Growing a lemon tree from seed is a fun and rewarding experience, and this video is a great way to get started. Through careful observation and precise techniques, you can ensure your lemon tree has the best chance of success. To begin, make sure the soil is the correct pH of 6.0 to 6.5, with good drainage and ample moisture. Once this has been verified, place the lemon seeds in a damp paper towel and seal it in a plastic bag. Place it in a cool dark area of your home for 24 hours. Then, transfer them to individual pots which are filled with well-drained potting soil and lightly moistened. Place the pots in a semi-shaded spot with some morning sun and partial afternoon shade. Water them with lukewarm water and watch for germination from the light of a fluorescent lamp. As the seedlings grow, pay attention to their growth, water and light requirements. Once the lemon tree is a few inches tall, proceed to give it more sunlight and water. Watch for signs of distress to ensure proper growth and maintenance. Spent blooms should be pruned off. Pruning can be done before flowering or after the harvest in order to stimulate new growth. Proper fertilization schedule is essential for the quality of fruit. Avoid using chemical fertilizers – instead, use organic fertilizers such as compost, compost tea, and manure tea.
Maintenance
To promote the best growth, lemon trees need proper maintenance. Monitor the health of the tree to recognize any potential pests or diseases. Good air circulation is essential to ensure there is no fungal growth. Prune off any weak branches, and any low leaves which are blocking the sunlight from the lower part of the tree. Watch for any signs of nutrient deficiency such as yellowing of leaves, curved and twisted roots and weak wood. Manage the rate of growth by properly pruning young plants to create a natural shape, and keeping the soil fertilized. Make sure the tree is getting enough sunlight and water. Gardeners should also watch for signs of over watering and carefully manage their watering schedule. The lemon tree should be properly protected from any extreme outside weather changes.
Repotting
The lemon tree needs to be repotted periodically to ensure it has adequate space and nutrition. The plant should be repotted every two to five years, depending on the size of the tree, as well as the type of pot used. For young plants, select pots with adequate drainage holes, and make sure not to water too much while the tree is young. When it is time to repot, move the tree to a pot which is two to three times bigger than its current one. When repotting, loosen the soil around the roots and gently take out the lemon tree. Add fresh potting soil and use a stake to keep the tree stable. Make sure not to over water the tree after repotting which can lead to root rot.
Harvesting
It typically takes two to three years to get a lemon tree from seed to maturity. Once the plant reaches this stage, it is ready for harvesting. Every time a lemon is picked, it should be done with the utmost care to ensure the tree stays healthy. Gently twist the lemon off so there is no damage to the tree. It is important to not overharvest the tree as this could lead to depletion of the soil also leading to nutrient deficiency. Always prune off any diseased parts of the lemon tree as soon as possible.
Pests and Diseases
Citrus trees are vulnerable to particular pests and diseases which lead to leaf shedding, yellowing and cane death when unchecked. Correctly identifying and managing these pests and diseases is critical to ensure quality fruit and a healthy tree. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies. Caused mainly by insects and fungi, common diseases such as thread blight, anthracnose and phytophthora rot can lead to significant health issues of the tree. Dealing with these issues early can help prevent damage from escalating.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a key part of citrus tree care as it ensures adequate growth, color and size of fruit. Lemon trees need special nutrient-rich fertilizer which includes potassium, magnesium, zinc and nitrogen. The exact amount of fertilizer will depend on the age of the tree, type of soil and the climate in which it is growing. Fertilize the tree twice a year – once in spring and once again in late summer. When fertilizing, spread it gently around the base of the tree and gently mix with the surface soil to avoid burning of the roots.
Grafting
For those who want to continue to improve the genetics of the lemon tree, it will be useful to learn about grafting. Grafting is the technique of joining a desired branch onto an existing rootstock. There are many types of grafting techniques, and budding is the most common one which is used for lemon trees. This technique involves creating a small lengthwise incision in the rootstock and inserting the desired branch into it. Once the branch is inserted, it should be carefully trimmed and placed using a plastic tape. If done correctly, the graft should take within two weeks and the tree will be ready to grow.
Propagation
Propagation is the process of making a new plant from a piece of the existing lemon tree. This can be done through air layering, root cuttings, stem cuttings and grafting. Air layering is done by cutting a ring of bark off the bottom of the branch and gently filing it with damp sphagnum moss. The branch should then be wrapped in a plastic, sealed with a tie and left to rest for 8 weeks. After this time the branch should be carefully cut from the main tree, planted and given the same care as a regular lemon tree. Through propagation, a gardener can have multiple lemon trees from the same original lemon tree.
