The Climate to Grow a Gurney's Dwarf Lemon Tree

Temperatures

• Dwarf Meyer lemon trees can be planted directly in the soil in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 and 10. They can suffer significant damage if exposed to temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler, however. In freezing weather, these trees must be sheltered or potted and brought indoors. Overwintered lemon trees should be kept in a cool space to encourage dormancy.

Moisture

• The Meyer lemon is a water-loving variety that should receive deep irrigation on a weekly basis during the warm season. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist at all times without creating soggy conditions. Allow the soil to become dry to about 2 inches deep before rewatering. During the winter, these trees can receive less water. Potted lemon trees need water only when the upper layer of soil becomes dry, whether they are grown indoors or outside.

Light

• Citrus species are originally tropical in origin and require at least four hours of bright, direct sunlight per day to grow correctly. For ideal fruiting, the plants need even more light. Provide 8 to 12 hours daily to encourage healthy flower and fruit production. Low light levels will allow the plant to produce large numbers of glossy, dark green leaves, but will prevent flowering.

Considerations

• Dwarf varieties of the Meyer lemon, such as those sold by Gurney's, are well-suited to container planting. They can be grown indoors in a sunny room or on a patio even in climates where they would normally fare poorly. Gurney's dwarf lemon trees need average indoor humidity and should be placed where they can receive bright, indirect sunlight.