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Lemon plant seedling


Growing Lemon Trees from Seed

Growing lemon trees from seed is simple, and they thrive with minimal care indoors (or outside in warm locations).

Lemons are a great way to add flavor and bright acidity to home-cooked meals.  Beyond our everyday cooking, I use them by the dozen making homemade limoncello. I also usually add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to homemade jam recipes, to both balance the sugar and add pectin to help the jam set.

All of that adds up to a lot of lemons in a year, which in turn means a lot of lemon seeds.  

I always felt bad just composting them.  Why not plant lemon seeds instead?

It turns out, lemon trees are incredibly easy to grow from seed.  The seeds germinate so easily that some people plant them by the cup full and grow them as a potpourri (since the young leaves are so fragrant).

Lemon leaf potpourri might be a nice novelty, but I’m more interested in growing lemon trees from seed.  About a decade ago I started planting lemon seeds and raising lemon trees at home so I could harvest our own homegrown lemons.

The trees aren’t exactly hardy here in Vermont, but growing lemon trees in pots allows you to bring them indoors during the winter months.

These fast-growing trees go from seedling to producing full-sized lemons in about 3 years, so it’s well worth the effort.

A young lemon tree seedling on our windowsill. This one’s just a few months old, but it’s already about 6-8” tall.

Growing Lemon Trees from Seed

Growing a lemon tree from seed, whether it eventually produces fruit or not, is a worthwhile endeavor if you’re curious about propagating seeds or learning how citrus trees grow.  They’re fun houseplants that are not only beautiful but the leaves and foliage smell wonderful. 

The actual fruit is just the icing on the cake, but it doesn’t take much to get them to produce.

Grown indoors, lemon trees will typically produce fruit after 2 to 3 years. Sometimes you’ll get a tree that doesn’t end up growing lemons, but that doesn’t mean the tree itself is a lemon, so to speak, as tending to a fruit-less lemon plant is still a pleasant and rewarding experience.

All you need to get started is a healthy-looking, juicy lemon (more specifically, its seeds). If possible, choose an organic lemon, or one that hasn’t been treated with pesticides.

Remove the seeds from a cut lemon carefully, they need to be intact (read: no cuts) when planted. I use my fingers to remove them from the fruit and then rinse them off using cool water, you want to get rid of any remaining pulp as the residual sugar causes fungus to grow, which in turn leads to seed rot.

Lemon seeds pulled out of a fresh organic lemon.

Lemon Tree Seed Germination

Unlike some seeds that require a germination period in paper towel or water, lemon seeds should be planted as soon as they’ve been rinsed.

Try not to let them dry out, they should still be wet when planted.

Plant the wet lemon seeds in a small pot with drainage holes, using pasteurized soil mix (the pasteurization part is important, as it improves the likelihood your lemon seeds will grow without issue).

At this point in the process, you can plant several seeds in a single pot. The seeds only need to be planted a 1/2-inch deep to successfully propagate, the soil should be gently moistened with water and the container covered with plastic wrap to keep the growing environment damp but not wet. 

The growing lemon seeds need to be kept in warm environment, about 70° F, during the initial germination period. If your house runs cold, the top of the refrigerator is a good place to keep the pots.

Depending on the seeds and growing conditions, you should see growth in 1 to 3 weeks. 

As soon as you notice the seedlings poking through the soil, remove the plastic wrap and place the pot in a warm, bright location. When the seedlings have grown several leaves, it’s time to transplant them to larger potting containers.

Using the same pasteurized soil mix as before, carefully move the seedings into containers that are 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

As the tree grows, replant it in a larger container to match its size and give the plant a good pruning in the spring.

Lemon Tree Care

The planted, germinated seedlings should be placed in a location where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of sunlight during the day, at a temperature between 60° and 70° F.

Keep the soil moist by watering when the top 2 to 3 inches feels dry, you can test this by sticking your finger directly into the soil and feeling for wetness. Like other plants, when lemon trees need water the leaves will begin to droop.

Unless you live in a truly cold climate, bring your lemon trees outside when the warm weather hits. Even if this is only for a few months, the steady, direct sun will make it so your trees are more likely to eventually produce fruit.

I’m fortunate, also, that we have a small greenhouse built off of the side of the house, which is where we keep our potted lemon trees throughout the spring and autumn months.  The greenhouse extends their “outdoor” time, but we still have to bring them indoors for the coldest part of winter.

Lemon trees growing in our attached greenhouse in spring, next to our annual garden starts. They’re about ready to go outdoors for the summer season, once the risk of frost is past.

Lemon Tree Hardiness

Lemon trees are usually hardy to zone 9, meaning they can handle a very occasional light frost.  They’ll take damage if the temps go below 32 F (or 0 C), but most can survive to 28 F (or -2 C).  Some trees are a bit tougher and can make it as low as 22 F (or -5 C), but it’s best not to risk it.

