Growing a lemon tree from seed is easy, but requires patience and care. Here’s how it’s done: Cut a ripe lemon in half and scoop out the inside pulp, making sure to keep the seeds intact. Rinse the seeds in warm water and let them dry on a paper towel for a few days. Once dry, fill a small pot with quality potting soil and moisten it. Place two or three seeds at a depth of about a quarter inch, then press the soil down gently. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to keep the soil warm and moist. Place the pot in the sunniest window in your home for two weeks, keeping the soil moist. Remove the plastic bag and place the pot in a sunny part of your yard. Water the soil regularly and be sure to give the tree lots of TLC.
Choosing The Right Soil
When it comes to growing a lemon tree from seed, the right soil is essential. Choose a potting soil that is nutrient-rich and contains peat moss. The peat moss will help create a light and porous environment in the soil, allowing oxygen to reach the roots of the tree. It’s also important to make sure the soil has a slightly acidic PH; this will help encourage strong and healthy root growth.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing a lemon tree is important for its overall health, and a fertilizer specifically designed for citrus trees is recommended. To ensure optimal growth, begin applying fertilizer about two months after the tree is transplanted. Use the fertilizer as directed and water thoroughly after each application.
Pruning
Pruning a lemon tree will help it maintain a healthy shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, when the tree is in active growth. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Then, prune the tree to the desired shape – a rounded, symmetrical shape is preferred. Finally, remove any sucker growth at the base of the tree.
Protecting The Tree
Lemon trees require some protection from the elements. Being sure to cover your tree with burlap during extreme temperature changes, such as freezing temperatures and strong winds, is important to ensure its survival. It’s also beneficial to stake the tree if it’s exposed to strong winds, as this will help to keep the tree upright.
Harvesting The Lemons
Growing a lemon tree from seed requires patience, but the reward of harvesting the fruit can be worth the wait. The lemons will be ready to harvest around eight months after you planted the seed. When the lemons have turned yellow and give off a pleasant, citrusy scent, they are ripe and ready to pick. Be sure to check the tree every few weeks and harvest the fruit as soon as it’s ready.
Preventative Care
In order to ensure a healthy lemon tree and an abundant lemon harvest, it’s important to take preventative measures. First, keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as aphids or whitefly. If you notice these, use an insecticidal soap to treat the tree. Finally, make sure the soil remains moist but not soggy; if necessary, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to prevent the soil from drying out.
