IMPROVED MEYER LEMON
Product Description:
Citrus trees will ship in March based on your location, weather permitting Our citrus trees are 1-2 years old, well-rooted in 5” x 5” x 12” air-pruning tree pots. Their overall heights range from 18 inches to 36 inches tall with nice branching. Not available to AK, AL, AZ, FL, HI, TX, US Territories, or Canada.
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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| Plant height | 3–6' or taller when planted directly in the ground |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 |
| Bearing Age | 1–2 years |
| Ripening Time | Year-round |
| Pollinator Required | No |
Our citrus trees are 1-2 years old, well-developed and branched with large, healthy root systems. At this stage of development, they are mature enough to bloom and produce fruit. We have selected these special varieties for their vigor, beauty, productivity, and practical utility. Grow in full sun outdoors during warm months. In areas with cold winters, bring indoors and locate in a south facing, sunny window during frosty months. All of our citrus varieties are well suited for cultivation indoors as houseplants. Plants are shipped in 5” x 5” x 12” tree pots.
Initial Instructions
Unpack your tree immediately and allow a few days for it to gradually acclimate it to full exposure. Situate the plant indoors in a location that gets just an hour or two of direct sunlight per day and bright, indirect sunlight throughout the rest of the day. After about a week, you can move your tree outdoors while increasing its exposure to sun. Its final location should be where it receives about 8 hours of direct sun daily. Consider transplanting your tree into an 8-10” pot for the first growing season.
Please note: it is not unusual for citrus trees to drop some leaves during a transition to a new location or growing conditions. The best advice is don’t panic! Gradual adjustments will allow the plant to get used to its new environment gently. Avoid extreme changes in temperature, watering and light, and you’ll be on your way to having a healthy, happy citrus tree.
Cultivation
In regions with mild winters, you can plant your tree directly in the ground. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun.
For regions with cold winters (zones 8 and colder), keep your plant in a container to allow you to move it indoors for the winter.
Water thoroughly when the surface soil is dry — test soil moisture with your finger or soil moisture meter. We recommend allowing the roots to go about 50% dry between waterings. Do not over water (water too frequently or allow the plants to stand in water)! Irrigation frequency will depend on the soil, tree size, time of year, and environmental conditions. Be consistent, allow the soil to attain the same degree of dryness prior to watering. Water deeply and allow any excess to run off.
Feed with a citrus fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the package directions for application rates.
Citrus trees should be happy outdoors until the temperatures drop to 40°F. Bring the plant indoors when the weather cools, and place them in a sunny window away from drafts.
Increase the container size as the tree grows and requires more space. Use regular potting soil. The plant will let you know with thick roots coming out of the drainage holes or when it’s difficult to keep watered properly. The final pot size should be proportionate to the plant and range from 7 gallons to a half barrel.
Pruning
Citrus plants tolerate pruning well. Prune to maintain the tree’s shape or to encourage branching. The best time to prune is during the growing season in spring and summer.
Size at Maturity
3-6 feet tall when container grown or 6-15 feet tall in the ground. However, trees can be pruned to any shape or height.
Pollination
Our citrus is self-fertile, but will require hand-pollination when it is indoors. Hand pollinate by moving pollen from flower to flower with a small, soft paintbrush or cotton swab.
Pests & Diseases
Outdoors citrus is not bothered by pests or diseases; indoors watch for mites, aphids and scale. Treat with Pyrethrin or a Neem-based product. Applications of Insecticidal Soap will also help control insects and can be used as a preventative maintenance program.
Soil Type
Well drained, acidic.
Light Requirements
Full sun to part shade, or a sunny window indoors.
Bloom Time
Year-round with heaviest blooms in winter.
Yield
Several dozen fruit per year depending on size of the plant and growing conditions.