With its dry and woody flavors, gin can be an acquired taste for many, but using Meyer lemons in place of regular in this classic cocktail gives it a sweeter and less acidic taste.  It makes for a bright and refreshing drink that perfectly balances the botanical tastes of the gin.  Think of it as a boozy, fizzy lemonade!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. gin
• 2 oz. freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 c. club soda, to taste
• Sprig of rosemary or thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin to the shaker.  Cover with lid and shake well.
3. Pour mixture into two glasses over ice.
4. Top off the glasses with club soda to taste and garnish, if desired.

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Nothing compares to a crisp, refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade on ice.  This recipe has two twists for an elevated take on classic lemonade – using Meyer lemons with their sweet, floral qualities, and garnishing with rosemary sprigs for a peppery note.  Easy and elegant!

You can use storebought simple syrup for an even quicker prep time, but if you don’t have it on hand, we’ve included an easy homemade simple syrup recipe you can make in bulk and store. 

After you squeeze the lemons, save the rinds.  Citrus fruits contain oil in their rinds that have an incredible flavor. Squeezing the lemons brings the oil to the surface of the rind, so tossing them into the mixture will add an extra bright flavor to the lemonade.

Keep in mind that rosemary has a very strong flavor and can quickly overpower a recipe.  Less is more with this recipe, as you want to complement the flavor of the Meyer lemons, not smother it.

Ingredients:

• ½ c. fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 1 c. simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 4 c. water
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and water to a large pitcher.  Stir to combine. 
2. Add squeezed lemon rinds and give a final stir.
3. Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately by pouring over ice.  Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary.

Simple Syrup Recipe

This recipe yields about 3 cups of simple syrup and will keep for months if a sterile jar is used for storing.  Try adding different flavors like lavender or mint during the simmering process to make your own flavor-infused syrups!

Ingredients:

• 2 c. water
• 2 c. sugar

Instructions:

1. Add water and sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over low heat.
2. Simmer for 15-20 seconds, then remove from heat.
3. Allow to cool, then transfer to a sterile glass jar.  Store in refrigerator.

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Any deck, balcony, or patio, big or small, can be transformed by a potted tree. A tree planted in a container can act as a focal point for your patio or garden, while multiple container trees can provide privacy screening or turn a hot, exposed area into a leafy bower. A potted tree can make a statement no annuals could ever match. And when you choose to keep a Meyer Lemon Tree in a pot on your patio, you get the added benefit of deep-green color year-round (citrus trees are evergreen), fragrant white flowers in the springtime, and – best of all – delicious, gourmet fruit grown right in your own backyard. A hybrid of a true lemon and a mandarin orange, Meyer Lemons are smaller than their conventional cousins, sweeter, and much coveted in recipes of all kinds from sweet to savory. They can also be used in any recipe that calls for lemons, and you’ll love using your own homegrown fruits instead of having to make a grocery store run!

If you’re already moving on because you believe you don’t live in a climate conducive to growing a lemon tree, hang on – the improved Meyer Lemon is the hardiest of lemon trees, and trees kept in pots can be brought indoors to overwinter when the weather turns cold.

When it comes to lemon tree care, Meyer Lemon trees are easier to look after than other citrus plants. This doesn’t mean you can just stick your tree in a pot and give it some water now and then and expect it to thrive. But with the right information and a little effort, your potted Meyer Lemon Tree can brighten your patio and kitchen for years to come.

Care Tips for Potted Meyer Lemon Trees

Meyer lemon trees can be planted in the ground in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11 (the southern coastal regions and deep southern half of the United States), where its maximum height (about ten feet tall) makes it ideal for smaller gardens. Even in tropical climates, however, your Meyer Lemon Tree will need help when the thermometer dips below freezing, but since Meyer Lemons love temperatures between 50°F and 80°F, most will do quite well in colder growing zones if they’re kept in containers that can be overwintered.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to keep your Meyer Lemon Tree healthy:

• Choose a sunny location for your Meyer Lemon Tree. This is the most important thing to remember: full sun exposure, at least eight hours a day. (This is true in the winter, as well, so keep that in mind when planning on getting a Meyer Lemon to keep in a pot.) Not enough sun means little to no fruit.