When you see a frost warning in your area, it’s time to bring your lemon trees indoors for the season.

Best Fertilizer for Indoor Lemon Trees

You can keep your lemon trees happy during the warmer months by feeding them a water-soluble nitrogen- and potassium-rich fertilizer every two to four weeks, making sure the surrounding soil stays nice and moist (but not overwatered or soggy). 

A common mistake is to apply fertilizer to lemon trees in winter when they’re indoors.  People see the trees dropping leaves and panic.  They start watering more and add fertilizer, which is just the opposite of what the trees need.

If the trees start to drop leaves indoors in the winter, reduce watering, stop fertilizing and allow the trees to go dormant.  They’ll perk right back up in the spring once they’re in bright light again.

Winter Lemon Tree Care

The type of lemon tree winter care your plants need is entirely dependent on where you live, ambient temperature, and light exposure. So, for example, if you’re from a warm locale such as California or Florida, you can keep lemon tree plants outside in their pots all year long.

On the other hand, if you’re living in a cooler climate where the days get very short during the winter, it’s vital that the plants are brought indoors during that time. Keep the trees in a warm, draft-free location inside.

Reduce the watering schedule and cease fertilizer applications, waiting to resume until the following spring.

Here in Vermont, we keep our lemon trees indoors for the winter for about 4 months of the year.

As you can see in the photos, the greenhouse is an ideal place to grow citrus trees indoors during the shoulder seasons. The main idea is to avoid frost, so bring in the lemon trees before the first frost and after the (hopefully) last frost of the winter.

It’s normal, and in fact healthy, for plants to undergo a state of dormancy during this time. You might find the lemon tree stops growing or it loses some of its leaves; this is your plant’s way of conserving its energy and isn’t something to be worried about.

Once the weather warms up and the sunlight increases your lemon tree will begin to grow with gusto once more.

This 18-month-old lemon tree seedling is just going out to our attached greenhouse in the late winter. You can still see snow on the ground outside, but the greenhouse will allow the lemon tree to get a jump start on the growing season before it moves outdoors in the summer.

Harvesting and Using Lemons

After a period of 1 to 3 years, your lemon tree might begin to produce fruit. Lemons can take up to 6 month to ripen, depending on the variety, and are ready to be picked when they have firm, glossy skin and are 2 to 3 inches in size.

If you’re growing lemons from seed in a colder climate, your lemon crop will be small.

If, however, you lived in warmer part of the United States (or any other warm climate), you’ll be able to harvest lemons by the bucketload.

In either case, preserving lemons by one means or another is a fantastic way to hang on to that “fresh from the tree” flavor. My favorite and most hands-off way of preserving lemons is to make limoncello, a traditional sweet-tart Italian digestif that can be sipped on its own after a meal or mixed into a cocktail (like this effervescent drink made with limoncello, prosecco, and sparkling lemon soda).

Looking for more ways to preserve the fruits of your labor? Check out these options:

Seedling Growing Guides

Try growing other perennial plants and trees from seed!

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 .

(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.  

(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 grow indoor lemon, care rules - Agro-Market24

Indoor lemon is the most popular fruit house plant. Flower growers fell in love with it for its incredibly fragrant flowers, unusually tasty fruits and healthy leaves. How to properly plant and care for a lemon?


Planting a lemon from a seed is not effective, since the plants do not bear fruit soon. Therefore, it is better to choose a seedling of the desired variety and purchase it. nine0003

Proper planting of a lemon seedling is half the success in growing it. Plants need a cramped pot, as they are easy to fill in a large container. Lack of space encourages citrus blooms.

Landing order:

  1. Expanded clay or other drainage is poured into the prepared container.
  2. Spread the prepared soil in a 2-3 cm layer.
  3. Place the lemon so that its root neck is at the same level. nine0017
  4. Fill the pot with soil, retreating from the edge of 2-3 cm for easy watering.
  5. Lightly compact the soil, water liberally.


Planting lemon seedlings can be carried out all year round, if the earthen room is not disturbed.

Conditions for growing indoor lemon

In order for a lemon to feel comfortable and get sick less, you should provide it with suitable growing conditions. nine0003

Lighting

Lemon tolerates a lack of light well, prefers diffused lighting. The scorching midday rays are dangerous for him: burns will appear on the leaves. A west facing window would be ideal.


Temperature

The lemon does not tolerate extreme heat. The most comfortable temperature for him varies between 18-22 degrees. High temperatures provoke a refusal to bloom. nine0003

Primer

Citruses prefer fertile, breathable soils. In heavy soils, the roots quickly rot, the plant dies. And too light soils dry out quickly, which is also detrimental to citrus. It is recommended to plant lemons in special soil mixtures for citrus fruits.

