Meyer Lemon Trees
Meyer lemons are quite famous among the foodies as well as the master chefs. Many people also prefer to grow Meyer lemon trees in their homes. These trees have been named after Frank Meyer, who brought them first to the United States in 1908 from China when he was working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The popularity of these trees increased almost exponentially until it was attacked by a virus that was discovered in them during the mid-1940s.
In view of the virus, Meyer lemon trees got banned in the U.S. so as to avert the virus from spreading to other varieties of lemon. As a result, another version of Meyer lemon tree was introduced in 1970. This was a virus-free version and it soon became the favorite among many home growers. The lemons are exceptionally succulent and sweet in this variety.
Meyer lemons have thin skin and cannot survive shipping in most cases. For this reason, commercial growers of lemon do not prefer to grow them in abundance. The popularity of these lemons in the South Texas region has made them known by the name of “Valley lemons” as well.
Meyer trees are quite compact and usually fit easily into the small spaces of home gardens and balconies. The Meyer lemons from the new version were larger and very juicy. Even when there is no fruit growing on it, Meyer lemon trees with their green leaves appear to be a great ornamental addition to your backyard.
Along with glossy and lush leaves, you can witness little white flowers that bear a nice fragrance on these trees during the winter. This is why Meyer lemons are known to be a good indoor houseplant. Also, you need not bother much about the growing conditions of Meyers as they do not need immense heat for the fruit to ripen. According to the kind of care and pruning that the trees receive, they usually extend up to the height of 8 feet and are usually around 10 feet wide.
Meyer lemons in the improved version of trees arise in big clusters of around 6 lemons after the bloom. Or you may even have smaller groups of 2 to 3 lemons forming a cluster. Meyer lemons bear a sweet taste and are extensively used in cooking. They are less tart as compared to the “Lisbon” or “Eureka” types and do not contain many thorns. As the fruit of Meyer tree matures, their color changes from green into yellow and finally into light orange when the fruit has fully ripened.
Hence, there are many reasons that make Meyer lemon trees an appreciable addition to almost all kinds of environments. If there is room in your backyard, you can get a Meyer tree too and reap its benefits for years to come.