• Pick the right pot and soil for your Meyer Lemon Tree. The pot you keep your Meyer Lemon Tree in should be at least 12″-17″ in diameter and have plenty of drainage holes. The soil should be sandy and well-draining.

• Don’t overwater your Meyer Lemon Tree. Depending on the season and the local climate, you should only need to water your Meyer Lemon once every one or two weeks. Newly repotted trees might need a bit more during the first few weeks after, but stick your finger up to the second knuckle to make sure the soil feels dry before you do it…overwatering your lemon tree lead to waterlogging the soil and causing infection in the roots.

• Fertilize your Meyer Lemon Tree regularly. To ensure your citrus tree grows well, stays healthy, and puts out lots of blossoms and fruit, fertilize three times during the growing season – once in early spring, once during the summer, and once in the fall. There are high-nitrogen or slow-release fertilizers formulated specifically for citrus trees that are suitable.

• Prune your Meyer Lemon Tree with caution. A citrus tree’s shape doesn’t impact its ability to bear fruit, so you shouldn’t need to prune your Meyer Lemon unless you want to shape it. If you do choose to prune, wait until the tree is at least three feet tall and do it in the wintertime, after the fruit has ripened and been harvested. Work up from the base, removing dead, dying, or fragile limbs, limbs that limit the flow of air to the center of the tree, and work from there to shape the tree the way you like.

Troubleshooting

When you buy Lemon Trees from Yarden you know you’re starting with a strong, healthy tree, and Meyer Lemons are relatively easy-care and especially resistant to disease. There are some common issues you may run into that will need to be addressed, however…here’s what to look for:

• Yellowing leaves. This is a fairly easy fix – if you see some of the leaves on your Meyer Lemon Tree are turning yellow, you are very likely overwatering the tree. Let the soil dry out completely before watering it again, and keep your watering schedule to once every one or two weeks going forward.

• Drooping leaves. Leaf droop (the abnormal sagging or downward bending of a plant’s foliage) is usually a sign of sudden stress. A change in environment could be the culprit…if you’ve recently moved your tree outdoors for the summer, watch to be sure the sudden light exposure doesn’t scorch the leaves. If you’ve moved your tree indoors for the winter, be sure the temperature is over 50°F and the tree is getting enough sunlight. Check for overwatering, underwatering, and be sure to fertilize your tree regularly so it gets the nutrients it needs.

• Leaf damage. Meyer Lemon Trees are typical targets for a variety of pests, including whiteflies, rust mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. While established adult trees usually can withstand an infestation or two, smaller, more vulnerable trees can be decimated by any one of these issues. Signs of pest issues will typically appear on the undersides of leaves or on the fruit…to control and eliminate pests issues, prune away any dead, unhealthy, or infected areas of the plant, then spray it with diluted neem oil regularly until all signs of the infestation have vanished.

The post Tips on Caring for a Meyer Lemon Tree  appeared first on Yarden.

Ingredients:

¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. lime juice

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

¾ lb. spaghetti

4 Tbsp. butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

¼ c. low-sodium chicken broth

¼ c. white wine

¼ c. freshly chopped cilantro

Lime slices, for garnish

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and cumin. Add shrimp and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours.
• In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque (about 2 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet. When melted, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add chicken broth and white wine; bring mixture to a simmer.
• Add cooked pasta and return shrimp to skillet. Toss all ingredients together until evenly coated in sauce. Serve warm with cilantro and lime slices.

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Cultivars

There are a few cultivars to choose from if you are a lemon enthusiast who wants to have your own lemon and lime tree at home. You can choose from a standard-sized lemon lime tree which you can grow in your backyard, or get a small, dwarf lemon lime tree hybrid which you can grow on your patio or indoors if you either have limited space, or live in an area that experiences harsh winters.

• Eureka lemon trees – if you have limited space to grow lemon lime trees, one great option is the Eureka lemon tree. It can grow up to 15-feet tall, but can be kept at a smaller height by pruning. It is a small, virtually thornless tree that is drought tolerant and cold hardy and best grown directly in ground under direct sunlight in USDA growing zones 8 to 11. However, if you consistently experience winter temperatures below 32°F, it is highly advisable that you plant the eureka lemon tree in a pot and move it indoors during the cold season.

