Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon 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.