How to prepare lemon seeds for planting
How to grow lemon from seed
(Image credit: Getty)
So you want to learn how to grow lemon from seed? Before you start, you need to think about what you want from the plant.
If you want to grow a beautiful lemon tree whether for the garden, the patio or as a houseplant with interesting greenery that has an enchanting lemony scent, then read on to find out how to grow a lemon tree from seed.
'Citrus plants, like lemons, are excellent additions to conservatories and orangeries. As well as providing the ideal climate for the plants to thrive, they also lend the space a Mediterranean flair,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor of Period Living.
(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)
How to grow lemons
If you want to harvest your own citrus fruit, then growing a lemon tree from seed is not the best option. This is because the seeds do not necessarily reflect the parent plant. Of course, you may strike lucky and your lemon tree will produce deliciously tangy yellow lemons.
But since it takes an average of five years for a lemon tree grown from seed to produce fruit – it’s definitely a high stakes gamble if you're desperate to lemons to eat.
In this case, your best course of action is to grow your lemon tree from an established plant bought at a garden centre. These have either been grafted or grown from cuttings which mean they will replicate their fruit producing parent plant.
While this is a more expensive option, the average lemon tree can last up to 50 years and will produce fruit for nearly all that time once they reach full size. Alternatively, if you know someone with a lemon tree that produces good fruit, ask if you can take a cutting.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How to grow lemon from seed
Learning how to grow lemon from seed is an easy and affordable way to fill your home with beautiful lemon trees. So long as you have a lemon with pips, a pot of soil and a warm, light windowsill then you are good to go.
'Ideally sow the pips in April, but any time of year is possible,' advises Holly Farrell in her book Plants from Pips .
- Cut your lemon in half on a chopping board and remove the pips. Discard any small, shrivelled or sliced pips as these won't germinate.
- Then place the remaining pips in a glass of water to see if they're viable. If they sink they are good to plant but if they float then they probably won't germinate.
- Since these lemons have not been bred to produce new plants and have instead been grown for their taste, you'll want to plant at least 5 seeds to give you the best chances of successful germination.
- Having removed the seeds from the water, you now need to remove the slimy coating from the pips. This coating contains sugars which encourage rot and decay if planted. Usually this would be dissolved by the acid in the lemon as it decomposes but that takes a long time. Instead there are several ways to accelerate this process.
- Remove the coating by washing the pip under the tap or you can simply put the seed in your mouth and suck on it until the lemon flavor has gone - this is reportedly the easiest and quickest way to ensure all the coating has disappeared.
- Alternatively, you can remove the white shell from the seed. This is a little more fiddly and you have to be careful not to damage the seed inside. Use a craft knife to create a small nick that lets you peel the shell off.
- Do not allow the seed to dry out at any time, it needs to stay moist in order to germinate. If you are not planting immediately, then keep in a glass of water or wrapped in a wet paper towel until you're ready to plant.
- Pick a small pot with lots of drainage, terracotta is a good choice as it allows moisture to leave the pot through the walls. This will help prevent root rot. Fill the pot with citrus compost - ideally a variety that includes sharp grit.
- Pre-moisten the soil and then plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep.
- Place in a warm location, like a windowsill and be sure that the soil never completely dries out.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Can you germinate lemon seeds in paper towel?
Yes, you can germinate lemon seeds in a paper towel and it's pretty easy to do.
- Remove the white shell from the seed in the same way as outline above.
- Position the seeds about 1/2 an inch apart on a paper towel and carefully cover with another sheet.
- Wrap the ends of the paper towels so that they are folded underneath to create a little parcel.
- Spray the paper towel parcel until its wet and then seal in a ziploc bag - be sure to keep air in the bag.
- Place in a warm dark space and check on them daily so they don't dry out. If they start to look dry, spray the paper towel parcel with more water.
- Once sprouted open the paper towel parcel.
- Once they have grown to 1.5 inches long. Fill a terracotta pot with citrus compost and plant the germinated seeds in the soil.
