The Meyer lemon tree, a natural hybrid of a true lemon and a mandarin orange, is valued for its less acidic, slightly sweeter fruit. Propagation allows gardeners to create new plants from a parent tree. The two primary methods are vegetative cuttings and planting seeds. Cuttings result in a clone genetically identical to the parent, ensuring predictable fruit quality. Growing a Meyer lemon from seed, however, introduces genetic variation and may lead to a tree with different characteristics.
Propagation Using Stem Cuttings
Rooting a stem cutting is the most reliable way to create a new Meyer lemon tree that will bear fruit identical to the parent, producing an exact clone. The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the tree is actively growing. Select a healthy, three to six-inch segment of semi-hardwood from a branch free of fruit or flowers. Semi-hardwood is mature growth that is slightly flexible but not completely soft and green. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or shears to prevent disease.
Remove all foliage from the lower portion of the segment, leaving only two to four leaves at the tip for minimal photosynthesis. Make a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node to increase surface area. Dip the cut end into a commercial rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root development.
Place the prepared cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a 50% perlite and 50% peat moss or coconut coir blend. This mixture retains moisture while allowing excess water to escape, preventing rot. Use a pencil or finger to create a hole in the moist medium before inserting the cutting, ensuring the rooting hormone remains on the stem.
The cutting requires a warm, high-humidity environment to prevent the remaining leaves from drying out before roots form. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to trap moisture and maintain a consistent atmosphere. Keep the container in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight, as direct sun can cause overheating. Maintaining a soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit aids root formation.
Roots typically begin to develop within several weeks, though full establishment may take up to two months. New, sustained growth indicates the cutting has successfully rooted. At this point, the plant can begin the transition to a normal growing environment.
Propagation Using Seeds
Growing a Meyer lemon tree from seed is straightforward, but it carries a significant genetic caveat. Since the Meyer lemon is a hybrid, its seeds often contain a combination of genetic material from its parent plants. This means the resulting tree may not produce the expected fruit characteristics. Due to this genetic variation, the fruit may be smaller, more acidic, or have a different flavor profile than the parent.
Seeds should be extracted from a ripe fruit and planted immediately, as fresh seeds have a much higher germination rate. Gently clean the seeds to remove the gelatinous coating, which can inhibit germination or encourage mold growth. Planting the seeds while they are still moist from the fruit is highly effective.
Plant the cleaned seeds about a half-inch deep in a container filled with a standard, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Covering the pot with plastic wrap or a clear lid helps maintain the necessary warmth and humidity for germination.
Sprouts often appear within two to six weeks under ideal conditions. The main difference between seed and cutting propagation is the time required for maturity. A tree grown from a cutting may produce fruit within a few years, but a seed-grown tree can take six to eight years or longer to bear fruit.
Caring for Young Meyer Lemon Trees
Once a cutting has established a robust root system or a seedling has developed several sets of true leaves, the young plant is ready for the next stage of growth. The first step for rooted cuttings is “hardening off,” which acclimates the plant to lower ambient humidity and normal airflow.
Hardening Off
This involves gradually removing the humidity dome or plastic covering. Start with just a few hours a day and increase the duration over a one to two-week period.
Transplanting
When transplanting a rooted cutting or growing seedling, the new container should only be one size larger than the current one. This prevents the soil from holding too much moisture. Use a specialized citrus potting mix or a general-purpose blend amended with perlite or sand to ensure drainage, as Meyer lemons dislike excess moisture. The tree’s crown, where the roots meet the stem, should remain visible just above the soil line after repotting.
Light and Water
Young Meyer lemon trees thrive with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window provides the best light intensity. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Only water again when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Fertilization
The young tree requires regular feeding to support its development. Fertilization should begin in the spring and continue throughout the growing season, typically three times a year: spring, early summer, and late summer. Use a high-nitrogen or all-purpose fertilizer that includes micronutrients. Citrus plants are heavy feeders, especially when grown in containers with a limited soil volume.