Air humidity for lemon

The plant needs high humidity. Dry warm air provokes the drying of the edge of the leaves, their yellowing. In such conditions, lemons are more often attacked by spider mites. For the summer, citrus can be transferred to open ground by placing the pot in the shade of trees. nine0003


Maintenance

A harmoniously developed, lush tree with flowers and fruits is the result of careful care of the lemon.

Watering

A feature of growing lemons is verified watering. The plant reacts negatively both to the drying of an earthen coma and to excessive irrigation. Water when the top layer of the soil is dry.

Cutting

A lemon formed according to the rules begins to bear fruit faster, and the tree itself looks neat and compact. When reaching a branch length of 15 cm, it is better to pinch its top. This stimulates branching, the growth of side shoots.

Do not abuse the removal of shoots: for the ripening of each fruit, the plant needs 20-25 leaves.

Indoor lemon dressing

Lemon needs regular feeding throughout the season. From spring to autumn, you can fertilize it every 2 weeks, alternating irrigation under the root with spraying on the leaf. In winter, 1 top dressing per month is enough.

The culture is responsive to organic complex fertilizers, so it is better to purchase products suitable for citrus fruits.


To taste your own lemon, planting and caring for the plant must be meticulous. Any mistakes will lead to dropping ovaries and foliage. A healthy plant will please with a high decorative effect, it will successfully fit into any interior. nine0003

You can choose productive varieties in the "Lemon seedlings" section.

Growing a lemon tree at home. Photo — Botanichka

The lemon tree is a perennial plant that loves warmth and sufficient moisture. Under natural conditions, it grows in a subtropical climate and reaches a height of three meters (dwarf varieties) to eight. Due to its unpretentiousness and love of warmth, a lemon tree can be grown in an ordinary city apartment or house. nine0003 Lemon tree sprouts. © Megs

Home-grown lemon trees produce edible fruit all year round if cared for. True, such trees begin to bear fruit at the age of 7-10 years from the moment of planting. Planting can be done in two ways: from a simple lemon seed bought at any store, or from cuttings and seedlings. Lemon trees grown from seeds grow more actively, they are healthier and more unpretentious than those grown from seedlings or cuttings, but the latter begin to bear fruit much faster. nine0003

To grow a lemon tree from seed, it is necessary to choose neat, ripe and well-formed lemons in the store, without signs of spoilage. Seeds are extracted from them, the best specimens of which are used for planting. It must be done immediately after extracting the seeds from lemons.

Seeds are planted in small pots or boxes five centimeters apart. Suitable for planting soil, mixed from peat and flower soil in equal proportions. At the bottom of the pots, drainage from expanded clay or small stones must be present. Seeds are planted to a depth of 1 centimeter. nine0003 Lemon tree. © Pam

The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but it should not be overfilled with water either. Shoots of a lemon tree will appear within a couple of weeks after planting. Among the sprouts that appear, you need to choose only the strongest and grow them until several true leaves appear. Growing is done by covering the lemon sprouts with a jar and placing them in a bright place. In this case, direct sunlight should be avoided. Once a day, the jar rises briefly so that the plant gains access to fresh air. nine0003

When the leaves appear, the strongest sprouts of the lemon tree are transplanted into separate small pots with soil from flower soil and humus. A layer of drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot. Lemon sprouts should be in this pot until they reach a height of about twenty centimeters, after which they are transplanted into larger containers. Growing lemons need to be watered twice a week. Soil moisture should be balanced: without drying out or waterlogging. nine0003 Lemon tree sprout is ready for transplanting. © Megs

To grow a lemon from cuttings, you need to take a branch that is five millimeters thick and about ten centimeters long. The cut stalk is placed in water for several days, after which the twig should be planted in a small pot or box.

The soil for rooting such a seedling should consist of sand, flower soil and humus, which are taken in equal proportions. The branch is buried in the ground to a depth of about three centimeters. The soil is well moistened (without flooding), and the plant itself is sprayed daily with water from a spray bottle. After a month and a half, the plant that has taken root can be transplanted into a pot. nine0003 Meyer lemon sapling. © Josh Puetz

For a permanent location in which to keep a pot of lemon trees, you need to choose a bright room where the grown plant would have access to direct sunlight. The lemon tree does not like moving around the house, so it is better to immediately find a suitable place for it, where the plant will be all the time. It is only allowed to slightly turn different sides of the plant towards the light to form a uniform crown. Yes, and this must be done carefully, gradually turning the lemon tree at a small angle. nine0003

Every year, the lemon should be transplanted into a slightly larger container, carefully moving the roots and the old earth ball into a new pot.

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