- Move the pot to a warm sunny location - like a windowsill - so your seedlings can continue to grow.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How long does it take to grow a lemon tree from seed?
It takes around three to six years to grow a mature lemon tree from seed, with fruit starting to be produced at around year five.
However, it only takes a few months to get a small lemon tree that will look pretty in a pot in your home.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Can you plant lemon seeds from a store bought lemon?
Yes, you can plant lemon seeds from a store bought lemon. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that not all store bought lemons will have seeds, or viable seeds. You will also have a higher chance of germination if you buy an organic lemon as they won't have been subjected to the same pesticides and fertilisers so the seeds inside are more likely to be viable.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Will dry lemon seeds germinate?
No, dry lemon seeds will not germinate. You are best planting the seed as soon as possible after harvesting the pips from the fruit. If you need to wait, however, you can put the seeds in a glass of water overnight and then plant the following day.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Should I grow my lemon tree in the ground or in a container?
Unless you live in a place with very warm temperatures all year around and no risk of frost, then you should grow your lemon trees in containers rather than in the ground.
'Containers are ideal for tender plants like citrus (e.g. lemon) that live outside in summer, and come back indoors for winter,' says Homes & Gardens' garden expert Teresa Conway. 'Make a feature of your container displays in summer, grouping your pots prominently on the patio or deck. Remember to bring them inside before the first frosts in late autumn.'
This feature was created by H&G's sister brand, Period Living magazine
Subscribe to Period Living for more inspiration
Period Living is the UK's best-selling period homes magazine. A subscription provides you with all you need to know about caring for and improving a traditional house and garden.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title.
Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
How to Germinate Lemon Seeds to Grow a Lemon Tree
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When I first started gardening, I had no idea that some seeds like special treatment prior to planting compared to others! Lemon seeds and other citrus seem to be that way, at least from what I’ve seen. In my efforts to learn how to germinate lemon seeds to grow a lemon tree at home, I luckily found the best method that works quickly!
If you’ve already read my post on How to Grow a Clementine Tree from Seed, you can apply the same process here with planting lemon seeds!
And if you’ve found this post first, that’s great as growing lemon trees was my first foray into planting citrus seeds.
Let’s get started with a little information on lemons followed by my tips on how to germinate lemon seeds and grow a lemon tree!
How to Germinate Lemon Seeds – First, Harvest Seeds from a Lemon!Can you eat lemon seeds?Believe it or not, yes, you can eat lemon seeds! Unlike apple seeds, cherry pits, and stone fruit pits, lemon seeds are not toxic or dangerous. Lemon seeds contain salicylic acid and have similar nutritional properties to the rest of the lemon. That being said, while you probably don’t want to munch lemon seeds like mixed nuts, it won’t hurt you if you accidentally swallow them!
What are some different types of lemon trees?Most everyone knows the Meyer lemon tree, but quite a few different variants of the Citrus limon species exist. Lisbon lemons tend to be one of the most popular and commercially available lemons. Other types of lemon trees include pink variegated, Eureka, Bearss lemons, Primofiori, Verna, Avon, Greek Citron, and Ponderosa, to name just a few.
Also, I found this great lemon list on PlantSnap that describes what makes each of the different kinds of lemon trees special, useful, or unique.
Do lemon trees have thorns?Yes, most true lemon trees have thorns. You may be able to find select varieties of thornless lemon trees, but the quality may not be the same. Generally, most of the best tasting lemon trees do have thorns. Use caution with kids and pets as lemon tree thorns are very sharp if touched.
If lemon tree thorns are problematic, you can take a small pair of scissors and snip the thorns while they are young and small to remove the point. I’ve done this with our seed-grown lemon trees and they are doing great!
How long does it take for lemon seeds to sprout?Germinating lemon seeds can happen as quickly as a week or less, given the right conditions. You may see signs of germination in just five days. Once the lemon seeds sprout, they will grow roots, stems, and leaves as they develop into baby trees.
