The rainy season is coming! What could be a better weapon against a cold than a hot tea with a slice of Lemon? Luckily for you, today, we prepared a little guide on how to grow a Lemon tree from seed.
They need little but give so much. To grow a healthy Lemon tree, you will only need some sun, proper soil, love, and patience. Follow us while we guide you on your journey!
Can You Grow a Lemon Tree from Seed?
Growing a Lemon tree from seed is possible and not as challenging as you think. However, there are a few tricks that you need to know. We have already gathered them all in one place, so no worries. Read on to learn how to germinate Lemon seeds and care for them, so the plant thrives, blossoms, and produces fruit.
What Are Some Different Types of Lemon Trees?
There are over 30 varieties of Lemon trees, plus some 'not true' species, which are hybrids with other citruses. Before you start growing a Lemon tree from seed, pick the kind of fruit you want to get at the end. Here are a few options to look at:
- Lisbon Lemon tree is the kind you are most likely to find at your local supermarket;
- Eureka Lemon looks just like your everyday kind but has much lesser seeds, which makes them perfect for juicing;
- Pink Variegated Lemon looks a lot like a grapefruit on the inside but has lime-green skin;
- Meyer Lemon trees are perfect for people who appreciate the sweetness of mandarins;
- Buddha's Hand Lemons are the most interesting-looking of all kinds. As you might've guessed from the name, they resemble a cupped hand.
Lemon Tree Growth Stages
If you are new to planting, you might be scared before growing your first tree. To make things easier for you, we composed a detailed description of a Lemon's life cycle.
- Seed. It is the point at which you start your journey. The Lemon tree's seeds are tiny and have a silky texture and sharp points.
- Next comes the germination stage. Now your Lemon tree seed grows small roots.
- After a while, you will see a young seedling. Now your Lemon tree is a miniature copy of its future self.
- The Lemon trees grow up so fast! Next thing you know, you are looking at a mature Lemon tree. It has a stronger stem and green leaves.
- The flowering stage will come when your Lemon is 2-3 years old.
- And finally, what you've been waiting for, the fruiting stage! Depending on the variety of the Lemon you picked, you will have to wait 2-5 years before the first harvest season.
- The Lemon tree fruit will turn brown and dry if you don't harvest it, hence the name of the next stage, the drying stage.
How to Germinate Lemon Seeds in a Paper Towel
The first thing you need to do is to pick some seeds of organic Lemon. The 'organic' part is crucial, as 'non-organic' trees have non-germinating seeds. Next, prepare the tools: a sharp knife, paper towels, a ziplock bag, and a spray bottle (optional).
- Cut a Lemon into wedges and remove the seeds.
- Rinse the seeds and let them soak for 15 minutes in lukewarm water.
- Remove the seed coat with a small knife.
- Wet a paper towel with a spray bottle. You can also dampen it by hand, but it can get tricky. The towel has to be moist but not soggy.
- Put the Lemon seeds on a towel, and ensure they have enough space in between. Spray them with a bit of water.
- Fold the towel over the seeds to cover them.
- Place the wrapped seeds into the ziplock bag.
- Leave the bag in a warm place.
- After about a week, check the future Lemons. You should see little roots coming from the seed!
How To Grow This Tree From a Seed In a Few General Steps
Now that you have a ready-to-grow seed on your hands let's look at how you can plant your seedling and grow it into a beautiful tree!
- Prepare the pot: put some coffee filter at the bottom, so your seed doesn't run away with the water.
- Pick up some well-draining sandy soil and fill the pot with it.
- Place the seed into a pot or, if you are working with a seedling, place the roots in the container and leave the stem above the surface.
- Water thoroughly and leave it in a warm sunny spot.
- Set a pebble tray with water or mist the leaves daily to provide enough humidity.
- Water consistently and apply a slow-release fertilizer monthly from spring to summer.
- Look out for bugs and other diseases that might try harming your Lemon!
How To Grow a Lemon Tree Faster
Remember we talked about tricks for growing Lemon trees from seed? Well, here they come!
- Replant your baby Lemon in spring when it's one year old.
- Pick a location that drains well and gets enough sun. If you don't have such a spot, you can create a raised planting bed!
- Dig up any grass near your planting area. You don't want any weeds taking away nutrients!
- Constantly check the soil moisture.
- During the first year, fertilize your Lemon tree with a nitrogen plant food monthly from spring to summer. In the following years, you can use fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Tips On Planting Lemon Seeds
- If you live in warmer climates, you can plant all year round, but if you have cold winters, wait until spring or summer;
- Pick a large pot with lots of drainage holes;
- If you plant outside, ensure the soil is well-draining;
- Place the pot in a sunny warm spot;
- Before moving your Lemon outside, dig a hole twice the size of the current pot your plant stays in;
- After moving the tree, add mulch or compost to the soil surface, but keep a distance from the trunk about 10 inches (30 cm).
FAQ
How Easy Is It to Grow a Lemon Tree from Seed at Home?
According to veteran gardeners, Lemon trees don't require much practice or understanding to grow well. So, if you're a novice to planting, you can give it a shot.
How Long Does It Take a Lemon Tree to Grow from Seed?
An indoor Lemon tree might take three to six years to bloom and produce fruit.
How Long Does It Take for a Lemon Seed to Grow Roots?
If you provide all the needed conditions, your Lemon will grow roots in as little as a week.
How Long Does a Lemon Tree Bear Fruit?
Lemon trees start bearing fruit at three years old and do so until their death. With proper care, Lemons can thrive for up to 30 years.
When Do Lemons Bloom?
Most Lemons blossom in the spring. The blooms can last from a few days to a week, depending on the kind, age, environment, and health.
