Growing Meyer Lemon Trees in Georgia: Container Culture Essentials

Meyer lemon trees are not winter-hardy where temperatures drop below 25°F—which includes north Fulton County and most of Georgia. The solution? Grow them in large containers that can be moved indoors during winter.

Indoor Winter Care

Even in the sunniest indoor spot, expect significant leaf drop. The tree will typically refoliate in spring once nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 60°F. Watch for fine webbing between leaves—spider mites are a common indoor pest and difficult to control once established.

Background & Fruit Characteristics

The Meyer lemon is a three-way hybrid (lemon × orange × mandarin) introduced from China in 1908 by USDA plant explorer Frank Meyer (who also discovered Meyer zoysiagrass). The fruit is less acidic than standard lemons, making excellent lemonade. Trees flower fragrantly and bear fruit at a young age.

Fruit starts green and ripens to yellow-orange after several weeks of 90°F+ summer temperatures.

Fertilization Schedule

• Outdoors: Feed every 6 weeks with general-purpose houseplant fertilizer
• Winter (indoors): Do not fertilize

See also: Meyer Lemon Tree Culture and Citrus Culture in the Landscape