The question of whether you can grow a meyer lemon tree from seed is an intriguing one. Growing citrus trees from seed is not an insurmountable task, but there are a few things to consider and understand before attempting it. There are many benefits to growing citrus from seed. Cross-pollinated citrus trees offer a chance to find new varieties, as well as produce fruit with interesting flavor blends.
Firstly, it is possible to grow meyer lemon trees from seed, but it takes a long time. The citrus seeds will ripen after a few months, and it can take anywhere from 3-8 years before the tree bears fruit. This is due to the abscission layer, which inhibits the germination of the seed. Additionally, these trees are not true-to-type, meaning they do not produce fruit that will exactly match their parent plant.
Secondly, when growing meyer lemons from seed, it is important to choose healthy, ripe fruits. To identify the healthiest ones for seed extraction, you should look for lemons with no spots or blemishes on their skin. When it comes to harvesting the seeds, you should remove the juicy pulp and then use a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the seeds from the liquid. The seeds should then be put onto a paper towel and allowed to dry until their husks open.
Thirdly, the following steps should be taken when growing meyer lemons from seed. First, you should moisten the soil and put the seeds about 1 inch deep into it. The soil should remain constantly moist, but not soggy. You should also place the seedling in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly. Once the seedling reaches 6-8 inches tall, you can transplant it outdoors, ideally in an area that gets full sun.
Fourthly, while it may tempting to fertilize your meyer lemon trees, you should avoid doing so. Too much nitrogen can be detrimental to the tree’s health. If you need to fertilize, you should use a balanced fertilizer with a potassium and phosphorus ratio of about 2:1. It is also important to prune your meyer lemon trees to keep them in a manageable shape and size.
Final Considerations
In terms of yield, meyer lemons grown from seeds are more likely to yield more tart lemons than traditional varieties. On the other hand, they can also be sweeter than regular lemons if they are properly cared for. While meyer lemons grown from seed can take some patience and effort, they can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor.
Timeframe
As previously mentioned, it can take several years for your meyer lemon tree to reach maturity and start yielding fruit. As such, you should be prepared to wait for several years before you start seeing results. Additionally, growing from seed is a long-term investment, so it is crucial to understand that the process of growing a meyer lemon tree from seed can take some time.
Potential Issues
When it comes to meyer lemon trees grown from seed, certain conditions need to be met in order for them to thrive. As such, one of the potential issues to be aware of is climate. Meyer lemons are best-suited to warm climates, so you should be aware of the particular conditions in your area in order to help the tree to develop properly.
These trees can also be prone to a range of diseases and pests, such as citrus black spot and citrus tristeza. It is best to be proactive in order to avoid potential issues, as allowing a problem to go unchecked can quickly become a major one. Regularly checking your plants and trees, as well as monitoring the soil and foliage, are some of the best ways to protect your meyer lemon trees from disease and infestation.
Caring for Your Tree
Once you have successfully harvested meyer lemons from seed, the next step is to take care of your tree in order to ensure it produces a high-quality crop of fruit. A few things to consider when caring for your meyer lemon tree are water, fertilization, and pruning. It is important to ensure that your meyer lemon tree has enough water to keep it healthy and green. Fertilization should be done in moderation, as too much can damage the tree. Finally, you should prune your tree in early spring, as this will help the tree produce more vibrant fruit.
Harvesting Your Meyer Lemons
The last stage of the process is harvesting your meyer lemons. It is important to be mindful of the right time to harvest. If the fruit is picked too early, it will be very tart and not sweet, while a fruit that is left too long on the tree will not be as succulent. When harvesting, you should gently twist the fruit off the tree, being careful to avoid damaging the tree. Once the lemons are picked, you can store them to use them later.
