Meyer Lemon Improved Trees and Their Maintenance
Many Americans are already aware of the Meyer lemons. They love them in their gardens for their fragrance, looks, and of course for the great fruit that they bear. I am sure many of you must have also heard about the Meyer lemon improved. But have you every wondered what this addition of the word “improved” means?
I’ll explain this to you. Meyer lemons, which are actually native to China, were brought to the U.S. back in 1908 by a man named Frank Meyer. However, the popularity of these lemons soared even at that time but their propagation was soon stopped by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in 1976. The reason for this interruption in the promotion of Meyer lemon trees was due to the fact that they carried tatter and tristeza leaf viruses.
Hence, a virus-free version of Meyer trees was found by famed Don Dillion of the California company Four Winds Growers in 1950. In 1975, this new virus-free version of Meyer lemon trees was ultimately released by the University of California. This is the new version that is now known as Meyer lemon improved. So, now you know the relevance of the word “improved”.
At present, when any citrus farm or nursery propagates these Meyer trees, they make use of grafting techniques and budwood so as to ensure virus-free and improved Meyer lemon trees.
This improved variety of Meyer lemons have fruits with thin skin that are less tart as compared to other varieties of lemon. Though the growth of fruits would definitely be more during the winter months but at least a small quantity of fruits would surely adorn your garden throughout most of the year.
Meyer lemon improved trees are almost thornless and are thereby preferred as a great indoor plant by many Americans. Not to forget, the climate in most U.S. counties is very favorable for the propagation of Meyer lemon improved as they do not require much sunlight to ripen their fruits. Meyer trees do not require much moisture either, so plan your watering schedule accordingly. Water again only when you feel the top soil turning very dry. Over watering often becomes the cause of death of many lemon trees. So you need to be very careful about this.
It pays to fertilize during the spring months when the growth has first started rather than during the winter as you might do otherwise. In cases where you want to prune your Meyer tree, do not cut the lower branches as they are the ones that bear most fruits, though you may want to prune back some of the top branches. Hence, following these points would help you maintain Meyer lemon improved variety in your backyard or indoors without much hassle.