Need Some Answers About Two Meyer Dwarf Lemon Trees?

Question

We have 2 Meyer Dwarf Lemon trees, one planted in the ground and one on the porch, planted in a large pot. Both trees get at least 8 hours full sunlight. The tree in the ground produces about 2-3 lemons annually. The potted tree produces about the same. Every year both trees flower with many blossoms and little lemons. But many of the little lemons turn yellow and drop off, leaving only a few lemons that ripen to maturity.

I have applied special citrus fertilizers, leaf yellowing minerals, organic fertilizers, Miracle Grow at different times to correct the problems and so far nothing helps. Many of the leaves are still yellow and new leaves don't sprout very often. The gardener here has no answers but says the trees aren't dying/

Can anyone here help with getting some answers so the trees will bear more fruit. Thanks for any help. The trees are in Los Angeles. I am watering them 2-3 times weekly from recommendations by the local nursery.

Answer 1

Regular water with well-drained soil. No wet feet..

Sandy, well-drained, dry, slightly acidic soil works best.

Guard against snails that can eat the buds and leaves of the Meyer Lemon tree.

After 3 or 4 years in a pot, you need to replace the soil since it will be exhausted of nutrients. You can either replant into a larger pot or cut away some of the outer roots with a sharp, strong knife and replant in the same pot but with fresh soil. (from website)

I don't know much about lemon trees, but maybe it is the soil (not so much nutrients but drainage).  I attached a website that may help.  It could just be the genetics of the tree.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I checked Don Wyman's book and a possible explanation is that you are getting extremes in temperature and/ or humidity. They don't like drying winds and they don't like too high humidity, they will not do well if too hot. They are good producers in summers that are a bit cooler and dry but will loose there leaf if the area has temps that dip below freezing. When the spring season warms and you have a longer photo period then you will get the first flush of heavy flowering. If it keeps getting way hot and either hot dry wind or heavy humidity then you loose the flowers or fruits. You can protect them a bit but only so much. You will get other rushes of flowers after so don't despair. Just sort out how to get beyond the extreme. You may have to bring the potted one in part of the time and find some cover for the garden specimen. It would be a choir to work up a humidity control outside of a greenhouse or enclosed porch.