Meyer lemons are sweet, sharp, fragrant, and juicy. As delicious as they are, they can be difficult to find in the store as their thin skin is easily damaged. So why not grow your own? Continue reading to learn all the details of how to grow a Meyer lemon tree - from planting it in the ground to taking your first bite!

We may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of picking a lemon from your very own tree. But if that lemon is a Meyer lemon, it’s even better. Meyer lemon trees are perfect for small spaces and can even thrive in pots, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or sunny kitchen corners. They’re versatile in the kitchen, very productive, and incredibly forgiving, which makes them an excellent choice for any home garden.
Growing Meyer lemons isn’t just about adding beauty and fragrance to your space or enjoying the taste of fresh-picked fruit. It’s about learning the essential steps to planting, nurturing, and harvesting a tree that’s both rewarding and beginner-friendly. From choosing the perfect spot to troubleshooting common issues, this guide covers everything you need to know to grow healthy Meyer lemons, and includes links to even more Fruit Grove resources. Let’s dig in!
What You Need to Know About Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer lemons originated in China, where they were first discovered as a unique hybrid between a traditional lemon (possibly Eureka or Lisbon) and a mandarin orange (source). This “new” citrus variety was named after Frank Meyer, the agricultural explorer who introduced the plant to the United States in the early 1900s. These lemons quickly gained popularity for their distinct characteristics and versatility.
Unlike conventional lemons, Meyer lemons are known for their sweeter, less acidic flavor and thin skin. Subtle floral notes make them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, as they work in both sweet and savory dishes. Additionally, their juiciness and large size means you’ll get more zest and juice from each fruit.
After growing Meyer lemons for many years, I've learned a few important lessons about what they need to thrive. Check out the video below to learn everything I wish I knew before I planted a Meyer lemon tree.
Potted vs. In-Ground Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer lemons can be grown in the ground in USDA growing zones 9 – 11. Planting a citrus tree in the ground allows it to grow larger and yield more fruit. As citrus goes, Meyer lemons are fairly cold-hardy, but they can’t tolerate temperatures much below freezing. An established tree can withstand brief cold snaps into the low 20s, but longer below-freezing exposure will damage or kill the tree (believe me – I have tried.)
However, if you live in a colder climate or have limited outdoor space, growing in pots is a fantastic option. Potted trees are easy to move indoors during the winter and are a great choice for urban gardeners. Meyer lemons are easy to care for in a container while still providing a large fruit harvest. My 5-foot potted Meyer lemon tree gave me more than 40 large lemons last season.
Related: 6 Secrets to Growing Huge Lemons
Can You Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors?
Absolutely! Meyer lemon trees are one of the best citrus varieties for indoor growing. With enough light—at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day—they can thrive in a sunny window or under a grow light. Indoor citrus trees are not only practical but also beautiful and fragrant. Just remember to mist the leaves frequently to maintain humidity, especially during the drier winter.
I do recommend bringing your indoor citrus trees outside during the warmer months. Exposure to more direct sunlight, warmth, and humidity will improve the overall health of the tree and the fruit harvest. Be careful, however, when bringing the pot back in over the winter. A sudden change in temperature may shock the tree and cause it to drop its leaves. Move the tree when the inside and outside temperatures are similar.
Related: A Guide to Protecting Potted Fruit Trees over Winter

Planting a Meyer Lemon Tree
If you’re planting your tree outdoors, spring is the perfect time to start. The danger of frost has passed, and the warmer weather encourages healthy root development. Avoid planting as the temperatures climb in summer - newly planted trees are sensitive to heat and drought stress. For potted trees or indoor planting, you can start any time of year as long as you can provide the right conditions.
What Kind of Soil do Meyer Lemon Trees Need?
Meyer lemon trees thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. For planting in the ground, check that the pH is between 5.5 and 7.0. Also do a drainage test (if you haven't already) to make sure the soil doesn't stay soggy for too long - a recipe for root rot. To learn more about how to test your soil drainage, check out Soil Drainage for Fruit Trees: Everything You Need to Know.
A good potting mix recipe for citrus trees is three parts composted pine bark or pine fines, one part coarse perlite, and one part organic compost, peat moss, or coconut coir. This combination ensures the roots get plenty of air and the right nutrients. If you’re planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Learn more about this potting mix recipe, as well as some good store-bought citrus soil options here: The Best DIY Citrus Potting Mix Recipe (Plus 5 Brand to Try)

