🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Meyer lemons are primarily used for their edible fruit, which is sweeter and less acidic than other lemon varieties. The juice and zest are used in cooking and baking. The fruit can be preserved. The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators. The tree itself can be used as an ornamental plant and a windbreak in milder climates. It is grafted onto rootstock, which can affect cold hardiness and disease resistance.
Permapeople description
Meyer lemon (Citrus × meyeri) is a citrus fruit native to China. It is a hybrid of a lemon and a mandarin/pomelo hybrid. It was introduced to the United States in 1908 as S.P.I. #23028 by agricultural explorer Frank Nicholas Meyer, an employee of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Botanical description
Citrus x meyeri is a hybrid citrus fruit native to China. It is thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin or sweet orange. The tree is relatively small, typically reaching 6–10 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy. The flowers are white and fragrant. The fruit is round to oval, with a smooth, thin rind that is deep yellow-orange when ripe. The flesh is juicy and less acidic than other lemons, with a slightly sweet flavor. It is more cold-tolerant than true lemons, but still sensitive to frost. It produces fruit year-round, with a peak harvest in winter.
Companion planting
Meyer lemons benefit from companion planting with herbs like basil and rosemary, which can deter pests. Avoid planting near plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases, such as other citrus varieties that are not grafted onto virus-resistant rootstock. Also avoid planting them near brassicas.
Propagation methods
Meyer lemons are typically propagated by grafting onto suitable rootstock, such as 'Flying Dragon' or 'Trifoliate Orange', which can improve cold hardiness or dwarf the tree. Cuttings are difficult but possible, requiring specific conditions. Seed propagation is not recommended as the resulting plant will not be true to type, due to its hybrid nature.
History and traditions
The Meyer lemon was introduced to the United States in 1908 by Frank Meyer, an agricultural explorer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It quickly became popular in California, but its susceptibility to a citrus virus led to its decline. Virus-free cultivars were later developed and released, restoring the Meyer lemon to its popularity. In cooking it is commonly found in Asian and American dishes. It is valued for its zest, which is more floral and sweet compared to standard lemons.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs primarily in spring, but can occur year-round. Fruit ripens throughout the year, with a peak harvest in winter. Planting is best done in spring or fall in mild climates. Pruning can be done after harvest to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Fertilization is needed in Spring and Summer.