How to Plant Seeds of Lemon: A Step-By-Step Guide to Germinate Lemon Seeds
Updated: 29 May 2023
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The natural golden lemon is the more popular fruit in the world. The lemon tree is highly pretty, and many are ever-flowering both in the sunroom and garden. Mostly, lemon trees are grafted citrus fruit that consists of parental properties. However, lemon plants grown by lemon seedlings are not the same as the parental plant and take more years to grow. For that thing, your germinating lemon seeds may never produce lemons.
Here is the most important question can we grow a tree from lemon seeds?
Can You Germinate Lemon Seeds?
Surely, it’s very easy to germinate lemon seeds and grow a lemon tree from a seed. Get a mature lemon and obtain seeds from them. Also, save the lemon peels to get more domestic benefits. Follow the step-by-step guide to germinating lemon seeds.
1. Obtain the Healthy Seed
Collect the healthy lemons and cut them into pieces and extract the lemon seeds with your hands. It‘s very necessary to prevent cuts on seeds otherwise seedlings will be affected. You can also get the benefits of lemon peel. Read more here for lemon peel’s advantages.
2. Pre-soak the Lemon Plant Seeds
Choose a cup or container and fill it with water at room temperature. The cup or container should be acid-free otherwise germination of lemon seeds will not effective. Allow the soaking to 24 hours, this pre-soaking will help to better germinate lemon seeds.
3. Well-drained Soil
Lemon seeds need a well-draining and fertile mix of soil to maximize germination of lemon seeds.
The soil must have the following properties:
- Lightweight (combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.)
- Normal pH level
- Good drainage
- Nutrient (Prevent heavily Fertilized)
- Enough Moisture (Prevent over-wetting)
4. Plant the Lemon Seeds
Fill a small pot or seed tray with well-draining potting soil. Make a small hole about 1/2 to 1 inch deep and place the pre-soaked lemon seed into the hole. Cover the seed with soil and gently press it down.
5. Provide Proper Conditions
Lemon seeds require warmth and moisture to germinate. Place the pot in a warm location, ideally with temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C). You can cover the pot with plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment that retains moisture.
6. Water Regularly
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the pot whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to rot.
7. Be Patient
Lemon seeds can take several weeks to germinate, so it requires patience. Keep an eye on the pot, and once the seed germinates, a tiny sprout will emerge from the soil.
8. Provide Adequate Light
Once the sprout emerges, move the pot to a location with bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window can provide sufficient light. Alternatively, you can use fluorescent grow lights to supplement the light if needed.
9. Transplanting
As the lemon seedling grows, it will require more space and nutrients. When it develops a couple of sets of true leaves, you can transplant it into a larger pot or outdoors if the weather is suitable.
How to Grow a Lemon Tree From Seeds?
Growing a lemon tree from seeds will be a rewarding and delightful experience. The first step of producing a lemon tree is the germination of seeds. So, you need to germinate lemon seeds before planting them in the soil to become a whole tree. In this section, we’ll focus on steps to follow while planting your germinated seedlings in soil and growing into decorative lemon trees.
1. Prepare the Planting Site
Choose a suitable location for your lemon trees. Lemon trees grow in sunny areas with fertile and well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. If needed, prepare the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
2. Dig the Planting Hole
Dig the holes that are deep and wide enough to hold the roots of your lemon seedlings. Ensure the hole is at the same depth as the soil level in the seedling tray.
3. Shift the Seedling from the Tray
Smoothly pick and shift the germinated lemon seedlings from the seedling tray, being careful not to damage the soft roots. Hold the seedlings by the leaves or root ball to avoid placing excessive pressure on the stem.
4. Planting the Seedling
Place the germinated lemon seedling into the prepared hole, positioning it in the center. Hold the seedling upright while backfilling the hole with soil, slightly firming it around the roots. Ensure the seedling is at the same depth it was in the seedling tray, with the soil level reaching the base of the stem.
5. Watering and Mulching
After planting, water the seedling thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the stem.
How to Take Care of Lemon Trees?
Lemon trees can be planted forever in gardens or grown in pots indoors regardless of the method you use. Follow the above step-by-step guide for germination of lemon seeds then plant them in the soil to become beautiful trees. After a certain time, lemon trees need attention and required care. Also, you should be repotted the young trees after every 2 years in the growing season. Here are some steps to care for lemon trees,
- Watering: Lemon trees require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
- Fertilization: Feed your lemon tree with a balanced citrus fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, usually in spring and summer.
- Pruning: Prune your lemon tree to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. Pruning is best done during late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Protection from Cold and frost: If you live in a region with frost or cold temperatures, provide protection to your lemon tree. Cover it with a frost cloth or move potted lemon trees indoors during extreme cold spells.
FAQs About How to Grow Lemon Tree From Seeds
How to Plant Seeds of Lemon?
The followings are the steps to germinate the lemon plant seeds,
- Collect the lemon seeds
- Pre-soak the seeds
- Arrange fertile and well-draining soil
- Use a seedling tray For germination
- Plant the lemon seedlings in fertile soil
- Keep moisturized the soil mixture
- Transplant the seedlings
How long will it take to grow a lemon tree from seed?
The time it takes for a lemon tree to grow from seed to maturity can vary, but generally, it can take anywhere from three to seven years. Factors such as the variety of lemon trees, growing conditions, and care provided can influence the growth rate. It’s important to be patient and provide the necessary care and attention for optimal growth.
How do I start a lemon tree from seed?
If you want to grow a lemon tree from seed then follow the steps to germinate lemon seeds,
- Grab a lemon from the store and take out one of the seeds.
- Soak it in a glass of water for about 2 hours.
- Then grab a piece of paper towel and wet it.
- Put the lemon seed down on the counter.
- Fold it the paper towel over a few times and place it in a zip lock bag.
- Place it somewhere dark like in your cabinet.
- In about a week, open it up and you’ll see that it sprouted.
- Grab a pot with some soil and then plant the seed tail-down.
- Water it, get the soul nice and moist.
- Cover the top to create a humid environment inside of it.
- It’ll grow into a lemon seedling.
Can you plant seeds from grocery store lemons?
Yes, you can plant seeds from grocery store lemons. However, it’s important to note that the seeds from commercially grown lemons may not always produce trees with the same characteristics as the parent plant. This is because many commercial lemons are hybrid varieties, and the seeds may not breed true to the original fruit.
What is the best month to plant lemon seeds?
The best month to plant lemon seeds is typical during the spring season when the temperatures are mild and the days are longer. In most regions, this would be around March or April. Planting during this time allows the seeds to benefit from optimal growing conditions and longer days of sunlight, which promotes healthy germination and seedling growth. However, lemon seeds can be planted at any time of the year if provided with the right care and conditions.
Can I grow a lemon tree indoors?
Yes, you can grow a lemon tree indoors. Lemon trees can be grown in containers and make excellent indoor plants, especially in regions with colder climates where outdoor cultivation may not be feasible year-round.
How to Grow Lemon Trees Faster?
To help lemon trees grow faster, provide them with optimal growing conditions including ample sunlight, regular watering, well-draining soil, and balanced fertilizer. Additionally, maintaining consistent temperatures, pruning for healthy growth, and protecting the tree from pests and diseases can also promote faster growth.
How to Grow Lemon Tree from Seed Unbelievable Trick?
There is a popular “unbelievable trick” that involves using a moist paper towel and a sealed plastic bag to grow a lemon tree from seed. Here are the steps,
- Collect fresh lemon seeds and clean off any pulp or residue.
- Moisten a paper towel with water, making it damp but not soaking wet.
- Place the lemon seeds on one half of the paper towel.
- Fold the other half of the paper towel over the seeds to cover them.
- Gently place the paper towel with the seeds inside a sealed plastic bag.
- Keep the bag in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
- Check regularly to ensure the paper towel remains moist.
- After a few weeks, you may see the seeds germinate and sprout.
- Once the seedlings emerge, carefully transfer them to small pots with well-draining soil.
- Continue caring for the seedlings by providing adequate sunlight, watering, and fertilizing as needed.
Conclusion:
The easiest way to grow lemon trees is seed germination but It’s important to note that lemon trees grown from seeds may not produce fruit identical to the parent tree. Lemon varieties are usually propagated through grafting or budding to ensure consistent characteristics and fruit quality. Growing lemon trees from seeds can be a fun experiment, but if you’re primarily looking for fruit production, it’s recommended to obtain a grafted lemon tree from a nursery.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant germinated lemon seedlings in soil and begin the journey of growing your own lemon tree. With proper care, patience, and favorable growing conditions, your lemon tree will gradually mature, producing aromatic blossoms and delightful lemons for years to come. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of nurturing a tree from seed to fruit-bearing maturity.
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