Description
Dwarf Meyer lemon trees are shrub-like, but they can be pruned and made to look like a tree. The beautiful blossoms of this lemon tree are white and delightfully fragrant much like blended citrus with jasmine. The fruit is sweeter, has less acidic flavor & reduced bitterness compared to Lisbon or Eureka lemons.
Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree or Citrus Meyeri is a favorite among home gardeners and home cooks as it brings in the taste of tropic within their reach; it is so hardy it grows indoors and outdoors. Growing this dwarf citrus tree can be fun and rewarding as it is always either blooming or fruiting.
The Meyer lemon citrus tree, which is a natural hybrid between an orange and lemon, originated from China and was introduced in the US in 1908. In 1975, the University of California released improved glossy-leaved Meyer lemons that are virus-free and disease-resistant.
Meyer lemon trees are shrub-like, but they can be pruned and made to look like a tree. When planted in the ground it could grow as high as 6 to 10 feet high and 2 ft wide. When grown in garden pots, the tree remains smaller in size.
The beautiful blossoms of the Meyer lemon tree are white with a purple base and are delightfully fragrant. The scent is very much like that of blended citrus with jasmine and would definitely smell wonderful to many homes. The flowers also self-pollinate so you can be assured that it will bear fruits even with just that one fruit tree.
Citrus Tree Care
Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree, just like all other citrus trees, love the sun. They are the happiest in temperatures between 50 to 80 °F but can survive down to 32 °F temperature. If the temperature drops below that, you need to take them inside or protect them from frost.
Meyer lemon trees need 6-12 hours of direct sunlight per day. Outdoor trees can tolerate partial shade, but are best grown in full sun. If taken indoors during winter, place the tree near a window facing the south to get the most direct light. The potted plant should also be rotated every 3 weeks to ensure that the entire tree gets sunlight.
Uproot any grass under the lemon tree’s canopy as it takes away the nutrients your tree needs to grow properly.
Be it in-ground or potted, this dwarf lemon tree favors soil that is slightly acidic with pH between 5.7 and 6.5. It does well on soil that is well-drained and not compacted. If the lemon lime tree starts looking stressed, try using fresh potting soil. Take note though that peat moss is too acidic for citrus trees and could impede the plant from setting fruit. On the other hand, soil that is too alkaline can inhibit the plant from getting nutrients from the soil which could result to deficiencies and yellowing of leaves.
Proper watering is crucial in growing dwarf citrus, especially those grown in pots. Under watering or over watering the tree is detrimental to fruit production so keep in mind that when watering the tree you need to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Generally, in-ground Meyer lemon trees need to be watered every one to two weeks, but during dry season you need to water it more often. To determine if your potted lemon dwarf tree needs to be watered, stick your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If your fingertip gets damp, wait to water. If your fingertip feels dry, water the lemon tree until you see the water run out of the bottom of the pot.
To ensure that your newly bought Meyer lemon tree is healthy and fruitful, make sure that it gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. For potted Meyer lemon tree, use a 2-1-1 slow-release citrus fertilizer in early spring as soon as you see new growth. Administer your tree with a balanced liquid fertilizer for citrus trees with micro-nutrients once in 4-6 weeks while it is growing. For outdoor Meyer lemon tree, you can only start feeding it fertilizer after 2 years on the ground, which is when they start needing a large amount of nitrogen. 2 year old lemon trees need 1/3 cup of 21-0-0 ammonium sulfate in January of February when new growth springs. Start fertilizing from the trunk to the drip line and make sure to water the area thoroughly. Repeat the process once between April and May, and once again in August or September.
Keep your lemon tree happy by pruning branches that are growing straight up and removing the damaged or crossing branches. To promote growth, cut should be made on a 45 degree angle facing upward. You should also cut out branches that blocks sunlight from the center of the tree to enhance air circulation and increase the amount of branches getting exposed to sunlight.
Fruit & Harvesting
Fruit
This Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree with evergreen foliage is a prolific fruit bearer even when young. The Meyer lemons are rounder than the regular lemon and have thin yellow skin that is absolutely fragrant. The fruits are sweeter, have less acidic flavor and reduced bitterness compared to Lisbon or Eureka varieties found in supermarkets, and contain around 10 seeds per fruit.
Harvesting
Healthy Meyer lemon trees produce more fruit so it is wise to take care of them at all times. Fruits that have sprouted from Meyer lemon trees that are younger than 2 years old should be removed because the trees still need to develop strong root system. Furthermore, plucking the fruits from young trees will guarantee that they are healthy enough to produce a lot of fruit by the time they are well established.
Determining the ripeness of your Meyer lemon tree lemons by sight is not 100% fool proof because some lemons are brightly colored even if they are not yet ready to eat, while some are already juicy even when they are still slightly green. Since Meyer lemons will only continue to ripen while still on the tree, make sure that the fruits are already ripe before you harvest them. The best way to know if your lemons are ripe and ready to be harvested is by tasting them.