If you want a smaller tree that would not require a lot of space and can be taken indoors, the dwarf eureka lemon tree is a good choice. The dwarf eureka lemon tree’s size is just 10 to 15 feet when planted directly in the ground. However, they tend to be just around 3 to 5 feet when planted in a pot.

Eureka lemon tree care includes a consistent and proper watering technique, pruning diseased and spindly branches, fertilization, and cold protection. Pruning is important because diseased or weak branches and suckers only rob the rest of the tree of valuable nutrients. Watering, fertilization, and cold protection all serve to help the tree become and remain healthy and fruit-bearing for years. 

• Ponderosa Lemon Tree – if you like bright-yellow lemons with tons of juice that are high in acid, then get the Ponderosa Lemon tree to brighten up your day. This citrus tree is a chance seedling from a hybrid of citron and pomelo and is slow-growing. It has long, glossy leaves that are wonderful to look at, especially when the tree is covered in blooms and fruit. Keep in mind though, that this tree is especially thorny, so if you have kids at home it is best to keep an eye out for them.
• Pink Variegated Lemon Tree – the variegated lemon tree is a bud sport that grew on a regular Eureka lemon tree and was discovered in 1931 at a garden in Burbank, California. It is an ornate tree with glossy, green and cream-colored leaves, and sweet-scented white blooms that are in season in spring or fall. The blooms then turn into low-seeded, pink-fleshed lemons with tangy-tart flavors that turn sweeter as they age.

Pink variegated lemon patio trees are great to grace pathways and patios, as they are pretty to look, at and emit a delightful scent that everyone will surely enjoy. Moreover, this tree can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall, but smaller if planted in a container. Meyer Improved Dwarf Lemon Tree – if you are looking for a dwarf lemon tree for sale, one other great option is the Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon tree that is a relatively small tree – even when planted directly into the ground it will only grow to up to 6 to 10 feet in height and smaller when planted in a pot. This type of lemon tree is shrub-like and boasts white blooms that emit a citrus smell tinged with jasmine. What makes this tree fun to grow is that it can be grown outdoors or indoors, does not take up a lot of space, and is ornamental because of its evergreen foliage, persistent blooms, and bright yellow fruit.

The post What lemon tree is the best? appeared first on Yarden.

Origin

Meyer lemon trees are originally from China and first reached the United States in 1908. Because they are naturally shrub-like the dwarf Meyer lemon tree became popular after initial introduction. However, due to this cultivar’s susceptibility to disease, the United States government quickly banned their propagation.

Soon after, most Meyer lemon trees, including the dwarf Meyer lemon tree, were destroyed as they were determined to be a symptomless carrier of the tristeza virus. This virus is fatal to all citrus trees. The solution was the Improved Meyer Lemon Tree, deemed to be free of any virus strain.

Meyer Lemon Tree

The Meyer lemon trees for sale you can buy from nurseries are usually grafted onto rootstocks and can start producing fruits in two years, unlike seed-grown trees which can only start bearing fruits about 4 to 7 years after planting.  

The dwarf Meyer lemon tree can grow up to 8 to 10 feet in height and 12 feet wide when planted in the ground but tend to be smaller when planted in a container. They are cold hardy and can be planted in cold areas. During winter season you can just take your tree indoors and enjoy the fragrant scent the leaves, flowers and fruits provide.

Planting a Meyer Lemon Tree

There are a few things you have to consider when buying a Meyer lemon tree for sale.

• Soil – Meyer Lemon trees can grow in different soil conditions but do better in loamy or sandy loam type of soil. Be sure though that it does not sit in water and that the container you will use has good drainage to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.
• Water – Proper watering is a major factor in growing your citrus tree. Watering too much or too little will be detrimental to the growth of the Meyer Lemon Tree. You can either use an inexpensive water meter to determine the amount of moisture at the root level, or use an old-fashioned technique, which is to stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If your fingertip gets damp wait to water, however if it feels dry then water the plant until water runs out of the holes at the bottom of the pot.
• Fertilizer – you need to fertilize your Meyer Lemon tree on a regular basis during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and provides a balanced nutrition to promote growth and correct mineral deficiencies in the soil.
• Pruning – Prune decaying or dead branches to ensure proper ventilation and to allow light to penetrate the tree’s canopy. Doing so also helps in structuring the tree for it to fit in your space. Remove long spindly stems as they develop since they most typically will not produce fruits. Doing this will allow the side branches to fill out and develop properly to hold the fruit. 