Essential Planting Tips
- Planting hole: When planting your tree, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. This allows the roots to spread out easily and establish themselves.
- Choosing a pot: If you’re planting in a container, choose one that’s slightly larger than the root ball, and avoid pots that are too large as they can hold excess water.
- Planting depth: Plant the tree so that the top of the root ball sits just at soil level, both in a pot and in the ground. Planting too deeply can be disastrous - I write from experience - leading to root girdling, stunted growth, dropping fruit, or even tree death. The graft union should be a few inches above the top of the soil.
- Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to help the roots settle and top the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture. Continue watering frequently (every few days) for the first 2 weeks, then water deeply about once a week after that (for in-ground trees) for the next few months. Containers may need more frequent watering (learn more about watering below).
Meyer Lemon Tree Care: Maximize Your Harvest
Now we get to the good stuff - how to care for your Meyer lemon tree so it stays healthy, happy, and fruitful. Trees planted in the ground will need less attention than a potted tree once established. An in-ground tree has room to spread its roots in search of water and nutrients. A potted tree needs to be provided with those essentials, otherwise it will struggle. I've included care instructions for both potted and in-ground trees below.
Watering Techniques that Work
Meyer lemon trees love consistent moisture but hate soggy roots. In the ground, water deeply about once a week, letting the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. During hot summer months, you may need to water more often, especially for potted trees. Always check the soil before watering—if it’s still damp, hold off.

I've found that my potted tree needs watering daily in my hot Texas summer weather, but perhaps only once or twice a week in the milder spring and fall. Indoor trees will need less watering since the temperature is moderate. Water a container tree until you see it draining out of the bottom. For both potted and in-ground trees, you're better off watering deeply and less frequently than shallow and often.
Learn more: Watering Lemon Trees: How to Get It Just Right
Sunlight and Location
These citrus trees are sun worshippers, and none more than the Meyer lemon. It needs at least six to eight hours of full, direct sunlight daily. The tree may grow and even look healthy with less light, but it will have trouble fruiting, or the fruit will be small and less flavorful. For outdoor trees, choose a spot that’s sheltered from strong winds but gets plenty of light. Indoor trees should be placed near a south-facing window or under a grow light to ensure they get enough energy to thrive.
Fertilizing
I’ve also found that adding a layer of compost in early spring gives the tree a natural boost. When I fertilize my Meyer lemon tree, I use a combination of fish emulsion, slow-release granular organic fertilizer, and sometimes also a soluble fertilizer so the plant gets a combination of easy-access (water-soluble) nutrients and slow-release nutrients.

Meyer lemons are hungry plants (even more than most other citrus), especially in containers. Fertilizing is key to keeping your Meyer lemon tree healthy and productive. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Ideally, the NPK ratio should be higher in nitrogen (the first number) than phosphorus or potassium (such as 5-1-3 or 3-1-1). Be sure to follow the packaging instructions—over-fertilizing can do more harm than good.
I feed my potted tree about once a month, or sometimes as often as every two to three weeks in the summer when I'm watering frequently. In-ground trees may only need extra fertilizer once or twice per growing season (once in spring and then later in the summer as the fruit is maturing). Follow the recommendations on the package label to know exactly how much to feed according to the age and size of your tree.
Learn more: Fertilizing Potted Lemon Trees: Everything You NEED to Know
Pruning 101: Shaping Your Meyer Lemon Tree
Pruning helps keep your tree healthy and productive. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to allow the tree to focus its energy on producing fruit. Thin out dense areas to improve airflow, which helps prevent pests and diseases. I like to prune my tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, but after I have picked the ripe fruit. For young trees, yearly light pruning helps shape them, but they will need less and less pruning as they get older.
Learn more: A Guide to Pruning Potted Lemon and Lime Trees