You can pick the fruit directly from the tree using your bare hands by holding the entire fruit with your hand and twisting it gently until it breaks free. To avoid the risk of damaging the tree while harvesting the fruit, use a knife or scissor to harvest the fruit to steer clear of accidentally pulling off a larger piece than planned.
Advice
If you have just bought a Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree, keep in mind that when planted on ground it could grow as tall as 6-10 feet, while those planted in a pot will be smaller. It usually blooms or bears fruit in Spring and Fall. Just like other citrus trees it needs to be protected from temperatures below 32°F, and although it can be taken in door during winter season, it is not best to keep your Meyer lemon tree indoors.
Pests and Diseases
Just like other lemon trees, Meyer Lemon Trees are susceptible to specific types of pests like citrus leaf miner, scale insects and aphids.
| Type of Pest |
Necessary Treatment |
| Scale Insects |
Use one percent Horticultural oil solution mixed with water.
You can also use diluted rubbing oil. |
| Mites |
Sulfur spray.
Do not use oil sprays as they are not effective for this type of pest.
Make sure that the soil is moist before use. |
| Aphids |
Biological controls, including lacewigs and lady beetles
Insecticidal soaps
Horticultural oil solution mixed with water is also an effective treatment for problems with aphids. |
| Citrus Leaf Miner |
Biological controls like predatory insects that are parasitoid.
Citrus leaf miner insecticide that you can directly put to the ground to be absorbed by the tree.
Horticulture oil with spinosad. |
tonikay (verified owner) –
Order Number: 3-15155
My dwarf lemon tree arrived today and it was absolutely beautiful! It was packaged securely and made the trip to my home with no damage. Even though we will be repotting the tree I love that it came already in a pot so we can open it up and let it adjust to its new home before repotting it.
During the process of looking through the web site to select my tree and the appropriate accessories I found it a little confusing trying to figure out exactly what I would need for a healthy tree. As such I ended up ordering too much soil and missed the fact that there was a “care bundle” that I could order for less money. Imagine my surprise when citrus.com reached out to me the next day to inquire about making some changes to my order that ended up giving me exactly what I would need to care for my trees while saving my almost $70.00. I was absolutely amazed, not many companies would go out fo their way to save a customer that kind of money especially when the order was already placed. Thank you citrus.com, I will definitely be ordering from you again!
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Warren O. (verified owner) –
This one was fine
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Brian (verified owner) –
Product shipped quickly and was in good condition with blooms showing up a few days after it was planted. Thanks!
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Sonya Hughes (verified owner) –
I am very happy with the way my new tree has arrived. I can’t wait for it to grow fruit. Thank you so much.
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Brian S. (verified owner) –
The dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree was shipped very quickly and packaged snugged as a bug!! There were no damage to the shipping box: however, when I opened the box and started unwrapping the tree, 2 nice size lemons (green) fell off and another one was attached but hanging on a broken branch. In addition, the 3 year old tree was “thinner” than what I was hoping for. Other than those 2 things, the tree is healthy looking and now potted in its forever pot!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Sarah (verified owner) –
The tree came very nicely packaged for shipping. It is healthy and growing. I can honestly recommend this item.
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Alysia M. (verified owner) –
I love my tree! I received it pretty quick and there was nothing broken in the package. The care instructions inside were easy to follow.
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Kristin Sanchez (verified owner) –
My Dwarf Meyer Lemon arrived a little ahead of schedule. It was packed very well and had lost only 2 leaves. It looks very healthy and has many leaves left and a small lemon forming already. It is about 24 inches tall. I have had this about 5 days now and it appears to be adjusting nicely to my patio here in the Seattle area.
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gary bennett (verified owner) –
Nice healthy tree. Packaged well for shipping.
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Tamara (verified owner) –
The tree arrived relatively unscathed, despite UPS treatment of the box it came in–so it was packed well. One week since arriving, It is pretty happy in a pot outside in the sun–facing south but also windy–and we are hopeful it will do well here. Thanks!
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Elizabeth S. (verified owner) –
Delivered 1 day late but tree was in good shape. Thank You.
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Ashley (verified owner) –
very fast delivery and the tree was lovely. will definitely be back!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Ordered two. One was full bloom one wasn’t. On the 3rd day the 2nd was blooming. Love these trees!
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Jory P. (verified owner) –
Wonderful people. Outstanding tree.
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Cyndy Gribas (verified owner) –
Not as full as I expected according To picture but hoping it will fill out now
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Chuckie Taylor (verified owner) –
Trees came quickly and were well protected. Hope I can keep them going.
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Allison Lempka (verified owner) –
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Charles (verified owner) –
The tree arrived on time and in perfect condition. The planting and care instructions took out any guesswork. The top leaves and branches were a little compacted from packaging but not permanently damaged. Not one leaf came off in transit. After just a day or two they had expanded and look great. Thanks for the prompt shipping and healthy product!