The post How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree in a Pot appeared first on Yarden.

Match Citrus Tree Size To Location

The first thing to determine is where your new citrus tree will be planted. The time and attention you spend to match your tree to the available space will reward you with a happy, healthy tree, and easy management as your citrus tree grows. Dwarf citrus trees are the smallest, and reach a size of 10 to 12 feet tall, and 9 to 11 feet wide. Standard trees are larger, and attain dimensions up to 25 feet high, and 18 feet wide. Choose a tree that will fit the space you have without constant pruning. Also consider how a full-grown citrus tree will affect other plants or structures nearby. Carefully view your location, and visualize the mature tree there. Be sure to allow it room to grow.

Choose The Best Citrus Tree For Your Climate

Most citrus trees are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 9 to 11. But some citrus varieties are more sensitive to cold than others. For example, the least cold hardy of all citrus trees is the Mexican lime. The Mexican lime tree will only tolerate temperatures down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. On the opposite end of the cold hardy spectrum is the kumquat. Kumquat trees are hardy down to a frigid 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and are suitable to USDA Zone 8, if the location is sheltered from wind. Always select a citrus tree with a USDA plant hardiness zone to match your location.

Where You Buy Your Citrus Tree Matters

When you buy your new orange tree, lemon tree, or key lime tree from a reputable and experienced grower, you can be confident that you are introducing a healthy tree into your yard. A properly nurtured citrus tree that is free of pests or diseases will grow into a beautiful specimen. A citrus tree that has been cultivated properly, raised correctly, then shipped carefully provides the foundation for your successful citrus growing journey.

So match the right tree size to your location. Choose a citrus variety that will thrive in your climate. Then purchase your citrus tree from a reputable, experienced grower. Follow these three simple guidelines, and you will be rewarded with delicious fruit to enjoy and share for years to come.

The post How To Choose The Perfect Citrus Tree For Your Location appeared first on Yarden.

Choosing a strong, well-grown tree from a reputable citrus tree nursery will start your growing experience off on the right foot. Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and where the citrus tree you choose thrives compared to your area, will let you know if your new citrus tree can be planted in the ground, or grown in a pot to overwinter indoors. But these steps are only the beginning if you want to learn how to grow a lemon tree or other citrus at home. This article explores some of the most important aspects to help you successfully grow citrus in your garden.

How to Plant a Citrus Tree

Before you start digging be sure that your tree’s new location provides plenty of room for your orange or lime tree to grow. Know the mature height and width of the variety of citrus you are planting, and allow enough space for the new tree to grow without impeding walkways or structures. Be mindful of power lines and other plants as well.

Once you have selected the perfect location to grow a citrus tree in your yard, dig away any grass or ground cover to prepare a circle at least four feet across. The hole you dig should be one foot wider than your citrus tree root ball all the way around. Be sure to plant your citrus tree so that the surface of the root ball is at the same level as the ground once you have backfilled the hole around the planted tree. Do not over bury the tree, because the surface roots must be able to breathe.

You can add organic matter such as peat, grass clippings, or mulched leaves to the soil as you fill the hole, but avoid harsh fertilizers when planting a new citrus tree.

Establishing Citrus Trees Once Planted

Mulching

As gardeners we have learned there is no such thing as too much mulch. Citrus trees are the exception to this rule. You can use mulch three inches deep or less around the perimeter of a citrus tree growing in your yard. However, be sure the citrus tree trunk and immediate base (at least one foot from trunk) is free from mulch at all times. Never stack mulch around your citrus tree trunk. Also, be sure the soil surface is free of weeds, seedlings, grass, or creeping groundcover. A good rule of thumb is to allow no grass or other plants to grow under a citrus tree from the trunk, out to the drip edge of the furthest limb.

Watering

Once you have planted your new citrus tree, water it thoroughly two to three times the first week, then one to two times each week for the next three weeks depending on rainfall and soil conditions. After the initial three weeks of watering in this way, you can then water your citrus tree deeply whenever the soil becomes dry to about two inches below the surface. Build a circular berm of topsoil around your tree that is about six inches high and three feet from the tree base. You can then fill the water ring each time you water.

