Meyer lemons are a popular citrus plant, valued for their sweeter, less acidic fruit compared to common lemons. For home gardeners, understanding the typical height of a Meyer lemon tree is important for effective space planning, whether growing it indoors in a container or outdoors in the ground. Knowing its potential size helps in selecting the right location and providing adequate care.
Typical Mature Height
When grown in optimal outdoor conditions, a standard Meyer lemon tree reaches a mature height of 6 to 10 feet. Some can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. Dwarf cultivars, which are common, mature at 5 to 7 feet. If cultivated in a container, Meyer lemon trees are smaller, ranging from 4 to 6 feet tall, depending on the pot size and pruning practices.
Factors Affecting Meyer Lemon Height
Many elements influence a Meyer lemon tree’s size, including environment and care. Growing environment is key; trees planted directly in the ground often achieve larger sizes compared to those grown in containers, as pots restrict root development. Adequate light exposure is also important, with at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily promoting vigorous growth. Insufficient light can hinder development and limit height.
Proper watering and consistent nutrient supply contribute to growth. Meyer lemons thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Climate, including temperature and humidity, affects plant vigor and size. Meyer lemon trees prefer temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rootstock a Meyer lemon tree is grafted onto also impacts its height. Many are grafted onto rootstocks that promote standard or dwarf growth. For instance, ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock produces dwarf versions, reducing size to 30-50% of its normal height. A tree’s height increases with age, reaching maturity and fruit production within 3 to 5 years.
Controlling Meyer Lemon Height
Managing the height of a Meyer lemon tree is achievable through several methods, especially for container growing or limited spaces. Pruning is a primary technique, with strategies like heading cuts and selective branch removal helping to control vertical growth and maintain a desired shape. Pruning is recommended after the main harvest, in late winter or early spring, to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and improve air circulation. For height control, branches growing too tall can be cut back to encourage a more compact, bush-like form.
Growing Meyer lemon trees in containers limits their size by restricting root growth. Pot size directly influences height, with larger containers allowing more growth. Container-grown trees may require more frequent watering and fertilization due to the limited soil volume. Repotting every two to three years into a slightly larger pot can support continued, controlled growth.
Choosing trees grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks controls height from the outset. These rootstocks limit the tree’s size, making them suitable for smaller environments. Even dwarf varieties can be further managed through consistent pruning, ensuring they remain at a manageable height while still producing fruit.