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defoor (verified owner) –
Order Number: 15893
I ordered the 4-5 year old tree (3 gal), and it is nothing short of amazing! The tree was well packaged, true-to-size, and very full with healthy leaves. It arrived with five good sized lemons on it. I repotted and fed it with an organic citrus food and placed it on my back deck in metro Atlanta, Zone 7b. Within a week or two, new bloom clusters began to form all over the tree. Shortly after that, it was in full bloom with five clusters of the most delightfully fragrant purplish white blooms that stayed beautiful for weeks. Dozens of tiny lemons have now formed from each of those blossoms. If I wasn’t impressed enough, six new bloom clusters are developing now! I’ve only had the tree five weeks. It is extremely healthy and is producing new growth/leaves. I also have to compliment Citrus.com’s customer service. FedEx destroyed my first tree from a lengthy delay/damage in shipping (no fault of Citrus.com), and Citrus.com replaced it immediately. This was my first purchase from Citrus.com, and I definitely will use them again.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Pamela Gill (verified owner) –
I’m so pleased with our tree, it came through the transit and transplantation beautifully. I have new growth already and the existing foliage is green and healthy. Now is the tough part, waiting for the fruit. Thank you
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Cassandra M. (verified owner) –
Tree seems great! Arrived quickly and in good shape. Not as many branches as expected, not like photo at all, but, I’m sure they’ll grow!
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Rebecca D. (verified owner) –
Tree arrived quickly and it was beautiful!
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Scott (verified owner) –
Excellent experience. No complaints
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James M. (verified owner) –
Very Pleased with my order from Citrus.com. My tree arrived in no time safe and sound. Will definitely order with them again. Very Happy !!!
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Grant (verified owner) –
Arrived extremely well packaged and in great shape. Tree is in a 14″ tall 4″ by 4″ pot with excellent roots. Pruned at 24″ with 7 small branches just below the heading cut. Very happy with it.
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Amanda D. (verified owner) –
Very nice tree, excited to see it grow! Fast shipping!!!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Plants and planters arrived in great shape and on time. I am very pleased.
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Danielle Meadows (verified owner) –
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Evelyn (verified owner) –
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Tree came looking healthy and even had a small lemon starting to grow on it! Thank you!
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Brandon (verified owner) –
The dwarf myer lemon tree arrived in great shape, potted (which is a bonus that other places don’t offer), and was so mature. I am sure it will flower and fruit soon. I am very happy with the tree and the experience of shopping with citrus.com.
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Michelle P. (verified owner) –
a healthy little tree. It arrived blooming and already had tiny lemons set
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
it came not in very good condition all banged up –I am hopping it will survive and thrive
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Jackie (verified owner) –
Arrived in good shape
Beautiful plant
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Chance (verified owner) –
Was expecting a bigger pot, but other than that the tree and service were great!
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Donna F. (verified owner) –
Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree came and it beta my expectations. I am so excited to put it into a new pot and get some amazing lemons!! Thank you Citrus.com
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Tracy (verified owner) –
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Caroline (verified owner) –
Super happy with my dwarf lemon tree. It was shipped quickly and packaged well when it arrived. I was pleasantly surprised that it was taller than I expected! It’s a great addition to the dwarf lemon tree I have had for five years and it will also be potted due to where I live.
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Alaina K. (verified owner) –
Absolutely gorgeous tree – the branches and foliage almost look fake because they’re so beautifully colored and glossy. Tree also arrived on the bigger end of the given size range spectrum, which is great. Definitely impressed and have already suggested this site to my other tree and plant-loving friends.
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Shula M. (verified owner) –
A lot bigger tree than expected, and full of lovely foliage. Shipping took extra days so it was a little droopy on arrival, but it’s doing well. Already repotted in new pot.
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Terri S. (verified owner) –
My Dwarf
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree arrived a few days later than I was first told but other than that it arrived fine. I will say I was a little disappointed with the plant itself. ,I thought it would be a little fuller. But I’ll work with it.
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Sam P. (verified owner) –
Very happy with the tree, arrived in great condition.
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Emily (verified owner) –
The tree came in good condition. Shipping was fast.
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Warren O. (verified owner) –
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Thomas S. (verified owner) –
My Tree Looks Wonderful, already has golf ball size lemon growing and many buds. Very happy with the shipping packaging as well. A+++
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Jackie B. (verified owner) –
Just received my plant yesterday. So far its great. Cant wait to get some blossoms!
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Sue (verified owner) –
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Lisa (verified owner) –
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Leigh C. (verified owner) –
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Joseph B. (verified owner) –
Nice little tree doesn’t look like the pic but that’s to be expected. Hopefully fills out in the next year.
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Jennifer K. (verified owner) –
Great condition when it arrived! It already had 3 lemons starting to grow with many flower buds! I need to ask about the straps supporting the tree to the stake. When should I release it?
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
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Christina Leonard (verified owner) –
Excellent experience! Tree arrived early before Mother’s Day and my mom loves it! Ordering the lime tree for Father’s Day!
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JUDY (verified owner) –
The tree was delivered healthy and four days earlier then expected.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
My mom loves her lemon tree! Your customer service was fantastic!
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Robert Graziano (verified owner) –
A little smaller than I expected
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Lino (verified owner) –
Very nice lemon tree.
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Jacqueline (verified owner) –
I bought two of these and they both died within a month.
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