A few years back, I bought a Meyer Lemon Tree. I had always wanted one, and heard that they do well in pots–which I needed, because I would have to bring it indoors during the winter. It’s the perfect solution if you thought you could never have fruit trees {especially citrus} because you are short on space or live in the wrong climate. Plus, good news, it’s not too late to get a lemon tree and pot it before the weather gets too hot.
Here’s how I potted mine when I got it:
First, I ordered my Meyer Lemon Tree online. It showed up on the UPS truck, which I was a little nervous about, because I’d never ordered a tree online. I had received a glowing recommendation about Fast Growing Trees from a friend, though, and so I gave it a whirl.
I knew I didn’t want to start with an itty bitty one. So I took the plunge and ordered a 5-6 foot tall tree and crossed my fingers. I placed my order on a Monday, and it arrived on a Friday. How’s that for fast shipping?
The tree arrived in perfect condition, and I was amazed.
Not only did the tree arrive in perfect condition, there were tons of lemon buds.
The root ball was even perfect. Seriously. I don’t think I am going to be hauling fruit trees in the back of my car anymore. This online ordering stuff is totally the way to go.
I picked up this handsome pot at the Home Depot this afternoon.
Did I mention I named my tree “Lemon” {after Tina Fey’s character in 3rd Rock}?
Once my tree was shipped, Pam over at Fast Growing Trees sent me an email with planting instructions.
Cool Container + Soil + Meyer Lemon Tree = Lemons. Okay, they gave me a little more than that, but really that is the cliff notes, if you like the abridged version of directions. If not, I posted the specific instructions below. 🙂
~Mavis
Look at ‘er! Isn’t she beautiful?
Here’s the official planting instructions:
Planting in a container
Begin by selecting a container with drainage holes in the bottom.
Do not plant in containers that are too big for the tree because it makes the soil moisture levels harder to control with smaller trees.
Choose a sandy based potting medium that might contain perlite or vermiculite and is well drained.
Add water slowly to your container a make sure it is draining well.
During the warmer months when temperatures are above 40 degrees, place outside in an area with full sun. Citrus trees prefer at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight.
Make sure to avoid shocking your tree by slowly transitioning it to less sun before you bring it inside. Place the tree in partial sun for a week or so; this helps it transition from the outdoors to indoors. Conversely place the tree in shade for a week before transitioning to outdoors in the spring.
When temperatures begin to drop below 40 degrees, bring your inside and place near a sunny window.
Citrus trees will drop their leaves if the humidity grows too low in an indoor environment – ideal humidity should be 45-50%. Use a humidifier if necessary.
Fertilizing, Mulching, and Watering
Do not fertilize until new growth appears. After, fertilize once per month between February and October.
Choose a fertilizer that is specifically suited for citrus trees. Use a fertilizer that is higher in Nitrogen, such as a 2-1-1 ratio. Follow instructions carefully on the packaging.
Do not mulch your citrus trees. This will cause mold to form on the trunk of the tree.
Give your tree frequent “deep” watering for at least the first year – 1/4 – 1/2 gallon every 5-7 days.
Water at ground level. Make sure you check the wetness of the soil at root level before watering.
Do not over-water. Allow the first two to three inches of topsoil to dry out between watering times. Check it with your finger. If it’s still wet, don’t water.
Katherine says
I have a lime tree and I’ve been thinking about getting a Meyer Lemon. My tree is only 3 ft tall which is perfect for the house we downsized into last year. Due to our mild winter, so far, in Georgia Mr. Lime has been able to spend the majority of the days and most nights outside. Currently the tree is covered in blooms and buds 🙂
Earlene says
I would love to have a lemon tree, I may have to look into this as we live in northwestern Wisconsin.
Oh and by the way there are 2 favorite bakeries in my area, one is 10 minutes away from me, the other is 30 minutes. Great pastries!!
Krista says
I had no idea you could order trees! How cool is that? I’ve been wanting a tree for my living room and I think a Meyer lemon would be perfect!
Sarah says
I Definitely need one if these! Habe you gotten amy lemons off it?? I remember you buying this a year (??) ago. How has it been doing?? Keep us updated!
Mavis Butterfield says
We got a bunch of Meyer lemons off of the tree last year {I forgot how many}. I love our little lemon tree. Someday soon I hope to have another greenhouse and when I do I’ll be storing it in there.
Amy says
Thank you for the information. I have both a lemon (1 year) and a lime (3 years now) tree and they’re sitting in a South facing window but not doing too well lately. I think after repotting them, some fertilizer, and some hardcore mite killing, they’ll be happier. I also need to mist them more as it is so dry here. I have harvested some limes and they were pretty cute and strong! Such a long wait though- 9 months!!
Dawn says
I live in Fort Lauderdale. I think the humidity is a big factor with the citrus. Can someone figure out a way for me to grow apple & cherry trees down here? Maybe I need to buy a walk in freezer.
Garden4Dinner says
I have a lemon and a lime tree I ordered in December that will be shipped to me in March. I can’t wait to see how it goes. I appreciate the care advice. I live in the Seattle area, so I think our temperature is similar. I have a friend that has a beautiful Meyer Lemon tree she puts out in the summer and puts in her garage in the winter. It produced so much fruit last year.
Carrie says
I bought a Meyer lemon tree at the farmer’s market in summer 2015. It finally gave me two lemons in the fall. I can’t seem to get the watering/fertilizing/humidity right. I did put the pot in a plastic tray with small pebbles and will put an inch of water in every week to help with the humidity but I still lose a lot of leaves while it’s inside over winter.
I kind of want to try a lime tree now.
I’m notorious for buying plants and forgetting to water them. Hubby is much better at regular plant maintenance and cares for the African violets, orchids and succulents we have.
Gretchen says
How big is the pot that you put them in? We have a couple of pots that I’d like to use (so I don’t have to buy new ones) but I’m worried they might be too small.
Mavis Butterfield says
I think the one I used was a 4 gallon pot. About 14″ wide if I remember correctly. I hope that helps.
Shelley says
I have a Meyer Lemon tree-3 years and haven’t gotten a single lemon. I have tons of beautiful smelling buds. We live in Texas and it is in a pot. Any advice?