.
- Follow the recommended application rates provided on the fertilizer label or based on the specific needs of the fruit tree species and soil conditions.
- Use caution not to over-fertilize fruit trees, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Water the fruit tree thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients into the soil.
- Adequate moisture is essential to ensure that the roots can absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer effectively.
- For established fruit trees, fertilize once a year in early spring, unless soil tests indicate a specific nutrient deficiency that requires additional fertilization.
- Young or newly planted fruit trees may benefit from lighter, more frequent applications of fertilizer during the first few years to support growth and establishment.
- Periodically conduct soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH balance, as well as to determine the specific fertilizer needs of fruit trees.
- Adjust fertilization practices based on soil test results to ensure that fruit trees receive the appropriate nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production.