Perfect plant for refreshing, summertime fruit
What is it?
Here on the Prairies, winter hardy lemons are nothing but a pipe dream. Yet, there is one lemon variety that grows exceptionally well as a patio plant during the summer in our otherwise citrus-hostile climate.
It’s called Meyer lemon; a hybrid cross between a lemon and an orange with the result being a fruit that looks very similar to a smaller version of a standard grocery store lemon. The Meyer lemon skin also has a slight orange coloured blush and lacks the protrusion or ‘nipple’ that is a common feature on the bottom of conventional lemon fruit.
On the culinary side of things, Meyer is the one lemon that won’t make your mouth pucker. The flesh isn’t sour but refreshingly tart with a fair bit of sweetness thanks to its orange parentage.
Its history
Meyer lemon is native to China and was brought over to the U.S. in the early 1900s by Frank Meyer, an explorer with the Department of Agriculture. The lemons were primarily grown as potted plants in China and adapted rather seamlessly to the warmer climate zones in the United States.
However, the original Meyer lemons arrived in the U.S. with a dirty little secret. The plants were a symptomless carrier of a viral disease that was harmful to other citrus tree varieties. Fortunately, all of today’s Meyer lemons are called ‘Improved Meyer ’ which alludes to the fact that the virus has been successfully eliminated from the lemon plants that we can buy today.
Best features
OK, for a prairie guy like me, growing ripe, yellow, lemons on my deck is always a big thrill and is the Meyer’s best feature.
But the rich green, glossy foliage and deliciously fragrant white blossoms come in close second. And as an ornamental plant, the Meyer lemon holds its own as a feature p lant among trailing vines in a large, decorative pot.
Degree of difficulty
All citrus trees need long, sunny days to grow at their best, and protection from strong winds is always a good idea. But while the Meyer lemon enjoys sun and heat, it can tolerate temperatures down to about 4 C without a problem. However, if temperatures fall below freezing they are best covered with a light blanket during the freezing temperatures.
When frosty fall weather arrives, Meyer lemons must be moved indoors. And while cold protection is critical for keeping your lemon alive during winter, don’t forget the grow lights. A sunny living room certainly helps to keep the lemon in good shape but bathing them with a few T5 fluorescent lights is essential during the darkest winter months.
Potting soils must always be well-drained because lemons hate ‘ wet feet’ so choose only the highest quality, lightweight mixture for all of your citrus plants. Boggy, dense soil invariably leads to root rot and should never be used.
Because the Meyer lemon will be producing a fair bit of fruit during the summer, fertilize it twice monthly with an oilseed-based fertilizer like 10-4-3. During the winter, less fertilizer is necessary as plant growth and fruit production slows.
How perfect is it?
Meyer lemons look good, taste good and are great conversation starters. And if you’re growing one this year, may I suggest a slight modification to an old saying that might be appropriate?
“When life gives you lemons … just eat them … hey, they are Meyer lemons after all.”