Several factors come into play when looking at the lemon tree growth rate. Outdoor lemon trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and may take 6 years to produce fruit. Growing lemon trees indoors changes the expected height as you may prune the tree to fit inside. The size of the container for a potted lemon tree also impacts how tall and how quickly the tree grows.
In the summer of 2021, our homegrown lemon tree at about 18 months old was almost as tall as our then- 5-year-old!
Indoor Lemon Tree Height at 18 months old – it’s almost as tall as a five-year-old!If well cared for, lemon trees can live for 50 years or more!
How to Germinate Lemon SeedsLearning how to plant lemon seeds is easier than you might expect! The first few steps are a little time-consuming, but the rest of the process is a snap.
Planting Lemon Seeds from a Store-bought LemonMaterialsTo do this project, you will need paper towels, water, zip-top baggies, a permanent marker like Sharpie, lemons, and possibly a knife and spray bottle.
Follow these steps to plant a lemon tree from seed.
Harvesting Lemon Seeds- First, cut a lemon into wedges and pick out the seeds. Set aside or store the lemon wedges for cooking or making lemon water.
- Rinse and then soak the lemon seeds in a small container for about 15 minutes.
- Use your thumbnail or a small knife to nick the seed coat and then remove it from the lemon seed.
- Fold a paper towel in half and lightly wet it with water. I use a spray bottle.
- Space the lemon seeds out so they aren’t touching. You can spray a little more water if you like. It should be damp but not dripping or pooling.
- Fold the paper towel down over the lemon seeds so they are fully covered.
- Carefully move the wrapped seeds into the zip-top bag.
- Use a permanent marker to label the type of seeds (lemon) and the date.
- Set the baggie somewhere warm and out of the way. I place mine on top of the microwave and around heating vents.
- After five days to a week, check to look for lemon seed sprouts. You may notice the root radicle coming out of the nut-like lemon seeds. If you see this, your lemon seeds have germinated!
Once your seeds have sprouted, you can move them to small pots.
- Place a coffee filter or cut piece of one into the bottom of the pot. This helps to capture soil so it doesn’t drain out with the water.
- Fill the flower pot with potting soil. (My favorite potting soil to use indoors is ProMix, but I also like the citrus and palm soil by Miracle Gro!)
- Place the sprouted lemon seed or lemon tree seedling in the pot. Cover the seed completely or plant the baby tree with the trunk and leaves above the surface.
- Water thoroughly and place in a sunny window or under grow lights. Monitor for growth and changes.
This entire process shouldn’t actualy take you too long, but I wanted to make the steps as clear and easy to understand as possible. If you’re having any trouble or have any questions, just post a comment. I respond to each and every one!
Fun Idea for Germinating Lemon SeedsGrowing lemon trees from seed is so easy and fun that I often want to share this joy with others.
Kids would be great gardening buddies to help grow lemon trees from seed. You can also get a friend to join you in your lemon growing adventure.
Lemon trees are so much fun to grow, but the joy is also wonderful shared with others. Consider this fun idea for a special someone! (or yourself!)
Fresh, delicious, yellow lemon on a wooden deckPlanting Lemon Seeds in a MugImagine a lemon tree growing in a cute mug! My preference would be to find a lemon or citrus themed mug and then go about planting lemon seeds in the mug.
Make a few personalized gifts with lemon seeds growing in a mug for those you love. Grandmothers, aunts, and moms may especially love this fun garden related gift.
Also, planting lemon seeds in a cup would be a super cute teacher gift, if your teacher likes gardening. (We all know teachers have plenty of regular mugs already! But how many have a lemon tree…?)
Our website features affiliate links to products that we personally believe in. If you make a purchase from a link on our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps our girls chase their garden dreams! Thanks for your support. (View full affiliate disclaimer at the end of the page.)
You’ve also got to love this fun mug flower pot! That checks off both boxes when planting lemon seeds in a mug.
