Q&A for How to Grow Lemon Myrtle

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Does a lemon myrtle actually have lemons?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

No. The leaves of this plant contain high levels of citral, which make it smell and taste citrusy, hence the name.

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Question

What spacing is best between lemon myrtle trees?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Between 1 to 2.5 meters for commercial growing is adequate. They can be spaced closer for a hedge look or in a smaller yard.

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Question

Can I grow one in a big terracotta pot?

Community Answer

Yes, bit it won't grow as big as it might if planted in the ground.

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How old does the tree have to be to tolerate frost?

Community Answer

The tree should be one year old at least, but it depends on the species of tree or sapling. Lemon myrtles specifically can only tolerate light frosts once they're more mature.

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How invasive is the root system for lemon myrtles?

Community Answer

Lemon myrtles are recommended for their non-invasive roots that don't tend to block water pipes.

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Question

How much can I prune it?

Community Answer

Most Australian native plants can be pruned quite heavily; try removing a third of the plant.

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Will this plant survive in Perth Western Australia?

Community Answer

Yes, it should be fine.

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Question

How much oil can I get out of lemon myrtle?

Community Answer

Probably quite a lot once it grows. The main essential oil is citral, the same as lemongrass, although of substantially higher purity (an exception is the less common variety that produces citronella - you probably don't want that). Leaves probably have as much oil content as lemongrass, and are commonly used as flavoring directly, without further purification.

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How many years will it take my lemon myrtle tree to flower?

Community Answer

3 to 4 years is about average. My myrtles have always produced many flowers and lemons by the fourth year.

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How much fertilizer does a lemon myrtle need?

Community Answer

A layer of compost in spring and autumn will feed a lemon myrtle. In poor soils, some low phosphorus fertiliser in spring can help. They prefer a neutral pH soil.

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