skip to main content

Meyer Lemon VS. Improved Meyer Lemon

16 years ago

Anyone have the original Meyer lemon tree AND the improved Meyer?? If so which do you like better. I ordered Meyer lemons last year from Melissa's in California. They were very small about the size of a ping-pong ball. The Meyer lemons in the stores around here are about the size of a tennis ball. The flavor is the same on both lemons but I would like to grow the larger lemon. I have a Meyer Improved now so would like to know opinions.

Thanks,

DL

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

citrange2
16 years ago
Meyers Lemon was introduced to USA from Asia and later found to be a symptomless carrier of the citrus virus Tristeza. This does not affect Meyers Lemon in any way, but can allow the disease to be passed on by aphids to commercial citrus varieties which are affected. The virus can be eliminated by various laboratory procedures such as heat treatment and shoot-tip grafting. Clean Meyers Lemon was propagated on a large scale in, I think, the 1960's and all old line Meyers should have been replaced with the new 'Improved Meyers Lemon'. Certainly, no old Meyers should now be sold in the USA.
There is no difference between 'old' and 'improved' Meyers (apart from the lack of Tristeza). They are the same variety.
isaac2009
16 years ago
I agree with citrange.
Related Discussions
Meyer vs Improved-Meyer lemon
Q
Comments (3)
I don't believe the "not improved" form would be available for sale in California. The only difference is the presence or absence of citrus tristeza virus infection. It causes no symptoms at all in the 'Meyer', so the two look and act exactly alike. The problem is that the virus can spread from an infected tree to oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus nearby (spread by aphids) if you have an infected tree. I suspect your nursery bought their trees from two sources, one of which used the term "improved" while the other did not. It used to be, and I assume still is, illegal to sell the infected form in California.
...See More
Meyer Lemon vs Eureka Lemon
Q
Comments (2)
They are very easy to care for. I have a Eureka and a Meyer. Meyer's are also very easy to care for, a little more cold tolerant, and VERY prolific. Fruit holds well to a point (and then can be a little off-tasting to some). My Eureka will drop the fruit when it's ripe. My Meyer has a more rounded, lower growth habit, but is about 8 to 10' tall. My Eureka was resurrected from the dead, but they tend to be a bit more upright, and will send up these vigorous, upright water sprouts. They also bear just about all the time, and are also pretty prolific. Meyers don't so much tend to do that. The Meyer lemon is sweeter and about twice as juicy as a Eureka. Eurekas have a more classic lemon taste. I happen to love my Meyer lemons and make the most delicious lemonade from them. Patty S.
...See More
orange meyer lemons?
Q
Comments (11)
Depends on your climate; the color change from green to yellow to deep yellow, and sometimes all the way to light orange depends on the coolness of the night and the difference between day and night temperature. Once mature the fruit underneath is already that yellow to orange color; what the cooler climate does is degrade the chlorophyll in the skin to allow the color to show through; in the industry it is called degreening and is done with a gas or liquid form of ethylene.
...See More
“Improved” Meyer lemons: how to tell when ripe?
Q
Comments (6)
Yellow is an indicator... squeeze it a little, it should give a little... You can give it a gentle tug, if it's ripe it'll be a yellowish/orange colour, it'll be somewhat soft but firm and it'll come off the tree easily. You can also pick one yourself, taste it and decide for yourself. You did say you had 3 right?
...See More
dancinglemons
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks!! I never knew why it was called "imporved'. This is really good to know.

DL

Related Stories

COLORFUL HOMES The Best of My Houzz: 10 Living Rooms With Wall Colors to Love

By Laura Gaskill

Jet black, Meyer lemon yellow, mossy green — these spaces make a statement with bold color

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

COLOR Welcome Yellow Around Your Home for an Instant Lift

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Keep on the sunny side with shades of yellow from buttery and soft to dynamic and bright

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Citrus 101: Start Your Own Backyard Orchard

By Vanessa Brunner

This Earth Day Weekend, Add Some Green, Style and Deliciousness to Your Landscape

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

HOUSEPLANTS Indoor Winter Gardens for Cheerier Days

By Laura Gaskill

Bring plants inside for drab-days mood boosting — not to mention cleaner indoor air and protection for your greenery

GARDENING GUIDES Spring Citrus Care Reaps Months of Sweet Rewards

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to tend citrus trees in spring and ways to preserve their delicious fruit

CALIFORNIA GARDENING California Gardener's February Checklist

Celebrate 5 California classics: plants that defy winter with bright flowers, luscious fragrance and, for some, delicious taste

HOUSEKEEPING How to Fix a Stinky Garbage Disposal

By Becky Harris

No plumber’s fee or even a trip to the hardware store is required with these easy solutions

Sponsored

More Discussions

Flying dragon seedlings

6

Coming out of the closet

10

Howardmartin growing citrus

2

Productivity of kumquats and their hybrids

4

Grafting Citrus and Rootstocks

2