Improved Meyer Lemon

Written By Danika T

Proper name: Citrus × meyeri ‘Improved’
Family: Rutaceae

Improved Meyer Lemon is a compact citrus tree grown for its sweet, thin skinned lemons and glossy evergreen foliage. Compared to standard lemons, Meyer lemons are less acidic with a hint of orange flavor, making them especially popular for home kitchens. The Improved selection is virus free, more productive, and better suited for container growing, indoors or outdoors.

Also Known As

  • Meyer Lemon

  • Sweet Lemon

  • Chinese Lemon

History

The Meyer lemon was introduced to the United States from China in the early 1900s by plant explorer Frank Meyer. Original plants carried citrus viruses, which limited commercial production. The Improved Meyer Lemon was later developed and released as a clean, disease free selection, quickly becoming a favorite among home growers for its compact size, fragrance, and reliable fruiting.

Tree Size

  • In ground: 8 to 10 feet tall

  • Container grown: 4 to 6 feet tall
    Regular pruning helps maintain size and shape, especially indoors.

Time to Fruiting

  • Begins producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting

  • Flowers and fruits often appear at the same time

  • Can produce multiple harvests per year under ideal conditions

Best Growing Zones

Light Requirements

  • Full sun essential

  • Requires 8 to 12 hours of bright light daily

  • Indoors, place near a south facing window or under strong grow lights
    Insufficient light reduces flowering and fruit development.

Growing Methods

  • Soil: Yes

  • Hydroponic: No

  • Indoor: Yes, one of the best citrus trees for indoor growing

  • Outdoor: Yes

  • Container: Yes, preferred method for many growers

Germination Time

Improved Meyer lemons are typically grown from nursery trees, not seed. Seed grown plants may take many years to fruit and may not remain true to type.

Growing Notes

Improved Meyer lemons prefer well drained soil, consistent watering, and good airflow. Overwatering is a common issue and can lead to yellowing leaves and root stress. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Hand pollination indoors can improve fruit set. Feed regularly with a citrus specific fertilizer during active growth.

Similar and Related Plants

  • Lisbon lemon

  • Eureka lemon

  • Calamondin orange

  • Lime trees

Improved Meyer Lemon stands out as a highly adaptable fruit tree for home growers. With proper light, balanced watering, and seasonal care, it delivers fragrant blooms, steady harvests, and bright flavor year round.

Danika T
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