Taking a cutting from a lemon tree may seem like a difficult undertaking at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward when done correctly. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon be able to propagate your own lemon tree from cuttings.
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need sharp pruning shears, a pair of gloves, a styrofoam container, and a rooting hormone. These items can be found at a local garden center.
Next, find a branch of your lemon tree that is about 8-12 inches long with a few healthy shoots. Prune the stem with the pruning shears just below a leaf node, being sure to make a clean, angled cut. Trim off any excess leaves, and discard them.
Now, grab the styrofoam container, fill it with damp vermiculite, and water it. Place the cutting into the container, around 3/4th of the way down, and press the vermiculite firmly around it.
Take the rooting hormone and dust it on theleaf node where the cutting was made. This will help the cutting to establish root systems. Put the lid on the container, and place it in a warm, sunny spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
Water the cutting daily, being sure to keep the vermiculite damp, but not over-saturated. After a few weeks, you should see white roots beginning to form. Once the roots have started to develop, the cutting can be planted in a pot with well-draining soil, or planted in the ground.
Finally, water the cutting again, and place it in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. In a few weeks, your new lemon tree should begin to put out new leaves!
Supplies
In order to successfully take a cutting from a lemon tree, you’ll need several supplies. Pruning shears are necessary in order to make the clean, angled cut in the stem of the branch you have selected. Gloves should also be worn to avoid accidentally pricking your fingers.
A container with holes in the bottom is needed as well, as this will allow water to drain away while keeping moisture in the soil. Styrofoam containers work well for this. Rooting hormone is important too, as it will help the cutting to establish root systems.
Vermiculite is also necessary, as it will retain the moisture in the soil, while also providing the lemon cutting with the hydrated air it needs to survive. This can be found in the garden section of any home improvement store.
Finally, you’ll need indirect sunlight, as this will provide the cutting with the warmth and light it needs to survive and flourish.
Planting the Cutting
After you have prepped the stem by making a clean, angled cut, you can begin to plant the cutting. Start by filling a container with damp vermiculite and placing the cutting in it. Make sure it’s planted around 3/4 of the way down and press the vermiculite firmly around it.
Next, dust the leaf node where the cutting was made with rooting hormone. This will help the cutting to establish root systems. Don’t forget to top the container with a lid and place it in a warm and sunny spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
It is important to keep the vermiculite damp but not over-saturated. You don’t want to drown the cutting in too much water. To do this, you should water it daily, but not excessively. After a few weeks, you should start to see the roots forming.
Once the roots have started to develop, you can plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, or even in the ground directly. Don’t forget to water it one final time, and then place it in a spot where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight. In time, you’ll start to see new leaves.
Caring for the Cutting
Once the cutting has formed roots and is planted in soil, it’s essential to care for it properly. This will ensure your lemon tree flourishes. Providing it with sufficient amounts of water and sunshine is key, but it’s also important not to over-water or expose it to too much direct sunlight.
Without sun and water, the young tree will not be able to survive. You should also check for pests and diseases and take the necessary steps to treat them. Fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer, and prune branches every now and then to keep the tree’s shape in check.
If you follow these steps, you should have a healthy, thriving lemon tree in no time! With the right care and attention, your lemon tree will be producing lemons in no time.
Common Issues
When planting a cutting from a lemon tree, there are few common issues that can arise. One of these is improper light and water. Too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn to the leaves, and not enough moisture can cause the tree to start wilting. When this happens, it’s best to move the tree to a sunnier, warmer spot and water it more frequently.
Over-watering is also a common issue amongst gardeners. This can cause root rot and other fungal diseases, which can be quite difficult to treat. To avoid this, only water the lemon tree when the soil is dry to the touch.
Finally, pest infestations are another common issue. Insects such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale are attracted to lemon trees and can cause significant damage. To treat these, you can use an insecticide or organic solution.
Re-potting
As your lemon tree grows in size, so will its container. This is why it’s important to re-pot it every few years, using a larger container with good drainage and a potting soil blend specifically meant for citrus trees.
When re-potting, carefully remove the tree from the old container and shake off any old soil. Place the tree into the new container and fill with potting soil until it’s about an inch from the top. Water thoroughly, and then place the potted tree in a sunny spot.
It’s best to re-pot in the early spring, before the growing season begins. This will ensure the tree has enough time to settle in to its new environment and start to grow vigorously.
Harvesting the Lemons
When your lemon tree has established itself and is loaded with ripe, juicy lemons, it’s time to harvest. Fruits should be harvested when they are ripe — they will be a deep yellow color with a glossy finish. Lemons should be harvested with a sharp pair of pruning shears, as this will cause less damage to the tree and the remaining fruits.
Unripe fruits should not be harvested, as they will not be edible. Wait until the lemons have reached the ideal ripeness before snipping them off the branch. And don’t forget to share your bounty with friends and family!
Propagating the Cutting
Lemon trees also can be propagated from a cutting, which is a great way to increase your lemon crop. To do this, select a branch from the tree with a few healthy shoots on it and make a clean, angled cut with pruning shears. Trim off any excess leaves and discard them. Then, prepare a container with damp vermiculite, place the cutting in it, and dust the area with rooting hormone.
Put the lid on the container and place it in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Water the cutting daily, making sure the vermiculite is damp but not over-saturated. After a few weeks, you should see white roots and the cutting can then be planted. Eventually, your new lemon tree should begin to put out new leaves.
