The Meyer lemon tree is a hardy, evergreen citrus tree that produces juicy lemons with a unique flavour. It’s grown in gardens and containers throughout the United States and can be enjoyed year-round as an ornamental or edible plant in the right climate. The Meyer lemon tree growth stages are similar to the growth stages of other citrus trees.
So, let’s learn what they are:
What is a Meyer Lemon tree?
Meyer lemons are unique citrus trees that have been beloved by home gardeners for decades. Native to China, these small trees are known to be hybrids of a lemon and an orange. The Meyer lemon tree is a very attractive, hardy citrus tree that can produce several dozen fruits yearly.
Its leaves are dark green, thick, and glossy, with small white flowers blooming throughout the season. The fruit itself is rounder than a regular lemon and has an orange-yellow colour to it. The taste is an excellent combination of sweetness and tartness, making it a great addition to sauces, desserts, drinks, and snacks.
Plus, the Meyer lemon tree is known to be very easy to care for! With basic knowledge and regular maintenance, you can have a healthy Meyer lemon tree that produces delicious fruit.
Can it be grown in a container?
The Meyer lemon tree can be grown in containers, but it prefers to be planted directly in the ground. It is generally hardy and resistant to pests and diseases and will produce fruit when given the right conditions.
What differentiates a Meyer lemon tree from a regular lemon tree?
Meyer lemon trees are a hybrid, containing some genetic material of both regular lemons and mandarin oranges. They have a slightly different appearance than traditional lemon trees: they’re typically smaller in size, with darker green leaves and thorns spaced further apart. The fruit that grows on Meyer lemon trees is also a typical: it’s rounder in shape and has a much thinner skin than regular lemons, making it easier to zest.
Lastly, Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular ones, making them ideal for baking or adding a bit of flavour without overpowering tartness.
Meyer lemon trees also require more care than regular lemon trees. They must be protected from frosts and cold winters and require slightly less water than their traditional counterparts. Furthermore, you should prune them regularly to ensure they stay in good health and produce abundant fruit.
Meyer lemon tree growth stages
Here are the 5 Meyer lemon tree growth stages:
1. Germinating the Meyer Lemon tree seeds
The Meyer lemon tree can be grown from seed, though it is usually more successful to begin with a young Meyer lemon sapling. To germinate the seeds, place them in a wet paper towel or sponge and keep them moist until they sprout tiny white rootlets. Once this happens, transfer the seeds to a container filled with well-draining potting soil and allow them to grow.
2. Establishing your Meyer lemon tree
Once you have successfully germinated Meyer lemon tree seeds or obtained a young sapling, it is time to establish your Meyer lemon tree. Place the sapling or seedling in a pot at least twice as wide as the root ball and fill it with well-draining soil. Water regularly, but not too much – they do not like wet feet! If you live in a hot climate, provide some shade to protect the Meyer lemon tree from the intense sun.
3. Meyer lemon tree thorns
As Meyer lemon trees mature, they will develop sharp thorns on their stems and branches. These are a natural part of Meyer lemon tree growth and protect the fruit and leaves from hungry animals. Pruning Meyer lemon trees regularly will help control thorns’ growth and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
4. Meyer lemon tree fruit
Once your Meyer lemon tree is established and has grown to a mature height, it should begin producing Meyer lemons! The fruits are usually smaller than traditional lemon varieties, but they have a unique sweet and tart flavour.
The Meyer lemon tree stages of fruit growth involve the Meyer lemon blossoms opening and maturing into fruits until they can be harvested. Keep an eye out for Meyer lemon fruits that are ready to pick – they should be bright yellow and fall off easily when touched.
It typically takes Meyer lemon trees about two years to produce fruit, so be patient!
5. Pruning your Meyer lemon tree
Meyer lemon trees will benefit from regular pruning to keep them healthy and encourage new growth. Cut off any dead or diseased branches and remove any stems that are crossing or growing inwards. This will help ensure the Meyer lemon tree has plenty of room to grow and thrive!
These were the Meyer Lemon tree stages of growth! By following these steps, you can successfully grow a Meyer lemon tree from seed or sapling to mature adult stage.
Lemon Meyer tree stages of growth, thorny leaves – When to expect them?
Meyer lemon trees can be pretty thorny, so it’s essential to know when to expect them during the different stages of tree growth.
The first stage of growth is the seedling stage. The tree will not yet be thorny.
The next stage is when your tree proliferates. At this point, you may start seeing thorns on the branches of the tree.
The third stage is referred to as “maturity”. The thorns will be more developed – dark in colour and sharper than before.
How quickly do Meyer Lemon trees grow?
The growth stages of a Meyer lemon tree can vary depending on the climate and conditions in which it is planted. In general, Meyer lemons grow moderately fast, with some reaching heights of 10 feet tall or more within three to five years.
By taking the time to learn about Meyer lemon tree growth stages, you can better understand how and when your tree will be growing and producing fruit. It is important to keep in mind that these trees require regular pruning and maintenance throughout their growth cycle to ensure healthy fruit production. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the bounty of your Meyer lemon tree for a long time!
