| |
|
|
|
|
Member Pages |
The Meyer lemon tree is small, reaching just 6-10 ft (2-3 m) in height. It is a compact, symmetrical tree with shiny evergreen leaves, typical of citrus trees in general. The flowers have a pinkish tinge and are very fragrant. Meyer lemons tend to be more productive than true lemons (Citrus limon). The fruit is bright canary-yellow and rounder and larger, to 3 in (7.5 cm) in diameter, than that of the true lemon. The fruit's skin is smoother and thinner, and it lacks the lemon's "nipple." It also is sweeter, less acidic and juicier. Location
Light: In general, citrus trees can tolerate partial shade, but always do best in full sun. Moisture: Like most other citrus trees, Meyer lemon should get 40 in (1 m) or more of rain per year. However, they need a good portion of that rain in the spring while they are flowering and putting on fruit. In Florida, springtime is often the driest time of the year, and so citrus trees usually need to be watered from March through June. Hardiness: USDA Zones 8B-10. Meyer lemon is the hardiest of the lemons. It has withstood winter temperatures below 23 F (-5 C) here in North Florida. On the other hand, Meyer lemon is not well suited to cultivation in tropical climates. Propagation: Meyer lemon is easy to start from cuttings and grows rapidly, bearing fruit within a year or two. As with most citrus (even hybrids), the seeds come true. Meyer lemon seedlings can be expected to bear fruit within four years.
The Meyer lemon tree can bear fruit year around if grown on its own roots and in a climate without frost (or in a pot). Such trees often have flowers and fruit at the same time. Trees grafted onto trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) root stock (for increased cold hardiness) become partially dormant in winter and cease flowering. This pretty little lemon tree is well suited for indoor and container cultivation. Keep the container outside in summer. Meyer lemon makes a great pie, some say better than Key lime. Use the recipe for Ruthie Belle's Famous Citrus Pie, which can be found in Floridata's rangpur lime profile. We use Meyer lemon juice anywhere lemon juice is called for. Ripe Meyer lemons remain on our tree here in North Florida from October to June. It's so nice to be able to step out the kitchen door and grab a fresh lemon anytime a recipe calls for a squirt of lemon juice. Features Steve Christman 12/09/07
|
NEW at Floridata
Plant Profiles:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Get link
