Not a True Lemon, But does it matter? (Meyer Lemons)

 

Meyer Lemon Tree with ripening fruit

Not a True Lemon. But does it matter? 

 The Meyer Lemon tree is the most popular backyard lemon tree in Australia but they are not a "True" Lemon. That is because they are a cross (hybrid) between a lemon and an orange. Although not as acidic as a true lemon like a Eureka lemon tree or Lisbon Lemon Tree they are the perfect acidity for salads and many other dishes without being too harsh on your teeth/pallet or requiring too much salt to balance out the sour. Meyer lemon trees are more cold hardy while performing well into warmer subtropical climates. So you can see them into Melbourne and up into QLD. Also you can get a great crop of lemons often all year round. Not many fruit have this talent. 

Backyard Tips: 

Pruning: Each time you pick a lemon prune away any crowded stems. Mulch: Thick mulch to keep water in but have a separation from the trunk. 

Soil: Free draining ( You accomplish this by planting it on a mound) 

Fertiliser: Slow release Spring and again in Summer. 

Watering: Deep watering in the hotter months rather than constant shallow watering. 

Eco Oil: To stop leaf curl.

Brown Turkey Fig Trees

Brown Turkey Figs just picked

Buying a Fig brown turkey fruit tree variety will get you hooked on Figs. Yes you
need to pick them at the perfect time but when you do you will nod
your head and say "WOW"

They can be grown in Arid, Temperate and Subtropical climates and as
they lose their leaves in Winter they can handle frosts down to -2
degrees.

Yes to growing and fruiting in pots and you only need one to set fruit.

A full sun position is recommended and make sure when planting you
mound up your planting size height 50-80cm for good drainage.

They don't need much water except when the fruit is growing in early
summer. BUT heavy rain just as they ripening can cause the fruit to
split open ruining your crop.

In the ground it will grow 2-5m but in a pot with root restriction
they should stay under 2m.

Adventurous Ideas: Espalier them :) Dry them, Make Jams.

 

Lemon Myrtle (Edible Leaves) WOW Factor

Lemon Myrtle in Kyogle NSW Australia in 2020

10/10 choice for a a specimen tree (Wow Factor) as shown in this photo in the main street of Kyogle NSW taken by our Daleys staff member Bianca this year. The lemon myrtle occurs naturally throughout coastal Qld rainforests. It is a spectacular ornamental tree due to both its appearance and the superb fragrance of its flowers and leaves. The leaves and flowers are used in sweet and savoury dishes or as a refreshing tea. However as boiling or baking often reduces the flavour. The leaves are best added to the recipe at the end of the cooking process and either left to steam with the lid on or made into a sauce or dressing. It is usually the older and fully hardened-off leaves that are harvested for use. Enthusiasts describe the distilled oil from this tree as 'more lemony than lemon' and its used extensively to scent confectionery, perfumes, aromatherapy oil and food flavourings.
* Botanical Name: Backhousia citriadora
* Can be grown further south as the climate is Subtropical, Warm Temperate.
* Height in the ground 2-5m
* Self Pollinating ( only need 1 tree )
* Yes it can handle frosts but protect them when young.
* Keeps it's leaves even in Winter ( Evergreen )
* Yes to growing in pots
* Only requires moderate watering.
* You can harvest it all throughout the year.
* Full & Part sun positions are ok.
* Negatives: is susceptible to Myrtle Rust
#daleysfruit #lemonmyrtle

Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora - Decorate Your Street

The Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora Flowering tree for cool to subtropical climates. Often used as a street tree for screening because of it's eye catching flowers and it stays relatively small.
Buy Crepe Myrtle Tuscarora For Sale from Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery