Seedlings of lemon trees come in much the same small size, shape and colour as any other small plant starting out in life. They have a shallow taproot, and a rosette of spikes evidence of the family they belong to. The first true leaves are oval shaped, blunt on the edges and they appear in pairs at each stem node. In some cases, the pre-true leaves may be triangular and hairy. As the seedling develops, two larger central leaves will emerge above the others. These leaves will be more jagged, with thick veins and deeply serrated edges. The margin will be curved or often even lobed.
The colour of the leaves has a range of hues, including shades of light yellow-green, lime green and dark green. Young leaves may have a pale yellow tint in the centre of the veins. As they age, lemon tree seedlings leaves become darker in colour. The leaf undersides may have a slightly lighter hue. In an early growth stage, the petioles (the stalk attaching the leaf to the stem) are generally slender and smooth. As they mature, they will generally range in a range of colours and sizes, up to a length of four cm.
Lemon Tree Seedling Stems
The stems of lemon tree seedlings are minute, with internodes (the space between the nodes) of up to two cm in length. Longer stems may exist, but it is the broad of the seedling that is more revealing about its true identity. The stems of lemon tree seedlings can be rough to the touch due to hairs and are generally a shade of green, which may lean slightly towards a yellowish-green. They become woodier as the seedling matures and the bark can present with ridges of a paler colour.
Lemon Tree Seedling Flowers
When the seedling reaches a certain maturity it will produce yellowish-white, five petalled flowers aligned in clusters along the stems. At the intersection of each petal, small clusters of yellow to deep orange stamens are visible. The flowers are rich in nectar and often emit a strong scent, which attracts pollinating insects like bees. Some flowers may have some form of red markings, which can vary in amount.
Lemon Tree Seedling Roots
At germination and in the pre-true leaf stage, the lemon tree seedling will have a shallow taproot, which grows rapidly with the expansion of the root system. The root system spreads quickly in search of nutrients and water and has been known to reach depths of two meters in some cases. The root system will often develop large lateral roots, which branch away from the larger root stock. As the seedling continues to mature, the roots will become woodier and less prone to displacement.
Lemon Tree Seedling Fruits
The lemon tree seedling, in some cases, will produce small fruits. These can range in shape and size between small, green acidic fruits to larger, oval and elongated fruits, which are yellow when ripe. The colour of the flesh can also vary, starting off a pale yellow-green and eventually developing a yellow hue. The number of fruits these seedlings produce can also vary significantly and depend on the climate and soil conditions.
Lemon Tree Seedling Nutrients
For lemon tree seedlings to grow and develop, they require particular nutrients over those of most other plants. Not only are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium crucial, but copper and boron can play a role in the production of lemons. In terms of the nutrients for a lemon tree, the lack of calcium can cause a great deal of damage to the leaves, and can restrict the flow of nitrogen from the soil to the tree. To avoid this, growers must ensure the tree has access to this important mineral.
Lemon Tree Seedling Care
To ensure a lemon tree seedling grows and develops into a healthy tree, it is essential to pay attention to the care it requires. Such tasks include regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soaked, protection against pests and diseases, and the removal of any damaged leaves. For those living in warmer climates, the seedling should be protected from the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Mulching can help to retain moisture, protect the roots and suppress weeds.
Lemon Tree Seedling Cultivation
When it comes to growing a lemon tree seedling successfully, the right conditions must be met. These include a warm climate with temperatures between 10-30°C and an area with plenty of sunlight with some afternoon shade. The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a pH balance of around 6.5 to 6.8. A well-aerated soil with plenty of organic matter is also preferable. It is also important to avoid exposure to extreme cold or heavy wind.
Lemon Tree Seedling Feeding
Lemon tree seedlings need to be fed regularly with the right fertiliser. The fertiliser should be high in nitrogen and potassium but low in phosphorus. It is important to not over feed the lemon tree as this can cause the leaves to become brittle or even yellow. The seedling should be irrigated every two weeks and something to prevent nitrate leaching should be used if necessary. The tree should also be regularly pruned to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Lemon Tree Seedling Diseased
When it comes to lemon tree seedlings, there are many potential diseases that can harm the development of a healthy tree. Such diseases include bacterial canker and anthracnose, which can be difficult to distinguish without specialised experience. Signs of diseases in seedlings include blighted leaves, discoloured bark, rotted or restricted roots, and fungal growth. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is essential to seek advice from a nursery professional.
Lemon Tree Seedling Pests
Pests can also pose a serious threat to the health of a lemon tree seedling. Common pests include mealybugs, scale, leaf miner and spider mites. The presence of these pests can often be identified by the scale-like covering on the leaves, sticky droplets on the bark, as well as webbing on the branches. In addition, the pests also suck sap from the leaves, which can cause a general weakening in the plant and affected leaves may take on a yellow or white colouring.