Your tree’s water basin will erode in time, but by then the tree will be established so you will not have to rebuild it. At this point you can use a soaker hose to water your citrus tree periodically. Watering frequency can be as often as once per week, or up to once a month, depending on rainfall and ground moisture.

Nutrition

Do not fertilize your new citrus tree at planting time. Once the tree begins to put on new growth, fertilize once a month from February through October. Find and use a fertilizer formulated specifically for citrus to be sure you are giving your tree the proper nutrients. Scatter the recommended amount around the tree at least one foot from the trunk, and promptly water the fertilizer in. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup of fertilizer per fertilizing month for each year the tree has been in the ground. Always refer to the fertilizer manufacturer’s directions for exact amounts, because various brands may have unique concentrations and recommendations.

Growing Citrus Trees In Colder Climates

In climate zones where weather conditions commonly drop below freezing, growing citrus trees in containers is a great option. Standard nursery pots are excellent for growing citrus, because they are sturdy, and have adequate drainage. But any decorative or sturdy improvised container can be used, as long as the pot has holes for drainage in the bottom.

When selecting a pot to grow your citrus tree in, remember that you will be moving it to shelter when cold weather strikes. Therefore the weight of the pot is a consideration. Plastic pots are far lighter than clay or concrete containers.

Newly purchased citrus trees with a vigorous root system will normally be in a 6 to 8 inch pot upon arrival. Your initial potting should use a 12 inch container for a 6 inch potted tree, and a 16 inch container for an 8 inch potted tree. Although your citrus tree may grow to require a pot as large as 20 inches, gradually pot your tree up to this size, rather than skipping to it in the beginning. Too much extra soil can cause drainage issues and encourage weaker root development.

The Best Soil For Growing Citrus In A Pot

The soil you use when planting a new citrus tree in a pot is a critical component to your tree’s success. Cover the bottom of your new container with one to two inches of small gravel for drainage.

Most pre-bagged potting soils are too high in sphagnum peat to achieve the best results when growing citrus. You can easily remedy this by purchasing a potting soil product that already contains perlite and adding 1/3 volume of redwood or cedar shavings to the mix and blending well. Do not use pine or spruce shavings. Cedar shavings are readily available in the pet section of most pet supply stores. Once you have created your mix, partially fill your container with the citrus tree potting blend and you are ready to inspect the new tree’s root system.

Container grown citrus trees will often be a bit root bound. This is normal and easily corrected at re-potting with some careful pruning of any larger, or badly twisted roots. Then loosen the rest of the outer roots for better root growth in the tree’s new container. Place your citrus tree in the partially filled pot so the surface of your new citrus tree is at least one or two inches below the container rim. This will allow for aeration of surface roots and give you space for watering. Finish filling the container and lightly firm up the potting soil surrounding the root ball. Do not cover the root ball surface with soil and don’t fertilize at this time. Water your newly potted citrus tree thoroughly.

Sunlight

It is best to plant your container grown citrus tree in the warmer time of year so you can give it as much outdoor sun as possible. Once the weather cools and frost threatens, you can move your citrus tree indoors. When you do, be sure to put it in a location that gets the most direct sunlight possible. When you have passed the threats of freezing temperatures, put your tree outside in a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. When transitioning your citrus tree from indoors to out, it is a good idea to give your tree a few days in a bright but partially shaded spot to acclimate it to the brighter light, such as under a shade tree. Once your tree is acclimated to the outdoor light, the more sun the better. Anything above eight hours of sun per day is ideal.

Temperature

Citrus trees cannot tolerate extended freezing temperatures. With any type of container grown plant, the roots are much more exposed to cold than those grown in the ground. Take care when moving your container grown citrus tree indoors. Do not locate them near heaters, fireplaces, stoves, or heating vents. Move your potted citrus trees indoors when low temperatures dip into the upper forties Fahrenheit or below.

Whether you are growing Honeybell oranges in your back yard, a blood orange tree in your garden, or a Meyer lemon tree in a pot so you can overwinter it indoors, growing citrus is rewarding and fun. Follow the steps and tips in this article and you will be thrilled when the first blooms turn into gorgeous citrus fruit. A properly cared for citrus tree can provide your home with years of nutrition and enjoyment. Give your citrus trees what they need, and they will give you those delicious citrus fruits you love.

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