Lemon trees are part of the citrus genus of plants, and are prized by home gardeners for their lush green foliage and juicy, flavorful fruit. Two common varieties found in home gardens are the eureka lemon tree (Citrus limon ‘Eureka’) and the Meyer lemon tree (Citrus limon ‘Meyer’). Meyer and Eureka are both hardy varieties of lemon trees that can be grown in pots or in the ground.
Eureka lemon trees are classed as true lemons, along with Lisbon lemon trees. Meyer lemon trees, on the other hand, are not classified as true lemons because they are a hybrid, produced from the crossing of a true lemon with an orange or tangerine cultivar.
Both Meyer and eureka lemon trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and higher, but Meyer lemon trees are more cold-hardy than eureka, which are one of the least cold hardy lemon varieties. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, both varieties require protection via covering or a nearby source of heat to prevent cold damage.
Key Differences
- Native Origin: The Meyer lemon tree is native to China. It was brought to North America more than a century ago and is believed to be a cross between a lemon tree and a mandarin or mandarin variety tree. Eureka lemon trees originated in California from seeds that came from Sicily in the late 1850s.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Meyer Lemon trees thrive in zones 8-11, whereas Eureka Lemon trees are suitable for zones 9-11.
- Tree Height: Meyer Lemon trees grow to a height of 6-12 feet, while Eureka Lemon trees can reach 10-12 feet.
- Rind Color: Meyer Lemons have a bright yellow to light orange rind, whereas Eureka Lemons have a pale yellow rind.
- Flesh Color: The flesh of Meyer Lemons is orange-yellow, while Eureka Lemons have a greenish-yellow flesh.
- Taste: Meyer Lemons are less acidic and have a mild taste, whereas Eureka Lemons are more acidic and have a tart flavor.
- Harvest Time: Meyer Lemons are harvested in spring and summer, while Eureka Lemons are typically harvested in fall and winter.
- Fruit Shape: Eureka Lemons are oblong and larger, while Meyer Lemons are rounder and smaller.
- Skin Texture: The skin of Meyer Lemons is thinner and smoother compared to the thicker, textured skin of Eureka Lemons.
- Flavor Profile: Meyer Lemons are sweeter and less acidic, whereas Eureka Lemons are more bitter and acidic.
- Seediness: Meyer Lemon often seedless or with few seeds. Eureka Lemon contains more seeds.
- Cold Tolerance: Meyer Lemon is generally more cold-tolerant than Eureka lemons. Eureka Lemon is less cold-hardy, can be damaged by frost.
General Differences
| Characteristics | Meyer Lemon Trees | Eureka Lemon Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Originated in China, introduced to the US in 1908 | Originated in Italy, introduced to the US in the 1800s |
| Size | Smaller, 8-10 feet tall | Larger, 10-20 feet tall |
| Fruit Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Fruit Shape | Rounder | Football-shaped |
| Skin Thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Flavor | Sweeter, less acidic | Sour, tangy |
| Cold Hardiness | More cold-hardy | Less cold-hardy |
| Growth Rate | Slower | Faster |
| Leaf Color | Dark green | Dark green |
| Flower Color | White with purple base | White |
| Fruit Color | Yellow with orange tone | Bright yellow |
| Seeds | 10 seeds per fruit | 9 seeds or fewer per fruit |
| Pollination | Self-pollinating | Self-pollinating |
| Soil Requirements | Moist, well-draining soil | Moist, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight Requirements | At least 6 hours of sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering Requirements | Water deeply, but not frequently | Water regularly, but not excessively |
| Fertilization | Regular fertilization with high nitrogen fertilizer | Regular fertilization with high nitrogen fertilizer |