Do Meyer Lemon Trees Bear Fruit Year-Round? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re anything like me, the idea of stepping out into your garden and plucking a ripe, juicy lemon straight from the tree—no matter the season—sounds like a dream come true. There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food, and citrus trees, especially Meyer lemons, bring a touch of sunshine and flavor that feels downright magical. I remember the first time I saw a Meyer lemon tree in full fruit, its deep yellow globes glowing against dark green leaves—it stopped me in my tracks. I had to have one.

But here’s the catch: can these trees actually produce lemons all year long? Is it really possible to have a steady supply of fresh lemons for your tea, cooking, and zesty desserts no matter what month it is? Or are we romanticizing something that’s more seasonal than we’d like to believe?

In this article, we’ll peel back the layers on Meyer lemon trees—how they grow, when they fruit, and what you can do to maximize their harvest. Whether you’re a new gardener or a citrus-obsessed plant parent like me, you’ll walk away with a clear idea of what to expect and how to care for your tree so it gives back generously. Let’s explore the possibility of year-round lemon production.

My Love Affair with Meyer Lemons

I first discovered Meyer lemons during a visit to a friend’s garden. She handed me a bright yellow fruit, smaller and more golden than the typical supermarket lemon, with a fragrance that was almost floral. One taste of its sweet-tart juice, and I was hooked. It was like someone had taken the sharpness of a lemon and mellowed it with the sweetness of a mandarin. I knew then that I had to have a Meyer lemon tree of my own.

The thought of having my own endless supply of these delicious fruits made me rush to the nearest nursery. But before I could dive headfirst into the world of citrus, I needed answers: Would my Meyer lemon tree actually bear fruit year-round, or was I setting myself up for seasonal heartbreak?

Check out: Where Lemon Trees Grow Best in the US

Understanding the Meyer Lemon Tree

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of fruit production, let’s talk about what makes the Meyer lemon tree so special. The Meyer lemon is a hybrid between a citron and a mandarin/pomelo cross, which gives it that unique flavor profile. It’s also smaller and more cold-tolerant than other lemon varieties, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

But like any plant, the Meyer lemon tree has its own rhythm, and understanding this rhythm is key to knowing what to expect from your harvest.

The Growing Cycle of a Meyer Lemon Tree

Meyer lemon trees are evergreen, which means they keep their leaves throughout the year. But when it comes to fruit, they have a more cyclical nature. Let’s break down the typical growing cycle:

1. Flowering: Meyer lemon trees bloom multiple times a year, often in the spring and fall. You’ll see clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. This is the first sign that your tree is gearing up to produce fruit.
2. Fruit Development: After the flowers fade, small green lemons start to appear. These little guys will gradually grow larger and begin to ripen. The time it takes for a lemon to go from flower to fully ripe fruit can vary, but it usually takes several months.
3. Harvest: Meyer lemons don’t all ripen at once. Instead, they ripen gradually, which means you can have ripe fruit on the tree for several months. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have fruit all year.
4. Dormancy: Even though Meyer lemon trees are evergreen, they still go through a period of slower growth, usually in the winter. During this dormancy time, the tree conserves energy and may produce fewer flowers and fruit.

Can You Really Get Fruit Year-Round?

Now, here’s the million-dollar question: Can a Meyer lemon tree provide you with fruit year-round? The short answer is yes—but with a few caveats.

Factors That Influence Year-Round Fruit Production

Several factors come into play when it comes to whether your Meyer lemon tree will bear fruit throughout the year:

1. Climate: Meyer lemon trees thrive in warm, temperate climates. If you live in a region with mild winters, your tree has a better chance of producing fruit year-round. In colder climates, the tree may go dormant in the winter, resulting in a pause in fruit production.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing: If you grow your Meyer lemon tree indoors, you can somewhat control its environment, which might help extend the fruiting season. However, indoor trees often need more attention in terms of light, humidity, and care to produce fruit consistently.
3. Tree Age: Young trees are less likely to bear fruit year-round. As your tree matures, its fruiting cycles may become more consistent, leading to the possibility of year-round harvests.
4. Care and Maintenance: Regular feeding, watering, and pruning play a significant role in fruit production. A well-cared-for tree is more likely to produce fruit throughout the year than a neglected one.

Dos and Don’ts for Maximizing Fruit Production

If you’re aiming for that year-round citrus bounty, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos:

1. Provide Plenty of Light: Meyer lemon trees need full sun, ideally at least 8-12 hours a day. If you’re growing your tree indoors, consider supplementing with a grow light during the winter months.
2. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water your tree when the top inch of soil feels dry.
3. Fertilize Appropriately: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer, and feed your tree every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce feeding during the winter.
4. Prune for Health: Pruning helps shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote better air circulation—all of which contribute to healthy fruit production.
5. Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for common citrus pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale. Early detection and treatment can prevent infestations from affecting your fruit.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Overwater: While Meyer lemon trees like moisture, they don’t tolerate soggy roots. Make sure your pot has good drainage, and avoid leaving the tree in standing water.
2. Don’t Neglect Temperature: Meyer lemon trees prefer temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Protect your tree from frost in the winter and from extreme heat in the summer.
3. Don’t Skip Pollination: If your tree is indoors or if pollinators are scarce, you may need to hand-pollinate the flowers. Gently brush the inside of the flowers with a small paintbrush to transfer pollen.
4. Don’t Ignore Signs of Stress: Yellowing leaves, poor fruit development, or a lack of flowers can indicate issues like nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or insufficient light. Address these issues promptly to keep your tree healthy.

Generation Growers - The Improved Meyer Lemon

A Table of Factors for Year-Round Fruit Production

To give you a clearer picture of what affects year-round fruit production, here’s a handy table:

Factor	Impact on Year-Round Production	Tips for Success
Climate	Warmer climates favor year-round production	Protect tree from frost; consider indoor growing in colder areas
Indoor vs. Outdoor	Indoor trees may have a longer fruiting season	Provide adequate light and humidity
Tree Age	Mature trees are more likely to produce consistently	Be patient with younger trees
Care and Maintenance	Proper care boosts overall health and fruiting	Regular watering, feeding, and pruning
Pollination	Essential for fruit development, especially indoors	Hand-pollinate if necessary

Read: Do You Need Both Male and Female Lemon Trees for Fruit Production?

My Experience: The Rollercoaster of Year-Round Fruit

I’ve been growing my Meyer lemon tree for a few years now, and I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. My first winter with the tree was a bit of a shock—I went from having a tree full of blossoms and tiny fruit to a near-bare stick in a matter of weeks. 

I quickly realized that indoor heating had dried out the air, and the tree wasn’t getting enough light. After a few tweaks, like adding a humidifier and setting up a grow light, the tree bounced back, and I started seeing flowers again.

These days, I get fruit in waves. The tree seems to have its schedule, producing a flush of lemons every few months. While I might not have a constant supply of lemons every single day, I do get to enjoy fresh Meyer lemons almost year-round. Indeed, nothing compares to the delight of savoring a fragrant, home-grown lemon during the chilly winter months.

Wrapping It Up: The Year-Round Verdict

So, do Meyer lemon trees bear fruit year-round? The answer is a definitive “It depends.” Under the right conditions—warm climate, proper care, and a bit of patience—you can indeed enjoy Meyer lemons for much of the year. However, even the best-cared-for trees might take a short break, especially during the colder months.

But here’s the thing: Even if your tree doesn’t produce fruit every single day of the year, the joy of growing your lemons, watching the flowers bloom, and harvesting those golden orbs is more than worth it. So, whether you get fruit year-round or in bursts, embrace the journey and savor the sweetness—both literal and metaphorical—of growing your Meyer lemon tree.