Lemonade DreamsNow that I know how to germinate lemon trees, I am addicted to growing citrus from seed! My young lemon trees are some of my favorite plants and wintertime houseplants.
I just love them!
And, I can’t wait to see my clementine trees following along in this awesome path!
I’m so glad to document the journey from seed to – hopefully – fruit!
At the original publishing of this article, my homegrown lemon trees from seed are probably about 20 months old. Ahh, I have toddlers!
New Growth on our Young Lemon TreeNow, if I can just keep them happy, maybe I will have some lemon blossoms next year or the following!
For years now, I’ve had visions of sipping lemonade on my deck while working on my blog with my pup chilling out nearby.
If all goes well with my baby lemon trees, hopefully I’ll be making fresh-squeezed lemonade with my own homegrown lemons!
Here’s a lemon tree growing in the Adirondacks of New York – it’s actually at a place called the Lemon Tree Brewery. I am sure they dig it up because it gets WAY colder there than it does here. But, isn’t it beautiful?!
Lemon Tree Flowering at Lemon Tree Brewery in Speculator, NY, Adirondacks(In the meantime, I buy store-bought lemons and make fruit-infused lemonades like this fresh blueberry lemonade! Although, I think my favorite is the strawberry lemonade and I just haven’t had time to write about that one yet.
)
Updated Photos of Seed-Grown Lemon Trees
As of October 2022, here is my favorite lemon tree grown from seed. She’s gotten a lot bushier and taller since the earlier photos!
My favorite baby lemon tree we grew from seed – photo from October 12, 2022.My favorite is our Border Collie sunning herself with my favorite baby tree that I grew from seed.
::heart eyes::
I love this dog SO much! Here she is sunning herself next to my favorite seed-grown lemon tree. October 2022Do you have a lemon tree at home? Are you excited to try growing baby lemon trees or another citrus along with me?!
AND!!! If you’re lucky enough to have a flowering lemon tree, you might wanna check out our post on lemon tree pollination by hand, especially for those indoor citrus trees!
Let’s chat in the comments – it makes my day hearing from you guys!
Happy Gardening!
10.12.22 – Updated to add a link to new lemon tree pollination post.
Changed bulleted list on the instructions to numbered steps and improved spacing. Added two updated photos.
11.03.22 – Added Google webstory – https://www.bunnysgarden.com/web-stories/planting-lemon-seeds/.
90,000 lemon from a bone at home - growing a tree in 2022 on a GudgrontContent
- Description of plant
- Where to start
- Eating seeds
- Care 9000,000 9000
Many gardeners dream of growing a fragrant lemon on the windowsill to please the household with delicious tea with the addition of citrus. At first glance, the task seems difficult, because a tree planted at home often takes root with difficulty and rarely bears fruit. To succeed, you need to know how to plant a lemon according to all the rules. Only then will the first ovary appear on it in a few years. nine0003Plant description
This evergreen perennial is native to South Asia. From there, in ancient times, it was brought to India, China and many islands of the Pacific Ocean.
To date, lemon has been successfully grown in different countries for the mass collection of fruits, and exotic lovers are happy to grow it from the stone at home. A lemon tree planted at home reaches a height of about 2 meters. Multiple branches with dense leathery green leaves form a spreading crown. Young shoots are covered with dark green bark with a reddish tint. nine0003
If the citrus is germinated from the stone, the first fruits are observed not earlier than 8 years after planting. When citrus is planted by grafting or cuttings, the harvest appears 2 years earlier.
A beautiful tree exudes a delicate lemon aroma, looks great, so at home it is often grown not only for fruits, but also for decorating the interior.
Getting Started
Growing a lemon from a stone is within the reach of every person. You need to make a minimum of effort and strictly follow the recommendations for landing. The first step is to prepare the bones. The main mistake, due to which the seeds do not germinate, is that they are placed in the ground when they have time to dry.
This cannot be done. nine0003 - It is necessary to take a mature large fruit, cut and remove the seeds.
