Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Lemon, Improved Meyer  
Scientific Name: Citrus x meyeri 'Improved'

History/general species info:  Native to China, the Meyer lemon is a hybrid believed to be a cross between a true lemon and a mandarin orange. It is named after Frank Meyer, a plant explorer of the United States Department of Agriculture, in 1908. Because of its popularity in south Texas, Meyer lemon is known locally as a “Valley” lemon.  Used as an ornamental tree, as well as for fruit, and does well in containers. 

Characteristics: The Meyer Lemon is a spreading, relatively small, and practically thornless tree that is more cold-tolerant than true lemons. This variety is known for its hardy, quick-growing nature and is less acidic/sour with a milder flavor than traditional lemons. Flowers can bloom year round, but they have two main blooming times: fall and early spring. The fruit is rounder than a true lemon and has a slight orange tint when it is ripe.  Cold hardy, cover if temperatures are below 20 degrees F.

Flower: yes; fragrant pale pink to white

Planting / Care: Full sun. Well draining soil. Roots must never remain wet/waterlogged to avoid root rot. So don’t overwater (meaning too frequently), especially if in a container. When the fruit develops it is important to water regularly with a medium amount of moisture. It loves the humidity. Light pruning as needed, at any time with the goal of increasing sunlight and air circulation into the interior. For more information click here.

Size and Spacing: 6-10 feet tall; 4-8 feet wide

Pollinator needed to bear fruit: self-pollinating -  yes, self pollinating however, having two or more trees will greatly increase the amount of pollinated blooms

Links:

Florida Gulf Coast University  - Meyer Lemon https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/communityimpact/foodforest/files/MeyerLemon-ADA.pdf

Citrus/Fruit & Nut Resources
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/citrus/

Diagnosis of Common Citrus Problems:
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/citrus/table2.html