The Meyer lemon tree (Citrus x meyeri) is a popular small citrus variety, valued for its ornamental appeal and its fruit. It is a hybrid, giving it a distinctly sweeter flavor and less acidity than the common lemons found in grocery stores. Understanding the timeline and factors that influence its production is important for growers hoping to harvest this unique citrus.
Timeline from Planting to First Harvest
The time it takes for a Meyer lemon tree to produce its first crop depends primarily on the method of propagation. Trees purchased from a nursery are typically grafted, meaning a cutting from a mature, fruit-producing tree is joined to a rootstock. A young, grafted Meyer lemon tree can begin to bear fruit in one to three years after planting.
The initial harvest may be small, as the young tree focuses energy on establishing a strong root system and canopy. Seed-grown trees take significantly longer to reach maturity, often requiring four to seven years before they begin to flower and fruit.
Annual Fruiting Schedule and Peak Seasons
Meyer lemon trees are considered “everbearing” in optimal climates, producing multiple, staggered crops throughout the year. This means the tree often carries both ripe fruit and new blossoms simultaneously. The main flowering period typically occurs in late winter or early spring, setting the stage for the largest and most reliable crop.
The main harvest season follows six to nine months later, generally running from late fall through the winter months. While sporadic fruit ripening may occur year-round, the heaviest volume of mature fruit occurs during the cooler season.
Environmental Factors Influencing Fruiting Timing
The timing of flowering and fruit development is sensitive to environmental conditions. Temperature is a major factor, as Meyer lemons thrive in a range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A brief period of slightly cooler temperatures, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, during the winter and early spring encourages the tree to set its main flush of blossoms.
Insufficient light is a common cause of delayed or absent fruiting, particularly for trees grown indoors. Meyer lemon trees require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fruit set. If the tree is stressed by improper watering or poor nutrition, the fruiting cycle can also be disrupted.
Watering is important during the flowering and fruit development stages; dry conditions can cause the tree to drop its blossoms or young fruit prematurely. Consistent application of a citrus-specific fertilizer throughout the growing season provides the necessary nutrients to support heavy fruit production. If the tree is not properly fed, fruit development may be stunted or significantly delayed.
Recognizing Fruit Readiness and Harvesting
Determining the exact moment to pick a Meyer lemon relies on several visual and tactile cues. The fruit’s quality improves the longer it remains on the branch. The most reliable indicator of ripeness is the color, which transitions from dark green to a deep yellow with a subtle orange tint, often described as egg-yolk yellow. Meyer lemons do not continue to sweeten after they are picked, so waiting for this full color change is important for the best flavor.
A ripe Meyer lemon will feel firm but give slightly when gently squeezed. The skin will also take on a glossy appearance and the fruit will release a noticeable, fragrant aroma. To harvest the fruit, use clean pruning shears or clippers to snip the stem just above the fruit. Pulling the fruit by hand can tear the branch or remove the delicate fruit spur, which may affect future production.