- Rinse under running water and select the strongest seeds.
- To facilitate the spitting of sprouts, it is advisable to soak the seeds for a day in a special growth stimulator, which can be bought at a flower shop.
While the seeds are being prepared for planting, it is time to select a nutrient soil and a suitable pot. Lemon seeds do well in small clay pots. At the bottom of the tank, it is required to pour a two-centimeter layer of drainage. It can be expanded clay or small fragments of brick - the main thing is that they pass excess moisture well, otherwise the roots of the young sprout will begin to rot and die. nine0003
Citrus planting soil is easy to get in the store, but many people prefer to prepare the nutrient mixture at home. To do this, you need to take the usual soil from the garden, sand, humus and mix them in the same proportion.
It is useful to put a few tablespoons of charcoal in the prepared mixture. It prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria in the soil. Planting seeds
When the preparatory work is completed, you can start landing. It is recommended to plant 3-4 seeds in one pot in order to subsequently select the strongest shoots. The earth in the container must be moistened with settled water. Deepen the lemon seeds 2 cm into the ground and sprinkle with earth. nine0003
Tip
In order for the planting of citrus to be successful, it is advisable to carry out the procedure in the last days of February. In this case, the growth of young plants will be facilitated by the spring sun and increased daylight hours.
- Lemons love heat, so it is impossible to grow them at home without observing the temperature regime. Successful cultivation requires maintaining an air temperature of 20-25 degrees.
- To create a greenhouse effect, the pot is covered with foil and placed in a sunny place.
nine0006 - The first sprouts hatch in 18-21 days. During this time, the film must be periodically lifted for ventilation.
- Watering is recommended only when the soil is dry with a small amount of warm water.
Tender shoots grow quickly. When they form 2 pairs of leaves, the film must be removed and a separate pot should be prepared for each plant.
Transplant
Transplantation should be done in the same nutrient soil that was prepared earlier. Try to select the healthiest sprouts. nine0003
Please note:
- on the leaves - they must be strong and not fall off at the slightest touch;
- per crown - it is desirable that there is a slight distance between the kidneys;
- on shoots - it is required that they have few thorns on them, as this is a sign of a "wild" plant.
Subsequent transplants of a young lemon tree should be carried out as the crown and roots grow.
Young seedlings are transplanted once a year, in June, and it is enough for grown plants to carry out the procedure every few years. Carefully remove the tree from the pot along with the earthy clod so as not to damage the delicate roots, and place in a larger container. nine0003 Care
Lemon cultivation requires bright light, especially in the off-season. During this period, for highlighting, it is advisable to purchase an LED phytolamp and turn it on in the evenings and on cloudy days.
The room where citrus grows should be warm and humid. Rinse the leaves of the plant with water more often, spray it from a watering can. But it is not recommended to overfill the root system. The tree painfully perceives the decay of the roots and instantly withers from it. In winter, watering should be halved and carried out when the top layer of the earth dries well. nine0003
Tip
It is important to correctly form the crown of the plant. For the splendor of the green mass in the first year of life, you must carefully pinch the top of the lemon tree.
In order for the trunk to be even, and the crown to be round and neat, you need to turn the pot with the plant 30 degrees clockwise every 7 days. Sometimes a lemon blooms in the first or second year. Despite the beauty of the buds, they must be ruthlessly cut off. Flowering is too debilitating for the tree. He does not have enough strength for further development, and it may die. Flowers can be left only when there are 15 green leaves for each bud. nine0003
Top dressing
At first, the cultivation of lemon does not involve additional fertilizing. The soil prepared for planting has all the necessary substances for growth and development. 3-4 months after transplantation, the grown shoots begin to be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers. It is advisable to buy ready-made mixtures in a flower shop and use according to the instructions.
If for some reason this is not possible, it is allowed to use coffee grounds or tea leaves for top dressing.
