How Tall Do Meyer Lemon Trees Grow

If you’re thinking about growing citrus but are worried about space, you’re probably asking: how tall do meyer lemon trees grow? The good news is that these popular trees are known for their compact and manageable size, making them perfect for pots and small gardens.

They are a favorite for a reason. Meyer lemons are sweeter than regular lemons and the tree itself is more cold-tolerant. Its smaller stature means you can enjoy homegrown fruit almost anywhere.

So, let’s get to the specific numbers. A standard Meyer lemon tree grown in the ground in ideal conditions will typically reach between 6 and 10 feet tall. With careful pruning, most home gardeners can easily keep them at the lower end of that range, around 6 to 8 feet.

When grown in a container, which is very common, their size is even more restricted. A potted Meyer lemon tree will usually stay between 4 and 6 feet tall. The pot physically limits the root growth, which naturally keeps the whole tree more compact. This controll is a major advantage for patios, balconies, and indoor growing with sufficient light.

What Factors Influence Their Height?

Several key elements determine whether your tree hits the 6-foot mark or stretches toward 10 feet. Understanding these lets you influence the outcome.

Rootstock: Most Meyer lemon trees you buy are grafted. The rootstock (the bottom part) controls vigor. Dwarfing rootstocks, like ‘Flying Dragon,’ will keep the tree notably smaller, often under 6 feet.
Container vs. Ground: As mentioned, planting in a pot is the most effective way to limit size. In-ground trees have unlimited room for roots to expand, supporting more top growth.
Pruning Practices: This is your primary tool for managing height and shape. Regular pruning prevents leggy growth and encourages a bushier, shorter form.
Sunlight: Trees grown in less than ideal light (less than 6 hours of direct sun) may become “leggy,” stretching awkwardly for the sun, which adds height without fullness.
Climate and Nutrition: Excellent growing conditions with perfect warmth and fertilizer can lead to more vigorous growth, potentially increasing height.

Pruning for Perfect Size and Health

Pruning isn’t just about height; it’s about creating a strong, productive structure. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before the main flush of growth. You can also do light pruning any time of year to remove problem branches.

Gather Your Tools: Use sharp, clean bypass pruners for small branches and loppers for thicker ones. Disinfect with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Remove the “Three D’s”: Start by cutting out any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut back to healthy tissue.
Open the Canopy: Look for branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Remove the weaker one. Also, cut out any branches growing straight up through the center (water sprouts) or straight down. This allows light and air to reach all parts of the tree.
Control Height: To reduce overall height, identify the tallest, most upright branches. Cut them back to an outward-facing bud or a lateral branch. This encourages growth to go sideways, not upwards.
Shape Gently: Step back occasionally to look at the tree’s overall shape. Aim for a balanced, open form. Avoid shearing it like a hedge; make selective cuts.

Remember, never remove more than one-third of the tree’s total foliage in a single year. Severe over-pruning can stress the tree and reduce fruiting.

Choosing and Caring for a Potted Meyer Lemon

Container growing is the ultimate method for size control. Here’s how to set your tree up for success.

Selecting the Right Container

Start with a pot that is 12-16 inches in diameter with excellent drainage holes. As the tree grows, you’ll need to repot it every 2-3 years into a container just 2-4 inches wider. A final pot size of about 20-24 inches is often sufficient for its entire life. Terra cotta is breathable but dries out fast; plastic retains moisture but is lighter.

Critical Care Steps

Soil: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix labeled for citrus or palms. Regular garden soil is too dense and will suffocate roots in a container.
Watering: This is where most potted citrus fail. Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Let water run out the bottom, then never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water. Overwatering leads to root rot.
Fertilizing: Container trees need regular feeding. Use a fertilizer formulated for citrus, following label instructions. Typically, you’ll feed every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through summer) and not at all in late fall and winter.
Sunlight: Your tree needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing spot is ideal. If growing indoors, a sunny, unobstructed south window is a must. You may need to supplement with a grow light during darker months.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, issues can arise. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting.

Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check your soil moisture. It can also indicate a nutrient deficiency, usually nitrogen or iron, which is fixed with an appropriate fertilizer.
Leaf Drop: Sudden changes in temperature, light, or watering can cause leaves to fall. Try to keep conditions consistent, especially when moving the tree between indoors and outdoors.
No Flowers or Fruit: This is usually due to insufficient light. More sun is the answer. Also, remember that trees need to be mature enough to bear fruit, often around 2-3 years old. Lack of pollination indoors can be helped by gently shaking the branches when flowers are open or using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen.
Pests: Watch for scale, spider mites, and aphids. Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to coat the undersides of leaves where pests hide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a dwarf Meyer lemon tree get?
True dwarf Meyer lemon trees, grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, are exceptionally compact. They typically stay between 4 and 6 feet tall, even when planted in the ground, and are even smaller in pots.

What is the typical Meyer lemon tree size in a pot?
As outlined above, a Meyer lemon in a container will generally reach a mature height of 4 to 6 feet. This makes them very versatile for small-space gardening.

Can I keep my Meyer lemon tree small?
Absolutely. By choosing a dwarf variety, planting it in a container, and practicing regular pruning, you can easily maintain your tree at a size that fits your space, even as small as 4 feet tall.

How fast do these trees grow?
Meyer lemon trees have a moderate growth rate. You can expect about 1 to 2 feet of new growth per year under good conditions. Growth slows as the tree matures and when it’s confined to a pot.

Do they need full sun?
Yes, for the best growth, flowering, and fruiting, a Meyer lemon tree requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They will not thrive in shade.

In conclusion, the Meyer lemon tree’s compact and manageable size is its superpower. Whether you aim for a 6-foot garden specimen or a 4-foot patio potted plant, you have the tools to influence its growth. With the right pot, proper pruning, and consistent care, you can successfully enjoy the charm and flavor of homegrown lemons, no matter the size of your growing space. The key is to start with a plan and understand that a little attentions goes a long way.