Famous writer Louise Hay once said, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. If the lemons are rotten, remove the seeds and plant them to grow more lemons.” So, the next time you enjoy this tasty fruit, don’t throw away the seeds—plant them! Growing a lemon tree is easier than you think. Let’s dive into the right “zests” to follow!
When to Plant Lemon Seeds?
It’s best to plant lemon seeds in early spring. This allows your tree to develop its roots before winter. If you’re thinking of autumn, prepare the hole beforehand to provide the best environment for your tree.
Choosing and Preparing Seeds
Select quality seeds from an organic lemon. Aim for 4 to 5 seeds to maximize success. Wash the seeds and remove their slimy shell, which can cause rot. Soak them in lukewarm water for at least 12 hours to improve germination.
Germinating and Sowing Lemon Seeds
After soaking, you’ll need:
- A small pot with drainage holes
- Seed compost
Steps:
- Place a layer of draining material (clay balls or gravel) at the bottom of the pot.
- Add seed compost, leaving about 2 centimeters from the top.
- Place the seeds pointed side down, cover with 1 centimeter of soil, and gently tamp down.
- Moisten the soil with a spray of water.
- Position the pot in a sunlit area and cover it with the top of a cut plastic bottle to retain moisture.
Monitoring Germination
Germination is crucial for healthy growth. Remove the bottle daily to wipe condensation and lightly mist the soil as needed. Germination may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Caring for Seedlings
Once your seedlings emerge, move them to a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Initially, you can keep the plastic bottle over them without the cap. Once they have two leaves, remove the bottle completely, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy (water twice a week is usually sufficient).
Repotting Young Citrus Trees
When seedlings reach 5-6 cm with 3-4 leaves, it’s time to repot them into individual pots:
- Choose pots with a 14 cm diameter and add drainage material.
- Fill with seedling compost and create a hole for each plant.
- Gently uproot seedlings and place them in the pots, packing soil around the roots and watering lightly.
Maintaining Your Lemon Trees
Find a bright spot for your repotted trees, avoiding direct sunlight. Keep the soil slightly moist, watering regularly as it dries out. If you have a garden or balcony, let your lemon tree bask in the light! Remember to repot every two years for continued growth.
How Long Until You Harvest?
Patience is key! It can take three to six years for your lemon tree to bear fruit, typically around the fifth year.
Now that you know how to grow a lemon tree from seeds, what are you waiting for? Get your hands dirty and enjoy fresh, juicy lemons! 🍋
