The famous writer Louise Hay once said: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. If the lemons are rotten, remove the seeds and plant them so that new lemons will grow.” So, the next time you enjoy the juice of this tasty fruit, don’t throw away the seeds, on the contrary, plant them! And don’t be discouraged by the idea of growing this little tree… It’s easier than you think. We explain the good “enthusiasms” to follow!
How to plant and grow a lemon tree from seeds?
Learn how to grow beautiful lemon trees at home, in a simple and economical way! All you need is an organic lemon (because unorganized lemons often contain seeds that don’t germinate), a clay pot, and a warm, sunny windowsill to start this great adventure. In a few easy-to-follow steps, you can create your own citrus garden at home and enjoy a great harvest.
Lemon plantation: which seed to germinate?
It is important to choose quality seeds. After enjoying your lemon , carefully select the seeds you want to germinate. It is best to choose 4 to 5 to maximize your chances of success. So be sure to choose thick nuggets and avoid flat ones. Once you have selected your seeds, wash them and remove the shell (this slimy shell has a sugar content that risks rotting the seed). Then immediately immerse them in a glass of warm water. It is advisable to soak the seeds in water for at least 12 hours, or even overnight. This preparatory phase will improve its germination for faster and more vigorous growth. But what to do next?
How to germinate and sow lemon seeds?
After soaking citrus seeds in water for 12 hours, it is time to plant them. To do this, get a small pot or bucket with a drainage hole and a suitable diameter to later cover it with the top of a plastic bottle cut in half.
- To prepare your pot, start by placing a draining layer of clay pebbles or gravel in the bottom. Then add seed compost up to about 2 centimeters from the edge, then tamp lightly.
- Carefully remove the citrus seeds from their bath and place them in the potting soil, with the pointy side of the seed facing down. Cover them with a thin layer of potting soil (about 1 centimeter) and tamp gently again.
- Moisten the soil by sprinkling it with water to keep the seeds in place. Next, place the pot in a location that receives direct sunlight.
- To create an environment conducive to germination, you can cover the pot with the top of a cut-off plastic bottle (keep the lid).
Watch for seed germination
Seed germination is a crucial step in growing citrus and it is imperative not to underestimate it so that your plants grow healthy.
- Each day, carefully remove the bottle to remove condensation by wiping the inside.
- If necessary, lightly mist the potting soil to keep it moist, but don’t overdo it.
- Repeat this process until the seeds sprout and the seedlings emerge from the soil.
Depending on environmental conditions, germination may take more or less time (about 2 to 4 weeks on average).
Grow seedlings
It’s a success, the seedlings are appearing, your seeds have germinated! Now is the time to properly maintain them and take good care of them. Once the seedlings are visible, it is important to place them in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
- To start, you can put the plastic bottle back, but this time without the lid.
- When the seedlings form two leaves, remove the plastic bottle completely.
- However, make sure the soil remains regularly moistened, without being soggy.
In general, watering twice a week is sufficient.
Transplant your young citrus trees
It’s time to give your little plants an individual space to grow! When they reach 5 or 6 cm in height and have 3 to 4 leaves, it is time to replant them in individual pots .
- Choose pots about 14cm in diameter, add a layer of clay pebbles or gravel to the bottom for good drainage, and fill with potting soil.
- In the center of each pot, dig a small hole to accommodate your carefully pitchforked young plants.
- Once potted, gently tamp the potting soil around the roots and water lightly to encourage growth.
Your seedlings are now ready to go to their new home!
Take care of your citrus fruits
It’s good ? Lemon trees transplanted correctly? It’s time to maintain them properly so that they stay in good condition and can grow harmoniously! To do this :
- Find a bright spot for them, but away from direct sunlight that could burn their delicate little foliage.
- No, we didn’t forget to tell you: avoid any other heat source and keep the soil slightly moist!
- Water your beautiful lemon tree as regularly as possible as soon as the soil begins to dry out.
- And if you have a garden, a balcony or a terrace, present it to daylight. We promise, you will be delighted!
- Last advice, dear apprentice gardeners, to ensure the good growth of your young lemon trees, repot them every two years.
Here you have, in video, another interesting method to learn how to plant a lemon tree from seeds. Take notes!
How long does it take to grow a lemon tree?
Patience is key when growing a lemon tree from seed , it can take between three and six years before fruits appear around the fifth year.
Spring or autumn: when to plant a lemon seed?
It is recommended to opt for early spring to plant your lemon tree successfully. This period allows your tree to quietly develop its roots before winter, unlike autumn, when it can be a bit difficult, unless you have a winter garden or greenhouse… However, don’t forget to prepare the hole in autumn to provide your lemon tree with the best possible environment.
From now on, the lemon tree no longer has secrets for you! So, what are you waiting for to get your hands dirty and enjoy this fresh and juicy citrus ?