Growing a lemon tree from fresh lemon seeds is a rewarding experience. Here’s how to do it. Start by collecting the seeds from ripe lemons. Make sure the seeds are clean and free of any pieces of flesh. Then, fill a jar with lukewarm water and add the seeds. Let the seeds sit in water for at least 24 hours. This will help the seeds to absorb moisture, which is essential for germination. After 24 hours, drain the water from the jar and spread the seeds on paper towels to dry for around 12 hours. It is important to keep them moist during this process.
Once the seeds have been dried, you need to prepare the potting mixture. Mix together equal parts of peat moss, garden soil, and compost. The potting mixture should be light and fluffy and should not contain any rocks or debris. Make sure the potting mixture is moist but not waterlogged.
Now it’s time to plant the seeds. Place the seeds at least half an inch deep in the potting mixture and cover them with a thin layer. Place the pot in a warm, light spot, but not in direct sunlight. Water the potting mixture regularly and make sure to keep it moist but not soggy when watering. The lemon tree should germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can start to move the pot out of direct sunlight. This will help keep the young tree from becoming scorched. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. As the seedling continues to grow, it will need more frequent watering, about once a week. As the tree matures, you’ll need to fertilize it every month during its growing season.
When the tree is large enough, you can transplant it into a larger container or even into your garden. Make sure the soil in the new pot is well-draining and you continue to water it regularly. With proper care and watering, your lemon tree will bear fruits in 1-2 years. Harvesting the lemons when they are still green is the best way to ensure they reach their full sweetness.
Watering Frequency
Water is an important factor in successfully growing a lemon tree from seeds. The potting mixture should be moist but not waterlogged, and during germination, the seeds should be soaked for at least 24 hours. Once the seedlings have sprouted, keep the soil slightly moist. Increase the frequency of watering as the tree matures but be careful not to over water or let the soil dry out too much.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your lemon tree once every month during its growing season is important for its health and development. Fertilizing helps ensure that the tree is receiving the nutrients it needs to grow. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specially formulated for citrus trees, as this will provide the right balance of nutrients. Also, make sure the fertilizer is organic, as synthetic fertilizers can do more harm than good.
Harvesting
Harvesting is an important step in growing a lemon tree from seeds. The lemons should be harvested when they are still green as they will reach their full sweetness at this stage. Make sure to check the tree regularly as the lemons tend to get ripe quickly and can spoil if left on the tree for too long.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can pose a serious threat to the health of your lemon tree. Regularly check for any signs of pests and diseases, such as yellowing leaves or tiny black spots, and take action as soon as possible. The best way to keep pests and diseases at bay is to keep the tree healthy by providing it with adequate nutrients, water, and light.