They should be sprinkled on the top layer of earth in a pot before watering. Egg shells are well suited for fertilizing. It needs to be crushed, combined with starch one to one and sprinkled with the mixture on the ground before each watering. nine0003 Diseases
With insufficient care, a lemon growing at home begins to wither. When this happens, his leaves turn yellow, wither and fall off. To prevent this, adjust the watering and provide the citrus with good lighting.
- Yellow spots on the leaves indicate iron deficiency.
- Dry tips indicate lack of phosphorus.
- Shriveling and falling leaves indicate a deficiency of manganese and potassium. nine0006
The plant can be helped by timely harvesting of damaged shoots and a properly selected mineral complex.
For the prevention of pests and diseases of lemon at home, it is recommended to use Fitosporin. The drug is diluted with water, following the instructions, and the root system of the plant is irrigated.
Now you know how to plant a lemon and grow a miniature tree from a seed. The main thing is proper planting, caring care, and then you can quickly enjoy the fruits of the first harvest harvested at home. nine0003
How to grow a lemon at home from a seed, and will it bear fruit
A cup of hot tea with lemon on a cold winter evening - what could be better? Especially if you need to save yourself from colds. Lemon fruits are not only tasty, but also useful, they are also used in everyday life: for flavoring, destroying many types of stains, getting rid of insects. A hand-grown lemon tree can become a real decoration of your room.
Contents
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1 We grow lemon from the stone at home
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1.1 Rules for growing lemon from seeds at home
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1.1.1 Seed preparation
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1.1.2 Soil and planting process
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1.2 Video: planting lemon seeds
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2 Lemon Care
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2.
1 Transfer -
2.1.1 Video: transplanting a lemon
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2.2 Flowering and fruiting
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2.3 Pruning
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3 Lemon graft
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3.1 Budding method
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3.1.1 Video: how to graft a lemon by budding
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3.2 Improved copulation method
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3.3 Split grafting
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3.3.1 Video: how to graft a lemon into the split and under the bark
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How to grow a lemon from a seed at home
Like all citrus fruits, lemon belongs to tropical plants. It is demanding on heat, sunlight and a certain soil composition, which is why it is not possible to cultivate it in open ground in our climate. But lemons are successfully grown by home plant lovers to decorate rooms.
Even an unfruitful lemon tree can decorate your room
Novice growers are often dissatisfied with the fact that homemade lemons do not bear fruit, and even ovaries do not form on grown trees.
We have to wait a long time for a positive result, because under normal conditions the first flowering of a room lemon occurs at best 4–7 years after planting. In fact, with some effort and adherence to the rules, you can get fragrant lemon fruits much earlier.
Rules for growing lemon from seeds at home
First of all, you need to figure out how to choose and plant a seed.
Seed preparation
Most of the failures in growing citrus from the stone are directly related to errors in seed preparation. Many flower growers use seeds that have long been extracted from the fruit and dried. From my own experience I will say: such planting material will give good shoots, subsequently strong healthy trees will grow out of almost all of them, but they will certainly not give fruit. Therefore, the bones must be removed from a ripe fresh fruit immediately before planting. nine0003
Stones must be removed from a ripe lemon right before planting
There are two ways to plant stones:
- Plant seeds in shells:
- Remove the seeds from the fruit, wash them carefully in running water at room temperature.
- Immediately, before the planting material has had time to dry, place it in a pot with a pre-prepared substrate.
- Seeds should be buried a maximum of 3 cm into the ground. If the depth is greater, the seed may begin to rot under a layer of moist soil or a weak sprout will not break through. nine0002 The pit of a lemon should be buried no more than 3 cm into the ground
- Remove the seeds from the fruit, wash them carefully in running water at room temperature.
- Planting seeds without shells: take the seeds and very carefully remove the hard shells from them with a sharp knife - they prevent the seeds from germinating quickly. Do everything very carefully: the cotyledons are soft and can be easily damaged.
