Meyer Lemon
Citrus × meyeri
fruitA mandarin-lemon hybrid with sweeter, less acidic juice and thinner, softer skin than regular lemons. The cocktail lemon of choice for bartenders and home cooks. Meyer lemons are cold-hardier than standard lemons and fruit prolifically even in containers, making them the most popular citrus for home growing in non-tropical climates.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 5 days
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Harvest
~24 months
to first harvest
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
8-12 ft in ground; large container for potted trees
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Planting Depth
Graft union 2 inches above soil level
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8 – 12
When to Fertilize
Every 6 weeks during active growing season (spring through fall); no fertilizer in winter
Fertilizer
Citrus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients; balanced 6-6-6 or granular citrus blend
🌱 Growing Guide
Grow in ground in zones 8 to 11; in containers in cooler climates and bring indoors for winter. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Container-grown Meyer lemons need bright light (a south window or supplemental grow light) when indoors. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Repot container trees every 2 to 3 years. Flowers are intensely fragrant. Fruit can take 6 to 9 months from flower to harvest.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 15
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Projected first harvest
Oct 22 · Year 3
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Year 1
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Marigold — Deters soil nematodes and citrus root pests
- Nasturtium — Attracts aphid predators; edible ground cover under the tree
- Basil — Aromatic deterrence of whiteflies and spider mites
- Lavender — Deters ants that protect aphids; attracts beneficial insects
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Horticultural oil spray in winter; rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for small infestations
Spinosad spray on new growth flushes; avoid pushing excessive new growth with high nitrogen
Water blast; insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
Increase humidity; neem oil spray; overhead misting on hot days
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest when fully yellow and fragrant. Meyer lemons stay on the tree well without falling, giving flexibility on harvest timing. Fruit is ripe when it yields slightly to pressure and smells sweet and lemony. Store at room temperature for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. The thin, edible skin is often candied or used in preserved lemons.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Very high in vitamin C, flavonoids, and limonene. Lower acidity than Eureka lemons makes Meyer lemon juice better tolerated by people with acid sensitivity. Thin skin is rich in d-limonene, studied for anticancer and cholesterol-lowering properties. Essential oil in zest contains antimicrobial compounds.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.