Growing a Meyer Lemon Tree Plant in Ground: A Complete Guide
- Sejal Bobra
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you're dreaming of harvesting juicy, sweet lemons right from your backyard, a Meyer lemon tree might be the perfect addition to your garden. A cross between a true lemon and a mandarin orange, the Meyer lemon is beloved for its thinner skin, lower acidity, and fragrant blossoms. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and maintaining a Meyer lemon tree in the ground.
🌱 Where and How to Plant a Meyer Lemon Tree in the Ground
1. Choosing the Right Location
Meyer lemon trees thrive in warm, sunny environments. Before you dig, consider these site requirements:
Sunlight: Choose a location that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Protection: Select a spot shielded from strong winds. Planting near a south-facing wall can provide additional warmth.
Soil Drainage: Good drainage is crucial. Avoid areas where water pools after rain. If in doubt, amend with sand or organic compost to improve drainage.
2. Planting Steps
Timing: The best time to plant is in spring after the last frost.
Dig the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the tree's root ball.
Soil Prep: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil.
Planting: Gently remove the tree from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. The graft union (the bulge above the roots) should sit just above the soil line.
Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, tamp down gently, and water deeply.
🌿 Key Maintenance Tips After Planting
1. Watering
For the first year, water 2–3 times per week, especially in dry climates.
After establishment, water deeply once every 7–10 days.
Always check the soil first — it should be dry 2–3 inches down before watering again.
2. Mulching
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark, wood chips) around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Keep mulch 4–6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
3. Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove suckers from below the graft union and thin out overcrowded branches to allow light and airflow.
🌼 Fertilization Schedule
Meyer lemons are heavy feeders, and regular fertilization is key for healthy growth and fruit production.
Time of Year | Fertilizer Type | Frequency |
Early Spring | Citrus-specific fertilizer | Once monthly |
Late Spring–Summer | High-nitrogen fertilizer | Every 6 weeks |
Fall | Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) | Once in early fall |
Winter | Avoid fertilizing | Resting period |
Tips:
Look for fertilizers with micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Water well before and after applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
🐛 Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
1. Yellow Leaves
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
Solution: Check soil moisture and drainage; apply a citrus fertilizer with micronutrients.
2. Leaf Curling
Cause: Pests like aphids or environmental stress.
Solution: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure regular watering during hot spells.
3. Fruit Drop
Cause: Inconsistent watering, lack of nutrients, or too many fruits for the tree’s size.
Solution: Thin excess fruit early in the season, maintain consistent soil moisture, and follow the fertilizer schedule.
4. Pests
Common Invaders: Aphids, scale insects, spider mites, citrus leaf miners.
Treatment: Neem oil, horticultural oils, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
5. Disease
Citrus Canker or Root Rot: Often due to poor drainage or injury to the bark.
Solution: Improve drainage, avoid trunk damage, and prune infected branches. In severe cases, remove and destroy the plant to prevent spread.
🍋 Final Tips for Success
Protect from frost: Use frost cloth or mulch heavily around the base if unexpected frost is forecasted.
Harvesting: Meyer lemons can take 6–9 months to mature. They’re ready when they turn deep yellow and are slightly soft to the touch.
Pollination: Although self-pollinating, more fruit may set if bees are active around your tree.
With a little care and patience, your Meyer lemon tree will reward you with fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit for years to come. Whether you’re squeezing them into lemonade or zesting them into your cooking, there’s nothing like homegrown citrus.
Download the free Meyer Lemon Tree Care Calendar
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