Meyer Lemon trees are a popular choice for home growers, known for their fragrant blossoms and sweet, juicy fruit, a hybrid of a lemon and a mandarin orange. Propagating these trees allows enthusiasts to expand their collection or share plants with others.
Choosing Your Propagation Method
Two primary methods exist for propagating Meyer Lemons: from cuttings or from seed. Cuttings typically yield fruit much faster, often within one to two years, because the new plant is a clone of the parent. Seed propagation is a slower process, taking many years to bear fruit, and the resulting tree may not be identical to the parent due to genetic variation. For home growers, cuttings generally offer a higher success rate and are a more reliable option for a true-to-type Meyer Lemon.
Propagating from Cuttings
Propagating Meyer Lemons from cuttings is a popular and effective way to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the tree is actively growing.
Materials Needed
To propagate Meyer Lemon cuttings, gather these items:
Sharp pruning shears or a knife for clean cuts.
Rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development.
Sterile, well-draining potting mix.
Containers with drainage holes, such as 1-gallon pots or clear plastic cups.
A clear plastic bag or humidity dome to create a high-humidity environment.
Taking and Preparing Cuttings
Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems free of flowers or fruit, about 3 to 6 inches long. Remove all leaves from the lower portion, leaving two to four leaves at the top. Make a clean 45-degree cut just below a leaf node, as this is where roots are most likely to form. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root growth and protect against rot or disease.
Planting Your Cuttings
Fill containers with a well-draining potting mix. A mixture of peat moss and perlite or a citrus-specific mix works well. Moisten the soil thoroughly before planting. Create a small hole and insert the prepared cutting, ensuring at least one to two nodes are buried. Gently pack the soil around the cutting to provide support.
Encouraging Root Growth
After planting, cover the pot and cutting with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to create a high-humidity environment. Place the covered cutting in a brightly lit location that receives indirect sunlight. Maintaining a consistent soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit promotes rooting. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, and mist the cutting occasionally. Root development typically occurs within two months; gently tugging on the cutting can indicate root establishment.
Propagating from Seed
Propagating Meyer Lemons from seed is another method. Trees grown from seed are often not “true to type” and can take many years to bear fruit.
Seed Selection and Preparation
Extract seeds from a fresh, ripe Meyer Lemon. Clean them thoroughly to remove any pulp or sugary residue, as this can lead to mold or inhibit germination. Soaking seeds in warm water for 6 to 12 hours can speed up germination. Planting fresh, wet seeds directly is often successful.
Planting Your Seeds
Use small pots with drainage holes filled with a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep. You can plant several seeds in one pot or individually. After planting, gently moisten the soil, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged.
Germination and Early Care
To create an ideal environment for germination, cover the pots with clear plastic wrap or a plastic dome to maintain humidity. Place the covered pots in a warm location, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping-off disease. Germination can take a few weeks to eight weeks. Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and move the pots to a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as a south-facing window. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.
Caring for Your New Meyer Lemon Plants
Once your new Meyer Lemon plants have successfully rooted or germinated, providing consistent care is important for their continued growth and health. This includes attention to light, water, nutrients, and potential issues.
Young Meyer Lemon plants require ample light to grow strong. They benefit from at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, a south-facing window is ideal, and supplemental grow lights can be beneficial if natural light is insufficient. Rotating potted plants every few weeks ensures all sides receive adequate light exposure.
Watering is important for young Meyer Lemon trees, which prefer consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about two inches deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Proper drainage is important, as Meyer Lemons are sensitive to excessive moisture around their roots.
New Meyer Lemon plants benefit from regular fertilization once established. Begin fertilizing young plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer or a citrus-specific formula during their active growing season, from early spring through fall. Fertilize every four to six weeks, or as recommended by the specific product, to support their growth.
Repotting is necessary as your young plants grow and their root systems develop. Repot when roots begin to show through the drainage holes or the plant appears to be outgrowing its container, typically every two to three years. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage.
Monitor your new Meyer Lemon plants for common pests and diseases. Pests like aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and citrus leafminers can affect young citrus trees. Look for signs such as yellowing leaves, sticky residue, or distorted foliage. Diseases like root rot can occur from overwatering, indicated by yellowing leaves or wilting. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the plant’s health.