Peeled pits will germinate much faster
By the way, you can soak the seeds for several hours in a growth stimulator before planting. This will significantly increase the activity of the seed, and hence the chances of germination. I used this method: first, I soaked the bones overnight in a solution of Sakhalin sodium humate, bringing it to such a concentration that the color was not darker than beer.
And then for another day (8–12 hours) I lowered it into the solution of the Epin-extra composition (1 drop of the substance per 1 glass of water). Instead of this drug, Zircon can be used in the same ratio. nine0003 For better germination of the seeds in the shells, soak them in a growth stimulator.
Soil and planting process
You can plant lemon seeds in shallow and wide containers, small pots or plastic cups. The main thing is to provide drainage holes in the bottom of the tank.
The easiest solution is to buy ready-made soil for citrus plants in the store. But you can prepare it yourself. To do this, you need to take equal parts of sand, humus and garden soil and mix them thoroughly. nine0084 Add some powdered charcoal to this substrate, this will help to avoid bacterial infections later.
Try to sow at the end of winter. This is the most suitable time, because, firstly, the ripening season of most varieties of lemons is coming, and secondly, the daylight hours are increasing, which will have a very good effect on the sprouted sprouts.
The planting process is as follows:
- In prepared containers, make a 2 cm thick drainage layer of vermiculite or fine expanded clay. nine0006
- Place soil on top leaving approx. 1–1.5 cm to the rim of the container.
- Plant the seeds in the soil, deepening them by 3 cm.
- Place a piece of glass or cling film on top of each bowl to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place seed containers in a warm, draught-free, well-lit area. Heat-loving lemons need a temperature of 22–25 °C for good germination. In any case, it should not fall below 18 °C.
For a lemon to sprout and grow healthy and strong, provide it with light, heat and humidity
It is recommended to plant several seeds at once. Some of them may not sprout, but the more planting material, the higher the likelihood that several seeds will germinate, and at least 2-3 of them will become strong healthy trees.
Plant several seeds at once to ensure seedlings
After planting, seedlings do not need watering, since the greenhouse will provide the necessary level of humidity.
But once every 2-3 days, remove the film from the containers for ventilation for 15 minutes and spray the soil with a spray bottle. nine0003 Video: planting lemon seeds
Lemon care
The first sprouts will appear after 2-4 weeks. Take a closer look at them: sometimes two shoots appear from one bone. In this case, you will need to remove the one that is weaker.
The first shoots will appear 2-4 weeks after planting
Transplanting
When 3-4 strong leaves appear on each seedling, lemons should be planted in different pots. After that, for 3-4 years, the lemon tree should be replanted in containers of a larger diameter annually. In the future, when the growth of the tree stabilizes, a transplant will be required every 2-3 years.
nine0003 Lemon seedlings should be planted after 3-4 mature leaves appear on each
Transplanting a lemon tree at any stage of growth must be done very carefully, otherwise you may damage the delicate root system. It is better to take a tree out of an old pot along with an earthy clod. Also note that the diameter and height of the new pot should be 5 cm larger than the previous one.
After a successful transplant, lemon care will require watering (the soil must not be allowed to dry out), top dressing and maintenance of lighting. In the summer, alternately apply liquid mineral fertilizers and a solution of humus into the soil after 10–14 days. nine0084 From autumn to spring, when daylight hours are shorter, provide lemon seedlings with additional lighting with LED or fluorescent lamps.
Seedlings will benefit from periodic spraying with warm water.
In the first year after transplanting, pinch the top of the tree to form a lush crown later on.
Video: replanting a lemon
Flowering and fruiting
Some growers expect citrus fruits to bloom almost immediately after the seedlings grow up and get stronger. nine0084 However, if flowers appear in the first year of the tree's growth, they must be removed: early ovaries will weaken the plant and prevent it from developing properly.
Flowers that appear in the first year of lemon growth must be removed
Lemons should only be allowed to bloom and bear fruit when the tree is 3 years old. A lemon grown from a stone will be ready to bear fruit when there are at least 15 leaves per 1 flower in the crown.
