Meyer Lemon TreesMeyer lemon trees are not "true" lemons but a lemon/orange hybrid. The fruit of this natural dwarf is less tart than that of a true lemon. Because of this, it is sometimes called a sweet lemon. Though, in my opinion, this is an overstatement.
Meyer lemons are not sweet. They are just milder than most lemons. The juice won't pucker you up if you taste it straight. These compact trees produce heavy loads of fruit. They will fruit continuously if properly fed and protected from frost. See Lemon Tree Care for explicit lemon tree fertilizer and winter protection instructions. The fruit produced by Meyer lemon trees is heavy and juicier than that of a grocery store lemon. It makes delicious lemon meringue pie or lemonade. I will sometimes add one true lemon to the pitcher to make it more "lemony". It's also good squeezed on fish. Lemon is very useful in cooking and I love having a tree right in the yard.
How To Care For Meyer Lemon TreesMeyer lemon trees require the same care as any other lemon. Lemon Tree Care and Growing Lemon Trees will provide you with all the information you need on how to care for Meyers.Meyer's are self fertile so you only need one to get fruit. *All trees sold as Meyer lemon trees today are actually the Improved Meyer lemon tree. The change was made when the original strain was found to be an asymptomatic host of the deadly
tristeza
virus. The originals were destroyed and replaced with the improved strain which is not a carrier.
When should I pick the fruit?The flavor is best after they turn yellow. You can use them while they are still green if you desperately need a lemon in the kitchen and don't want to run to the store.The fruit will hold on the tree for weeks without deteriorating. I leave them on the tree until I need them.
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