Dwarf Meyer Lemon

Citrus × meyeri 'Improved'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 9-11 outdoors, thrives as a container plant in colder climates when brought inside for winter
Self-pollinating tree produces sweet, thin-skinned lemons with less acidity than grocery store varieties
Fragrant white blooms appear multiple times per year, filling your home or patio with intoxicating citrus scent
Compact dwarf size reaches 6-10 feet in ground or stays 4-6 feet in containers for easy harvesting

$162⁶⁷

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production. South-facing windows work for indoor growing, though supplemental grow lights help during winter months. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and poor fruiting.

Soil: Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. For containers, use a quality citrus potting mix or blend regular potting soil with perlite and peat moss. In-ground plantings in zones 9-11 benefit from raised beds if your native soil is heavy clay.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days depending on conditions. Container-grown trees dry out faster and may need water twice weekly in summer. Consistent moisture is key during flowering and fruit set, but soggy roots cause root rot and leaf drop.

Pruning Tips

Prune in early spring before new growth begins to shape your tree and remove any dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches. Meyer lemons fruit on new growth, so light pruning encourages more productive branches. Pinch back leggy shoots anytime to maintain a compact, bushy form, especially important for container plants.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Look for formulas containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese that citrus trees crave. Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows, and never fertilize a stressed or newly transplanted tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

The Dwarf Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri 'Improved') brings the dream of homegrown citrus within reach, even if you live far from lemon groves. This compact hybrid, sometimes called Improved Meyer Lemon or Improved Dwarf Meyer Lemon, produces sweeter, less acidic fruit than standard supermarket lemons, with a flavor that hints at its mandarin orange ancestry.

Year-Round Beauty and Bounty

Meyer lemons don't follow the typical one-and-done fruiting schedule. In ideal conditions, these trees bloom multiple times throughout the year, meaning you can have fragrant flowers and ripening fruit on the same plant simultaneously. The waxy white blossoms carry an intoxicating citrus perfume that fills a room or patio, and each flower has the potential to become a golden-orange lemon ready for harvest in 6-9 months.

The glossy, deep green foliage stays evergreen year-round, providing ornamental value even between harvests. New growth emerges with a purple-bronze tint before maturing to green, adding subtle color interest to this already productive plant.

Perfect for Container Growing

The 'Improved' cultivar was specifically selected for its compact habit and disease resistance, making it the ideal choice for container culture. Kept in a suitable pot, your Meyer lemon stays manageable at 4-6 feet tall, easy to move indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F. Gardeners in zones 9-11 can plant directly in the ground where trees reach 6-10 feet at maturity.

This versatility means citrus lovers in Minnesota can harvest the same sweet lemons as those in California, as long as you provide a sunny indoor spot for winter. Many growers keep their Meyer lemon on a wheeled plant caddy for easy seasonal transitions between patio and sunroom.

A Culinary Favorite

Chefs prize Meyer lemons for their thin, edible skin and juice that balances sweetness with bright acidity. The fruit works beautifully in everything from lemon curd and cocktails to roasted chicken and salad dressings. Because you control how your tree is grown, you can harvest fruit at peak ripeness and use the zest knowing exactly what went into producing it.

One mature tree produces dozens of lemons per year, more than enough for a household that appreciates fresh citrus.

Why 'Improved' Matters

The original Meyer lemon, introduced from China in 1908, carried a devastating virus that threatened commercial citrus orchards. The 'Improved' variety released in the 1970s is certified virus-free and safe to grow near other citrus. This is the variety reputable nurseries sell today, and the one you want in your collection.

Botanical Name

Citrus × meyeri 'Improved'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

x meyeri
Cultivar

Improved
Growing Zones

9-11
Height

6-10
Width

4-6 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, LA, MT, NV, TX

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Growing Zones 9-11

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow a Meyer Lemon indoors year-round?

Yes, with enough light. Place your tree near a south-facing window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun, or supplement with a full-spectrum grow light. Indoor trees benefit from added humidity, especially during winter when heating systems dry the air.

How long until my Meyer Lemon produces fruit?

Trees from Nature Hills are already well-established and can produce fruit within 1-2 years of planting. Fruit takes 6-9 months to ripen after flowers are pollinated, so patience pays off with sweeter lemons.

Do I need two Meyer Lemon trees to get fruit?

No, Meyer lemons are self-pollinating. A single tree will produce fruit on its own. For indoor trees, gently shake branches or use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers and improve fruit set.

Why are the leaves on my Meyer Lemon turning yellow?

Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture before watering, ensure your pot has drainage holes, and feed regularly with citrus fertilizer. Cold drafts and sudden temperature changes can also cause leaf drop.

When should I bring my Meyer Lemon indoors for winter?

Move your tree inside when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. Acclimate it gradually by bringing it in at night for a week before the permanent move. Place in your brightest location and reduce watering frequency since growth slows in winter.

Dwarf Meyer Lemon