Seeds of hybrid lemons do not always have parental characteristics, therefore, in most cases, "wild birds" will grow from the seed of such fruits.
nine0003 You can determine by external signs when a tree is ready to bear fruit and what quality of fruit it will bear. Cultivated citrus fruits always have a small number of thorns on their shoots.
Pruning
While the plant is very young (1-4 years old), remove all shoots that grow inside the crown and pinch off the tops of branches that are too long. This is necessary so that the crown takes the correct shape, and the tree does not grow in breadth and height, wasting useful substances in vain. nine0003
To prevent the lemon tree from growing, you need to remove excess shoots
It is also recommended to rotate the plant pot from time to time a few centimeters around its axis so that all branches grow evenly.
Lemon grafting
For a lemon tree to bear fruit, choosing good planting material is not enough. Fruiting will begin earlier, but the fruits will be small and significantly inferior to the store in appearance, taste and aroma.
To prevent this from happening, you need to graft a tree that has grown from a seed. nine0003 The process of grafting a lemon is simple, you can easily cope with it. To do this, take the following:
- grafting knife and secateurs;
- graft from the mother tree;
- grafting tape;
- garden pitch for processing;
- film;
- damp cloth.
The rootstock will be a tree that you have grown from a seed. It is better to cut the stalk that will become a scion right before grafting from a fruiting adult lemon. If you do not have the opportunity to immediately use the cut stalk, then wrap it with a damp cloth and store it in the refrigerator until the right time. nine0003
Lemon should be vaccinated from the end of April to the beginning of August - it is at this time that the juice in the trunk circulates especially actively, which will ensure good survival. It is also recommended to graft the plant on a cloudy day, especially on rainy days with high humidity.
Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before starting the procedure, rubbing alcohol on cutting tools, and avoid touching fresh cuts to prevent infection.
nine0064There are three common methods for grafting lemon:
- budding method;
- copulation method;
- split grafting
Budding method
When the stem of the seedling reaches a thickness of 6 mm in diameter, it can be grafted by budding. The process looks like this:
- Wipe the barrel with a damp cloth.
- Make a cut in the trunk in the shape of a "T" at a height of 5-6 cm from the ground. In this case, the first cut should be horizontal, no more than 1 cm, and from its middle it is drawn down with a second length of 2.5 cm. Only the bark should be cut, without touching the core. Bend the edges of the second cut carefully with a knife. nine0002 It is possible to graft a lemon by budding when the thickness of the stem of the seedling is 6 mm
- Use a sharp blade to cut the eye off the rootstock.
On the reverse side of the branch, a plate of thin bark should remain. Insert the rootstock branch into the vertical cut on the scion and press it firmly against the wood. - Wrap the grafting site from top to bottom with tape, leaving the peephole open.
You can graft two kidneys at once, then at least one is guaranteed to take root. After it is seen that the branch has taken root, cut off the crown of the seedling above the grafting site at a height of 5–6 mm. nine0003
Video: how to graft a lemon by budding
Improved copulation method
How to copulate (with a tongue) as follows:
- Select the rootstock and scion so that they have approximately the same diameter.
- Sections should be 3-4 cm long and free of tubercles.
In the middle of each of them, make a vertical cut 1 cm deep. - Connect both cuts by inserting one vertical cut into the other.
The copulation method is used when the rootstock and graft are approximately the same diameter
- Wrap the inoculation site tightly with special tape or a medical glove cut into strips.
Split grafting
Split grafting procedure is as follows:
- Wipe seedling and rootstock with a damp cloth.
- Cut the tree horizontally with pruning shears at a height of 5-10 cm from the ground, make a cut 2-3 cm deep in the middle of the trunk with a sharp knife.
When split grafting, an incision is made in the middle of the trunk
- Make 2 oblique wedge-shaped cuts 2–3 cm long on the scion and insert the branch into the split.
- Wrap the grafting site with tape and brush the cuts with garden pitch.
In this case it is also possible to make two grafts at the same time.
