Meyer lemon
Citrus × meyeri
Also known asImproved Meyer lemon · Dwarf Meyer · Meyer
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–11 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- year-round tropical
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of nitrogen, potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
The best citrus variety for indoor and greenhouse container growing. Large container (20 L) with well-drained media. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 10–30°C (more cold-tolerant than most citrus; the tree survives brief freezes but fruits best at 15–28°C). High light (DLI 18-30 mol/m2/day; supplemental grow lights extend production in northern climates). Self-fertile; a single tree produces fruit without cross-pollination. Fruiting begins 1-2 years from grafted nursery stock. The tree flowers and fruits year-round under good conditions, so you may have flowers, green fruit, and ripe fruit simultaneously. Harvest when fruit is fully yellow with a slight orange blush and gives to gentle pressure. Citrus-specific micronutrient supplementation (iron chelate, manganese, zinc) prevents yellowing leaves. Scale insects and spider mites are the main indoor pests. Prune to maintain size and shape. A well-maintained container Meyer lemon produces 50-100+ lemons per year, which is substantially more than a household needs, making surplus available for preserving (preserved Meyer lemons), gifting, or selling.