Baby Meyers Lemon tree question

My 18 year-old mentally handicapped son is a natural green thumb. I, however, can kill anything I touch, including artificial flowers. Problem is, he can't read or understand any instructions above kindergarten level, which pretty much leaves everything up to me to try and help him with his VERY enthusiastic gardening desires, so I'll probably be posting plenty of silly questions, the first of which is this:

We recently bought a meyers lemon tree from an online fruit tree company. The tree (or twig) is approximately 6" tall with pretty glossy leaves on it. After careful research, we've learned that this tree is a great indoor plant which is wonderful since we live in Maine.

We've planted it in a 5 gallon bucket with holes poked in the bottom for drainage. The soil is Miracle-Gro potting mix, blended with peat moss and perlite with some used coffee grounds thrown in for organic matter. So far this little tree seems to be doing okay, but in the month we've had it, it doesn't seem to be growing any. Are they slow growers?

Also, we are curious as to how old this tree is and how long till it starts bearing flowers or fruit. My son is very patient and will wait years if he has to, but I'm beginning to get the gardening bug and am impatient for results.

Can anyone shed any light on the subject for us?

Set it outside in the sun.

Les

Meyer Lemons need heat and they need lots of sunlight which you can augment in the house by using florescent bulbs. Lots of light is essential as they are tropical fruits (as are all the citrus I can think of.) It just needs to be left alone and right now it is growing roots and then foliage and later when it is much bigger, fruit.
For a more basic and hands on where he can participate is the growing of seeds which can also be done in the house. Nothing exotic like tomatoes but things like green beans where each day brings a change to the plant. He will see a change each day which is more on his level of understanding.

Ann

I have had good luck with setting limes and lemons out in the summer and bringing them in before it frosts--I have grow bulbs in a lamp that has swinging arms, and I just position the bulbs over the plants and put them in a sunny window--most of their growth happens outside in the summer--the overwintering just keeps them alive--when they happen to bloom inside (especially grapefruit--I have an oro blanco) the fragrance is lovely

Thanks so much, everyone!

Now...a grow light is different from a flourescent light, I know...but is either one better than the other?

(And the little lemon tree is now outside in the sun as we speak!)

The one I have just fits in a regular type lamp--a fluorescent light would work too

Okay! Gotcha! I've got a grow light AND a flourescent light and feel like I can take on the world (haha)!

As for my son, he does have peas and an eggplant and tomatoes and potatoes as well as five or six types of herbs and he does enjoy checking on them daily and talking about the changes he sees. He's really, REALLY enjoying this and I'm really beginning to as well!

I live in Florida and deal with Citrus trees on a regular basis. if its only about 6" tall, its probably within its first few years. Taking it outside during the spring and winter is much advised and just take it in before the temp gets below about 55 or so. you probably won't see any fruit till the tree gets about 3-4feet tall, and then only a couple. but as its growing, once it sets fruit you should get a few more every year after that. One thing I would do though, I can't remember if a meyer lemon is self pollinating, so surf around and find out. It may not be SELF pollinating but can pollinate itself so you may have to go out with a q-tip and just swab the inside of the flowers. takes about 5 mins. I don't know when it will fruit for you either. our season is about november to february but yours might be in the dead of summer because of the temps. and when you fertilize him, make sure to use a citrus fertilizer because it contains minor elements that the tree needs to stay in good health. have fun! it'll be one of the best fruits you ever ate!

Thanks so much for your reply! The little tree is growing nice new green leaves and seems quite happy in it's location on our back patio! I guess I'll have to wait a couple of years before I see fruit, but from what I'm hearing, it's gonna be well worth the wait!