Meyer Lemon Bush

Meyer lemon bush

The terms Meyer lemon bush and Meyer lemon tree refer to the same plant, but it is actually a bush. Just as well, a particularly healthy Meyer lemon bush might grow larger than expected or might be pruned to resemble a tree.

How big does a Meyer lemon bush get?

These plants can grow to reach 6-10 feet tall. The dwarf variety grows to be about 5-7 feet, ideal for a smaller garden or accent in a room with limited space. Meyer lemon trees bloom in the fall or early spring with fragrant white blossoms.

How do you care for a Meyer lemon bush?

Allow soil to dry out only slightly between waterings. Fertilize regularly when growing Meyer lemons. A high nitrogen fertilizer, such as one designed for citrus trees, is best fed monthly between April and September. Withhold fertilizer during autumn and winter months.

How long will it take my Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit?

How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit? The amount of time it takes depends on how the tree was grown. A grafted tree can bear fruit in as little as two years, while seed-grown Meyer lemon trees can take anywhere from three to seven years to produce fruit.

Can Meyer lemon survive winter?

Meyer Lemon Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees. If your area gets colder than that, your tree will need to be planted in a container and brought inside when the temperature drops. But when they're inside, winter heat can dry them out.

Do I need 2 Meyer lemon trees?

The Meyer lemon is also an attractive-looking plant, with its dark green leaves, pops of orange-yellow color and fragrant blooms. And, luckily, Meyer lemons are self-pollinating plants, which means you don't have to have multiple plants for your tree to bear fruit.

Can you keep a Meyer lemon tree small?

Native to China, Meyer lemon trees are naturally shrub-like but can easily be pruned into true tree form. When planted in the ground, they can grow up to 10 feet tall, though when grown in garden pots they'll generally be smaller and grow accordingly with the size of the pot.

How many times a year does a Meyer lemon tree bloom?

Meyer Lemon Trees are the easiest citrus plants to grow indoors and they offer sweet scented blooms and fruit up to 4 times per year.

Are Meyer lemon trees hard to care for?

Meyer lemon trees are self-pollinating and resistant to diseases and pests, which makes them an exceptionally easy citrus plant to grow. To help support your plant, ensure it's not getting too much water and has access to at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

How do you winterize a Meyer lemon tree?

You can protect your tree and the fruit left on it from freezing by covering it with a blanket or heavy tarp on those nights where it is predicted to dip below freezing. To do this, build tripods of light lumber or PVC pipe around the trees and cover them with frost cloth or tarps on the coldest nights.

Do lemon bushes need full sun?

As a citrus variety, lemon trees require full sun, which means about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor growth, simply place them in front of a south-facing or sunny window. Once you've scouted your chosen area and selected your favorite lemon tree, it's easy to plant.

Do Meyer lemon trees lose their leaves?

A: Citrus tend naturally to drop some leaves during blossoming and fruit formation, but the tree should not drop the majority of its leaves during this time. Some common causes of leaf drop include high heat and wind, nutrient deficiencies, overly dry or salty soils.

Can Meyer lemon trees grow in pots?

Lemon trees are happy in containers, provided they have enough root room and good drainage. We recommend 'Improved Meyer' (USDA Zones 9–11) as one of the best varieties to grow in a pot, because it is naturally dwarfed. It will mature to just 3 to 5 feet.

Do you need 2 lemon trees to produce fruit?

Pollinating and Pruning Your Indoor Lemon Tree Unlike some fruit trees, lemons are self-pollinating. That means they don't need pollen from another lemon tree in order to bear fruit.

How much space does a Meyer lemon tree need?

Meyer lemon trees prefer loamy soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.5. You'll need to fertilize it around once a month with a nutrient-rich, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. This tree also requires spacing of 36-60 inches in order to best provide a year-round growing season.

Can I leave my lemon tree outside in winter?

Most citrus trees can handle a light frost, but any temperature below 32°F can be detrimental to its health. Keep your tree inside until you are sure the last spring frost in your area has passed, and the average nightly temperature is above 40°F before preparing to move your citrus tree outside.

How cold is too cold for a lemon tree?

Lemon, lime and citron trees are the least cold tolerant and will suffer at least some damage when tem- peratures drop below 25ºF. Early ripening varieties can also be planted, so that the fruit may be harvested before cold weather arrives.

Should I cover my lemon tree in cold weather?

If a hard freeze is on the way, several things can help to protect young citrus trees from cold damage. Wrap the trunk in cloth or bubble wrap. Use tarps, old blankets or plastic sheeting to wrap the tree.

Can I plant a lemon tree next to my house?

Citrus trees love sunlight and warmth, so a south-facing bed is best. A spot next to your house or garage can provide added protection and warmth, but don't get too close: your citrus plant will need a good 6-8 feet of space between it and a structure or driveway, sidewalk, sewer lines or septic system.

How long do Meyer lemon trees live?

Typical Lifespan If your Meyer lemon tree is grown in ideal conditions, it is possible for it to live 30 or more years. Grown from cuttings and grafted root stocks, Meyer lemon trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.