Seasonal Care Tips for Meyer Lemon Trees
If you live in a region with cold winters, protecting your Meyer lemon tree is essential. For potted trees, bring them indoors before the first frost. I recommend moving them indoors before it gets too cold to prevent shocking the tree. A sudden change of temperature and environment could cause the tree to drop many of its leaves. Outdoor trees should be covered with frost cloth or burlap to shield them from freezing temperatures. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can also help insulate the roots.
During the summer, make sure your tree is well-watered but not overwatered. Potted trees may need extra attention as their soil dries out faster. I've found that providing some afternoon shade during extreme heat can prevent leaf scorch, especially in younger trees. It's also important to check regularly for pests and diseases during the growing season. For more about handling these issues, see the next section.
Solving Common Meyer Lemon Tree Problems
Even if you are doing everything right, it's inevitable to encounter pests, diseases, or other issues. The first line of defense is to take care of the tree and ensure that it is as healthy and strong as possible. Pests and diseases love a struggling, weak plant. A healthy tree is a resilient tree and will be able to resist heavy pest infestations or disease pressure, or at least keep them from becoming an overwhelming problem.
Pests and How to Handle Them
Meyer lemon trees can attract pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Identifying these pests early is crucial - get in the habit of checking your tree often. Look for sticky, sooty residue on the leaves (a sign of aphids), pale, mottled leaves with webbing (a sign of spider mites), or leaves curling at the edges with tell-tale snaky lines (a sign of leaf miners). My go-to remedies include spraying the tree with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep pest populations in check. Neem oil is also a great organic option for treating and preventing pests.

Yellow Leaves and Other Growing Challenges
Yellow leaves can be a sign of several issues, from overwatering to nutrient deficiencies. If your tree’s leaves are turning yellow, check the soil moisture first—overwatering is a common culprit. If the soil is fine, consider adding a balanced fertilizer to address potential nutrient gaps, ideally one that contains micronutrients such as magnesium (a common deficiency in Meyer lemon trees). See the article below for more details about what to do for yellowing leaves.
Learn more: Yellowing Lemon Tree Leaves? Here's 5 Reasons Why
Fruit drop, another common issue, can be caused by sudden temperature changes or inconsistent watering. A lemon tree will naturally drop some fruit while it's young, but mature fruit dropping is a symptom of stress. Ensuring steady care - especially regular, deep watering during dry spells - can help mitigate these problems.
Harvesting Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons typically take about six to nine months to mature after flowering. Patience is key, but the wait is worth it! Once your lemons turn a deep yellow-orange color and give slightly to the touch, they’re ready to pick. It can fruit year round in mild climates, but the main harvest will be in the winter. My Meyer lemons are typically ripe in December or early January.

A ripe Meyer lemon will have a glossy, almost smooth skin and a fragrant aroma. You'll know a lemon is ripe if it comes easily away from the branch. Gently twist the fruit off the branch to avoid damaging the tree. If you’re unsure, taste one—ripe Meyer lemons should be slightly sweet with a mild lemony tartness. Even an under-ripe Meyer lemon is delicious!
Related: 6 Secrets to Growing HUGE Lemons
Using Meyer Lemons in the Kitchen
Even though the flavor is milder and sweeter, Meyer lemons can be used just like regular lemons in all sorts of recipes. They are extremely juicy and thin-skinned. You really can taste the slight mandarin orange flavor, but there is enough tartness to still bring acidity to any dish.
Storing & Preserving
Freshly picked Meyer lemons can last up to two weeks at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. For longer preservation, consider freezing the juice in ice cube trays or zesting the lemons and storing the zest in airtight containers. You can also freeze lemons whole - just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or container to keep out air. I like to freeze mine in slices so it's easy to grab a couple and add to tea, cocktails, or other drinks.
Learn more: 5 Ways to Freeze Lemons: Make Your Harvest Last for Months

Easy Meyer Lemon Recipes to Try
Meyer lemons are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Use them to make the most amazing lemonade, tangy lemon bars, or even savory dishes like roasted chicken with lemon. If you save the juice in ice cube trays, it's easy to toss into soups and sauces. Their thin skin even means you can use the entire lemon in baked goods. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try: