Citrus limon ‘Meyer’ is a hybrid citrus fruit believed to be a cross between a true lemon and either a mandarin or an orange. It is perhaps the most popular home garden lemon in the world, valued for its superior cold hardiness and heavy production. The fruit is rounder and smaller than a typical lemon, with thin, smooth, deep golden-yellow skin. Its pulp is very juicy and aromatic, but its flavour is significantly less acidic and sweeter than the traditional ‘Eureka’ or ‘Lisbon’ lemons, making it excellent for cooking, garnishing, and making baked goods where a softer lemon flavour is desired. The tree is compact, bushy, relatively thornless, and produces highly fragrant blossoms throughout the year, ensuring a continuous supply of fruit, although the main harvest is usually in winter.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the best fruit development. It is more tolerant of partial shade than other lemons, but fruit quality may suffer.
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Climate: Best suited to Cool to Warm Temperate climates. It is the most cold-tolerant of all commonly grown lemons and handles light to moderate frosts better than many other citrus.
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Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential, as the Meyer Lemon is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
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Watering: Water regularly and deeply, especially during dry periods and when the fruit is setting and swelling. Consistent moisture ensures juicy fruit.
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Fertilising: Citrus are heavy feeders. Use a slow-release fertiliser specifically formulated for citrus (high in nitrogen) in early spring, mid-summer, and early autumn. Potted plants need feeding more frequently.
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Pruning: Prune lightly to shape the bush and remove any unproductive or diseased wood. Meyer lemons often grow quite bushy, so occasional thinning helps with light and air circulation.
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Harvest: Fruits throughout the year, with the main crop in winter. Pick when the skin turns a deep golden-yellow.
