The History of the Meyer Lemon in America

The Meyer lemon has captured the hearts of American gardeners and chefs for over a century. But this sweet, fragrant citrus has a story that's more dramatic than most people realize.

Named after Frank N. Meyer, a brave USDA plant explorer who discovered this treasure in China in 1908, the Meyer lemon nearly disappeared from American gardens twice. Today, it's one of the most beloved citrus varieties in the country, prized for its unique sweet flavor and incredible adaptability.

From its mysterious origins in ancient China to Martha Stewart's kitchen, the Meyer lemon's journey through American history reveals why this isn't just another lemon. It's a testament to human curiosity, scientific innovation, and the power of great flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Frank N. Meyer discovered the Meyer lemon in China in 1908, sacrificing his life for plant exploration
• The variety nearly went extinct in the 1940s due to virus infections but was saved by UC Riverside scientists
• Martha Stewart popularized Meyer lemons in American kitchens through her recipes and TV shows
• All modern Meyer lemon trees come from the "Improved Meyer" selection, which is virus-free
• These trees thrive in USDA zones 8-11 but grow beautifully in containers anywhere

Who Was Frank N. Meyer and Why Does His Story Matter?

Frank N. Meyer was more than just a plant explorer. He was a man who risked everything to bring the world's most valuable plants to America.

Working for the USDA's Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction, Meyer spent 13 years exploring remote regions of Asia. He discovered thousands of plants that would transform American agriculture, including soybeans, pistachios, and of course, the lemon that bears his name.

Meyer found this special lemon growing in dooryard gardens around Beijing in 1908. Unlike the sharp, acidic Eureka and Lisbon lemons Americans knew, this fruit was sweet, fragrant, and had a subtle orange flavor. He knew he'd found something extraordinary.

Tragically, Meyer's dedication cost him his life. In 1918, while traveling down the Yangtze River from Hankow to Shanghai, he drowned near Wuhu. The American Consul reported that Meyer was traveling on the S.S. Feng Yang Maru when the accident occurred.

The Plant Genetics Resources organization later established the Frank N. Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources to honor his sacrifice and contributions to American agriculture.

What Makes Meyer Lemons Different from Regular Lemons?

Meyer lemons aren't actually pure lemons at all. They're a natural hybrid between a lemon (likely Eureka or Lisbon) and a mandarin orange, which explains their unique characteristics.

Here's what sets Meyer lemons apart:

Characteristic	Meyer Lemon	Regular Lemon (Eureka/Lisbon)
Flavor	Sweet, less acidic	Sharp, very acidic
Aroma	Orange-like fragrance	Classic lemon scent
Skin	Thin, smooth, golden-yellow	Thick, bumpy, bright yellow
Size	Medium, round	Large, oval
Juice Content	High, sweet juice	High, tart juice
Cold Tolerance	Better (especially on trifoliate rootstock)	Poor

Chefs and home cooks prize Meyer lemons for recipes where you want lemon flavor without overwhelming acidity. The juice works beautifully in desserts, marinades, and cocktails where regular lemons would be too harsh.

How Did Meyer Lemons Become Popular in America?

The Meyer lemon's rise to fame wasn't immediate. After Meyer brought budwood to America in 1908, the variety slowly spread through California's citrus regions.

By the mid-1940s, Meyer lemons had gained popularity among California growers. The trees produced abundant, flavorful fruit and seemed easier to grow than other lemon varieties.

But disaster struck. Scientists discovered that Meyer lemon trees were infected with two serious viruses: Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) and Citrus tatter leaf virus (CTLV). These viruses didn't just hurt Meyer lemon trees. They spread to other citrus varieties, threatening entire orchards.

California agriculture officials had no choice. They ordered the destruction of Meyer lemon plantings to protect the state's citrus industry.

How Did Scientists Save the Meyer Lemon from Extinction?

The Meyer lemon's salvation came from the University of California-Riverside and the brilliant work of Dr. Chester N. Roistacher.

Dr. Roistacher and his team used cutting-edge tissue culture techniques to create virus-free Meyer lemon plants. They carefully tested each new plant to ensure it was completely clean of the viruses that had caused so much trouble.

This new, virus-free selection became known as the "Improved Meyer" lemon. Every Meyer lemon tree sold today, including those from US Citrus Nursery, comes from this improved, virus-free stock.

At US Citrus Nursery, our Meyer lemon trees come through the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center budwood program, which Dr. Mani Skaria helped establish in the early 1990s. This ensures every tree you receive is not only virus-free but also grafted using Dr. Mani's micro-budding technique for superior performance.

How Did Martha Stewart Make Meyer Lemons Famous?

While scientists saved the Meyer lemon from extinction, Martha Stewart made it a household name.

Through her magazine, TV shows, and countless recipes, Martha Stewart introduced millions of Americans to Meyer lemons in the 1990s and 2000s. She showed home cooks how this special lemon could transform everything from lemon bars to roast chicken.

Stewart's influence was enormous. Suddenly, home gardeners wanted their own Meyer lemon trees. Chefs began featuring Meyer lemons on restaurant menus. The variety went from near-extinction to one of America's most sought-after citrus fruits.

Today, there are millions of Meyer lemon enthusiasts across the United States and worldwide, many of whom first learned about the variety through Martha Stewart's recipes.

Where Can Meyer Lemons Grow in America Today?

Meyer lemons thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, which includes most of the southern United States, California, and parts of the Southwest.

But here's the exciting part: you can grow Meyer lemons almost anywhere as container plants. With proper care and winter protection, Meyer lemon trees flourish in pots from Canada to Maine.

The key is using the right rootstock. Meyer lemons micro-budded on trifoliate rootstock (like those from US Citrus Nursery) show remarkable cold tolerance. These grafted trees can handle brief cold snaps and recover quickly when brought indoors during severe weather.

Your container-grown Meyer lemon needs:

• At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Well-draining, mineral-based soil (never decomposing potting mix)
• Protection when temperatures drop below 25°F
• Regular feeding with complete organic fertilizer

What's the Secret to Growing Healthy Meyer Lemon Trees?

After growing over 250,000 citrus trees at our South Texas nursery, we've learned that successful Meyer lemon growing comes down to US Citrus Nursery's Three Plant Pillars:

Pillar 1: Mineral-Based Soil

Your Meyer lemon needs soil that never decomposes. Traditional potting mix is just pine bark sawdust that suffocates roots as it breaks down. Dr. Mani's Magic Super Soil provides permanent drainage and aeration because it's made from minerals, not organic matter.

Pillar 2: Live Microbials

In nature, plants thrive because of the billions of beneficial bacteria and fungi living around their roots. These microbes protect roots from disease and unlock nutrients from the soil. Most commercial products contain dead powder that doesn't work. Plant Super Boost delivers full-spectrum, living microbes that stay active in your soil.

Pillar 3: Complete Organic Fertilizer

Meyer lemons need all 12 essential nutrients, not just nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Synthetic fertilizers burn roots and kill beneficial microbes. Crab, Kelp & Amino Acids (7-4-4) provides complete nutrition that works with your soil biology, not against it.

When all three pillars are in place, your Meyer lemon becomes nearly bulletproof. Miss any one, and you'll struggle with yellow leaves, poor fruit production, and pest problems.

Why Choose Meyer Lemon Trees from US Citrus Nursery?

Every Meyer lemon tree from US Citrus Nursery comes with advantages you won't find elsewhere:

• Virus-free Improved Meyer stock through the Texas A&M Citrus Center program
• Micro-budding technique invented by Dr. Mani for stronger, more productive trees
• Cold-hardy trifoliate rootstock for better winter survival
• Pre-planted in Super Soil so your tree arrives with the perfect growing medium
• Expert support from the team that's grown over 1 million citrus plants

Your tree arrives healthy and stays healthy because it starts with the Three Plant Pillars system from day one.

The Meyer Lemon Legacy Continues

The Meyer lemon's journey from Frank Meyer's discovery in China to your backyard represents more than just horticultural history. It's a story of human curiosity, scientific innovation, and the lengths people will go to bring beauty and flavor into our lives.

Frank Meyer paid the ultimate price for his plant exploration work. Dr. Chester Roistacher spent years perfecting virus-free propagation techniques. Martha Stewart shared her passion for exceptional ingredients with millions of home cooks.

Today, you can continue this legacy in your own garden. Whether you're growing Meyer lemons for fresh juice, homemade preserves, or the simple joy of picking fruit from your own tree, you're participating in a story that spans continents and generations.

Ready to grow your own piece of citrus history? Browse our citrus trees and discover why Meyer lemons remain America's favorite sweet lemon, or start with our Meyer Lemon Tree to experience this remarkable fruit for yourself.

Written by Dr. Mani Skaria, Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology and founder of US Citrus Nursery's Clean Citrus Program