Growing lemon trees from seed is certainly possible, however, it should not be expected to yield fruit immediately. Many gardeners are devoted to propagating their outdoor lemon trees from seed as it is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is important to note that even if you are successful in growing a lemon tree from a seed, it can take anywhere up to 7 years for the tree to reach maturity and fruit-bearing stages.
The first step in the process is to identify a ripe lemon and extract some of its seeds. If the fruit is juicy, it is best to squeeze out the juice into a bowl, taking care to save the seeds suspended in the liquid. The seeds should then be placed on plates or trays and left to dry for a few days, before being stored in sealed containers.
It is necessary to select a container that is at least 8 inches in depth, with good drainage holes, as the lemon tree must be kept in a container for several months, until it begins to develop a substantial root system. Soil suitable for the lemon tree should be neutral pH and provide good aeration. The container should be filled with soil up to 2 inches from the top, with a few seeds scattered on the ground.
The soil must be kept moist and warm for the seeds to germinate, between 65-75F. Once the lemon tree has germinated, grow lights should be used in order to mimic natural sunlight. The seedling must be transferred to a larger pot, with fresh soil as soon as possible – ideally as soon as the second set of leaves appear on the plant.
It is essential to transplant the lemon tree outside when spring arrives, as they are suitable to outdoor climates. Transplanting to a garden bed should take place from late March up to May, with plenty of water and sunlight when transplanting the plant. The soil should be well drained and amended with compost.
To ensure that the tree does not suffer from any extreme temperature or climate conditions, it should be protected with shade netting or a light fabric screen when frost or hail is present. The lemon tree has several pruning requirements, including trimming dead or damaged branches, thinning the canopy, and removing suckers from the rootstock. Regular fertilizing of the tree is essential, when pruning and mulching.
Watering
Watering the tree is an important aspect of its maintenance, as lemon tree require deeper, infrequent watering. The key is to keep soil oxidation, as standing water can lead to root rot and disease. The best way to ensure that the soil is getting the right amount of moisture is by inserting a finger until the knuckle, to check the soil moisture level.
Although lemons are drought tolerant, they perform best when watered deeply, every two weeks, in the absence of rainfall. A water-soluble fertilizer can be used for their nutrition and for adding an occasional supplement for their growth.
It is necessary to prune the branches of the tree frequently, so that the tree is healthy from the inside, with air circulating the branches. During peak harvesting season, the tree will require regular harvesting, in order to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the canopy.
Pests and Diseases
Lemon trees are prone to pests and diseases, thus, ensuring that the tree is healthy and well-looked after is essential for its growth. Common pests such as mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids can be treated with organic, chemical-free insecticides.
Fungal spots and blight can cause the leaves to become discolored and die, while root rot leads to very slow tree growth and early signs of droopiness. To prevent this, mulch the roots of the tree and create a 3-inch air gap between the trunk and the soil, to allow air to circulate.
In certain climates, citrus canker and fruit rot can occur, which require quick action to reduce the spread of disease. Regular inspection of the branches and trunk is essential for detecting the early signs of any disease.
Harvesting Lemons
Lemons are usually plucked from the tree when they are soft and yellow. Their characteristic flavor develops as they reach maturity. If the fruit is too hard, it is best to wait a few extra days before harvesting them. Handpicking the lemons is the preferred method, using scissors or garden shears to cut them from the stems.
Plucking only some of the fruit off the tree means that the remaining lemons have more energy to grow and mature. Also, leaving some lemons on the tree allows the branches to remain clustered, creating a beautiful ornamental tree.
Fertilizing the Tree
In order to maintain a healthy lemon tree, it is necessary to apply fertilizer every two to three months. Suitable fertilizers include citrus food and calcium-fortified fertilizers, applied at the base of the tree according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as over-fertilizing can cause leaf burn and damage the tree.
Nitrogen and potassium are the primary nutrients required for lemon tree growth, as it provides nitrate and phosphate to the plant. To support the tree structure and promote healthy foliage, phosphorus is also necessary, as well as magnesium to aid with nutrient absorption.
Dormancy Period
It is important to note that all citrus trees require a period of dormancy, which happens naturally during winter. There is no need to worry about the tree much during this period, as it should not suffer from any drastic changes.
Only minimal watering is needed to keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Fertilizing must cease once the leaves begin to yellow, and again the tree should not be over-pruned during winter. If protected from extreme temperatures and heavy snow, the tree should remain happy during the dormancy period.
Indoor Growing
Growing lemon trees indoors is possible but will require extra care, as these trees thrive in hot climates and the appropriate temperatures are difficult to find. The tree should be placed in a bright area and away from draughts, as well as consistent temperatures between 65-75F, using a humidifier to provide sufficient moisture, as lemon trees hate dry air.
It is also required to prune the lemon tree more frequently, to promote vigor and reduce the chance of any undesired growths. And finally, monitor the soil moisture levels carefully, as the soil has a tendency to dry out very quickly in the absence of rain and in warmer temperatures.
