Meyer Lemon trees have become a popular citrus option for home gardeners, who often wonder if they can grow the sweet-tart fruits from the tree’s own seeds. The answer is yes, but caution should be taken before embarking on this venture. Growing a lemon tree from a seed is a slow process, and the resulting fruit may not be appealing to some, or it might take a year or two for the tree to begin producing fruit.
The first step in growing a Meyer Lemon tree from seed is to find a suitable seed source. There are a variety of lemon seeds available from online gardening and fruit supplier websites. Once you have acquired several seeds, the seeds can be planted in a container filled with sterile potting soil. The container should be kept moist and in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill.
As the tree grows, it will need to be transplanted into a larger container to accommodate the increasing size of the tree’s root system. The soil should be regularly fertilized and the tree should be watered regularly. Make sure the lemon tree gets adequate sunlight throughout the day, especially during the warmer months. Pruning may also be necessary to keep the tree growing in a healthy manner.
When the tree is approximately 12-18 months old, it will be mature enough to bear fruit. The fruit of a Meyer lemon tree grown from seed will look and taste much different than the fruit found in stores. It is likely to be small, seedy and may not have as intense a flavor. The flesh of the fruit is also likely to be sour and acidic.
It is important to remember that a Meyer lemon tree grown from seed is likely to bear fruit in 1-2 years and that it may produce an inferior quality of fruit compared to those found in stores. Nevertheless, growing a meyer lemon tree from seed can still be a rewarding experience.
When Does a Meyer Lemon Tree Bear Fruit?
When grown from seed, a Meyer Lemon tree will typically bear fruit in 1-2 years. The fruit takes longer to mature when compared to trees grown from grafted stock. However, the fruit produced on a Meyer Lemon tree grown from seed will typically be much less flavorful than store-bought fruit.
What is the Best Care for a Meyer Lemon Tree Grown From Seed?
The best way to care for a Meyer Lemon tree grown from seed is similar to that of a regular lemon tree. That includes providing the tree with adequate sunlight and water, as well as pruning if necessary. Fertilizer should also be used when needed.
What Kind of Soil is Best for a Meyer Lemon Tree Grown From Seed?
Ideally, a Meyer Lemon tree grown from seed should be planted in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A sterile potting soil formulated for citrus trees works well for this purpose. Specialized compost or organic matter can also be added to help ensure optimal soil conditions.
What are the Potential Problems With Growing a Meyer Lemon Tree From Seed?
One potential problem with growing a Meyer Lemon tree from seed is that the resulting fruit may be less flavorful and sour compared to store-bought lemons. Additionally, the amount of fruit produced will likely be much lesser than store-bought lemons. Another potential problem is that Meyer Lemon seeds are quite delicate and have a low germination rate. That is, the number of seedlings that survive is typically much smaller than the number of seeds planted.
What are the Benefits of Growing a Meyer Lemon Tree From Seed?
Despite the potential drawbacks of growing a Meyer Lemon tree from seed, there are some significant benefits. For one, it is a fun and enjoyable experience for home gardeners. Additionally, the trees will typically produce much larger fruit than store-bought lemons, and the flavor of the fruit is often very pleasant. Finally, the seedlings become robust trees that can live for decades or longer.
