So, can you start a lemon tree from seed? It is possible, but not exactly easy. Growing a lemon tree from a seed requires patience and commitment, and requires the right temperature, moisture, and environment. The process of germinating the seed, keeping the seedling moist while it gets established, and then properly caring for the plant as it matures and begins to produce fruit can be difficult and time consuming. For those prepared to take on the challenge, however, a lemon tree cultivated from a seed can be a rewarding and exciting experience.
First and foremost, begin with a fresh lemon. Squeeze the juice and enjoy the drink, but be sure to save the seeds to be planted. Strain away the juice and pulp and rinse the seeds with warm water, then soak them overnight. Soaking can help to soften and open the seed coats, which help speeds up the germination process. Once the seeds are soft, lay them out on a damp paper towel and keep them in a warm, dark place, such as inside a folded paper towel in a plastic bag.
Next, begin to germinate the seeds by using a seed starter tray. Place the prepared seeds in holes in the tray and cover them with moist paper towels. Place the tray in a warm, sunny area, keeping the moist paper towels saturated. The warm sun and moist paper towel should cause the seeds to sprout within a few days. Pay attention to the sprouts, and ensure to keep the paper towels moist. Once sprouts emerge, carefully transfer the seeds and paper towels to planting cups with an ample mixture of soil and water.
The next step is to care for the seedlings. The cups need to stay in a warm, sunny spot and kept away from any drafts. It helps to cover the cups with plastic at this stage to help keep the soil moist and warm. The soil should be kept moist at all times, and never be allowed to dry out. It also helps to keep the seedlings in indirect sunlight at this early stage, to give the seedlings a chance to become established in their early stages.
Once the seedlings are well established, it’s time to transplant them outside in a sunny and sheltered area. Lemon trees do well in temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees F, and in areas with plenty of soil moisture and protection from the wind. When transplanting, the soil should be kept lightly moist, and the plant should be fertilized every other month. As the tree grows, ensure it is pruned regularly and given proper nutrients to help ensure the tree bears healthy fruit.
Care for Established Trees
Growing a lemon tree from a seed until it bears healthy fruit is quite rewarding. Once it is established, caring for it is relatively straightforward. To ensure the tree remains healthy and strong, prune the tree regularly and fertilize every other month or so. This helps to promote new growth, encourage larger fruit, and protect the tree from disease. Additionally, it is important to monitor the tree for signs of pests, such as aphids, mites, and scale. If any of these pests becomes present, it is best to treat it quickly and take the proper precautions so as not to damage the tree.
Irrigation Strategies
Having the proper irrigation strategy for the lemon tree is also important. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet, which can lead to root rot. It is best to provide a regular but moderate watering pattern for the tree throughout the year, with perhaps a deeper watering every few weeks to really soak the ground. This can encourage healthy fruit production and promote the tree’s growth.
Proper Sunshine and Shade
Lemon trees require plenty of sunshine to do well, but they also need a little protection from the sun. Too much direct sunlight can damage the tree’s leaves or fruit, so it is best to provide some shade during the hottest times of the day. This can be done by placing a light-colored cloth over the tree while it is in the sun. Additionally, the tree should be placed in an area away from strong winds, which can damage the tree’s leaves.
Harvesting Lemon Fruit
Once the tree begins to produce fruit, it is important to harvest it at the proper time. Unless otherwise instructed, it is best to wait until the fruit is fully ripe before harvesting. To check for ripeness, apply slight pressure to the fruit and look for a slight yield. If the fruit does not yield, wait a few more days and check again. If the lemon tree is producing more fruit than you can consume, it helps to pick the fruit once it’s ripe and use the excess in a recipe or preserve the fruit by pickling it.
