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Improved Meyer Lemon Tree
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree citrus tree
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree indoor patio citrus tree
Improved Meyer Lemon Tree size comparison chart
Best sellerGrows in a pot, almost anywhere
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Fruit & Citrus

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

4.9/5 149 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 9-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.

Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.

Size: 4-5 ft
$150
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
  • Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growers, typically adding about 1 to 2 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and a width of 4 to 8 feet.

Sizing: Our fruit and citrus trees are primarily utilized as outdoor patio or indoor plants and are potted. Accordingly, we measure our fruit and citrus trees from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree for accuracy.
Botanical name
Citrus × meyeri
Hardiness
Zones 9-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant
USDA zone map for Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

4.9
out of 5 · 149 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Fruit you grow yourself

Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree citrus tree

Grows in a pot

Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Fragrant blooms

White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree

Healthy, well-rooted trees

Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.

Care made simple

If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.

Difficulty Easy
Sun
6–8 hrs direct

A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.

Feed
3 times a year

Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.

Cold
Inside below 32°F

Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.

  3. 3Month 3

    First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.

  4. 4Spring

    Fragrant white blooms.

  5. 5Harvest season

    Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.

Planting instructions
When planting the Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus × meyeri), choose a well-drained location that receives full sun exposure, preferably in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In colder climates, the tree can be grown in a container and brought indoors during winter. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, and position the tree so that the graft union remains above the soil surface. Backfill the hole with well-amended soil, ensuring that the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the nursery container. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 2 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Meyer Lemon Tree thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pruning, feeding & winter care

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning is needed for Meyer Lemon Tree. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open, well-ventilated canopy. Prune in late winter or early spring before active growth begins.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer three times a year—in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall—following package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of fruit. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Outside of USDA Zones 9–11, grow your Meyer Lemon Tree in a container and move it indoors to a bright, cool location before temperatures drop below freezing. In Zones 9–11, protect in-ground trees during frost by mulching around the base and covering with a frost blanket or burlap.

What does "Jumbo" mean?

Our 5-6 ft Jumbo Meyer Lemon Trees are grown in tall 10-gallon containers, our 6-7 ft Jumbo Meyer Lemon Trees are grown in tall 15-gallon containers and are more mature than regular sizes, with a larger root system, thicker trunk (caliper), fuller canopy, and greater overall maturity. Compared to standard options, Jumbo trees feel more established at planting time and have a more developed structure.

Regular sizes are grown in tall 5-gallon containers. These trees are healthy and well-rooted and can produce fruit during their fruiting season, but fruiting is generally more likely and more consistent with Jumbo sizes due to their increased maturity.

The difference between regular and Jumbo sizes is in container size, root development, trunk thickness, canopy fullness, and overall maturity. Jumbo Meyer Lemon Trees are a great choice if you’re looking for a more established tree with a higher likelihood of fruiting sooner.

Shipping:
Jumbo Meyer Lemon Trees are shipped in their nursery pots, with the rootball wrapped in a protective plastic liner and secured with a zip tie to keep soil contained

Regular sizes are shipped in their nursery pots, with the rootball wrapped in a protective plastic liner and secured with a zip tie to keep soil contained, the tree stable, and the box clean during shipping.

Shipping & what's inside

Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.

1-year guarantee

Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree get?
Improved Meyer Lemon trees typically grow 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide when planted in the ground. They can be kept smaller with pruning or when grown in containers.
How fast does the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree grow?
Improved Meyer Lemon has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant an Improved Meyer Lemon Tree?
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Choose a warm, sheltered location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and fruit production.
How far apart should I plant Improved Meyer Lemon Trees?
Space trees about 6–10 feet apart to allow for their mature size and proper airflow.
When does the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree produce fruit?
Improved Meyer Lemon trees can produce fruit multiple times per year, with peak harvest typically in late fall through early spring depending on climate.
What is the best climate for Improved Meyer Lemon Tree?
Improved Meyer Lemon thrives in USDA Zones 9–11. It prefers warm climates and does not tolerate prolonged freezing temperatures.
Is the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree self-pollinating?
Yes, the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree is self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit on its own without needing another tree.
Does the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree need pollinators to produce fruit?
No, Improved Meyer Lemon trees do not require pollinators to produce fruit, but pollinators like bees can help increase fruit production, especially when grown outdoors.
How do I protect my Improved Meyer Lemon Tree in winter?
Improved Meyer Lemon Trees are not cold hardy and must be protected from freezing temperatures. They can tolerate brief drops to around 28–30°F for a few hours, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures will cause damage or kill the tree. If you live outside of USDA Zones 9–11, your tree should be grown in a container and brought indoors before temperatures drop below freezing.
Can I grow my Meyer Lemon tree in a pot?
Yes. Meyer Lemon Trees can be grown in containers, and the ideal pot size depends on the tree size you select.
• 3–4 ft, 4–5 ft, and 5–6 ft (3-gallon nursery pot, ~11 inches wide and tall):
We recommend planting in an 18–24 inch wide and deep container. This gives citrus roots enough room to grow, helps maintain consistent moisture, and reduces the need to repot again too soon.
• 6–7 ft Jumbo (15-gallon nursery pot, ~17 inches wide and tall):
We recommend a container that is 24–26 inches wide and deep to support the larger root system and provide stability for the taller tree.

Important potting note:
Meyer Lemon Trees must be planted in containers with drainage holes. Citrus trees are sensitive to excess moisture and do best in a well-draining citrus soil mix. Proper pot sizing helps prevent overwatering, encourages healthy root development, and supports long-term container success.
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