Starting a lemon tree from a lemon is a great way to grow a lemon tree at home. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to do with just a few simple steps. All you need is a ripe lemon, potting soil, and a wide, shallow pot. Contraction Here’s how to get started:
1. Start by selecting a ripe lemon from the grocery store or from your own fruit tree. Make sure that the lemon is firm, heavy for its size, and has a fragrant aroma. You can also look for a lemon that is slightly yellow on the outside for a bigger harvest.
2. Cut the lemon in half and carefully scoop out the flesh and seeds, retaining the shrivelled shell of the lemon. Retain the seeds and inspect them for the presence of small, shiny dots. This indicates healthy viable seed.
3. Next, fill your pot with soil until it is ¾ full. Place the seeds, still in the shell, onto the soil and gently press them in. Place the pot in a bright and warm room and keep it near a window, but avoid direct sunlight.
4. Water the soil lightly until it is slightly damp and then keep the soil moist without over or underwatering. If a runoff appears, pour off the excess water.
5. You will know your lemon seeds are germinating when small shoots appear from the soil. Once the shoots reach around six inches high, it is time to transplant them into larger individual pots. This can be done by carefully digging up the soil and transferring it with its root system into the new pot.
6. When the lemon tree reaches approximately 10 inches high, it is time to fertilize it. Apply a fertilizer like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, avoiding the trunk of the tree. Water well after every application.
7. After several months, your lemon tree should be ready to produce fruit. Once the fruit appears, water the tree thoroughly and regularly. If the tree starts to look dry, it may need to be watered more frequently.
Caring for the Lemon Tree
Caring for the lemon tree is paramount for it to produce healthy and flavorful fruit. If a lemon tree does not receive enough sunlight or water, it will not be able to produce fruit. This can be avoided by ensuring the tree receives plenty of direct sunlight daily, and by keeping the soil in its pot consistently moist. If the tree is planted in the ground, it should be watered regularly, typically at least twice a week.
It is important to note that lemon trees require a considerably large amount of space and may not thrive if planted in a container. If a lemon tree is planted in a pot, it should be moved outdoors whenever possible. Doing so ensures it will receive the sun, temperature and rain it needs to flourish.
When it comes to pruning, it is important to remove any diseased or dead branches; this will help increase the growth and production of the tree. Additionally, removing any spent flowers and, once it has matured, removing all fruit can help ensure the soil is fertile and the tree remains healthy.
Repotting the Lemon Tree
Because lemon trees grow quickly, they may need to be repotted frequently. Knowing how to properly repot a lemon tree is a key factor in ensuring its health. Whenever a lemon tree becomes root bound or shows signs of overcrowding, it should be relocated to a bigger pot.
When repotting, it is important to use a pot two sizes bigger than the current one and to check for any diseased roots. Additionally, loose, lightweight potting mix should be used. To repot, carefully loosen the soil from around the roots before transferring the tree and its root system into the new pot. Once this is done, fill the new pot with the fresh potting mix, water the tree, and reposition it in the sun.
Fertilizing the Lemon Tree
Fertilizing is an essential step in providing your lemon tree with the nutrients it needs to flourish. Fertilization should be done three times a year, once in spring, summer, and fall. It is important to only apply a fertilizer specifically designed for citrus trees that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, check the age and the size of the tree to determine the dosage.
It is recommended to use only organic fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers. These are compatible with organic gardening and promote sustainable soil. On the other hand, synthetic or chemical fertilizers can easily burn a tree’s delicate roots and cause long-term damage.
Finally, when applying the fertilizer to the soil, be sure to keep it away from the trunk of the tree. Watering should be done afterward to encourage the tree to absorb the minerals.
Pests and Disease on the Lemon Tree
Common pests and disease found on lemon trees include mealybugs, mites, aphids, and scale insects. Typically, organic sprays are the best way to control the pest problem. Additionally, it is important to wash any infected leaves with insecticidal soap.
If the tree becomes diseased, identify the symptoms to determine the type. Some common diseases affecting lemon trees include powdery mildew, citrus scab, black sooty mold and frost damaged fruit. Once the type of disease has been diagnosed, treatment can begin to cure the tree, such as pruning away infected wood or applying a product called, Bordeaux mixture.
Harvesting the Fruit
When the lemon tree is ripe, its fragrant and juicy lemons can be harvested. Typically, lemons reach ripeness between late fall and early summer. A ripe lemon should have an even colour and be firm; it should easily pull away from the stem when harvested.
One piece of advice—wait to harvest the fruit until the lemons have turned yellow-orange in colour. This will result in a sweeter, juicier lemon. When harvesting the fruit, be sure to use a pair of sterile scissors or clippers.
Once the fruit has been harvested, it can be eaten raw, juiced, or stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. It is important to note that the lemon should not be refrigerated, as the cold temperature will make it dry and tasteless.
