Is it hard to grow a lemon tree ( Citrus limon , USDA zones 9 through 11 ) from seed ? credibly less than you think . With proper growing condition and concern , the seeded player from a single lemon will become yield - behave tree . If you ’re willing to hold off 10 or more yr for your first crop , read on for our answers to the most mutual inquiry on growing lemons from seed !
What Do I Need to Get Started?
To get started , you take :
Expert nurseryman ’s tip : Most diversity of lemons come true from seed , have in mind they inherit the trait of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that produced the seeds they grew from . Meyer lemons are the exception if you embed their seeds , the resulting trees may not be what you expect .
How Do I Prepare the Seeds?
To reduce the risk of your germinating seeds yield to damping off fungus , brew a cup of chamomile blossom Camellia sinensis using distilled water . Let it cool before soaking your seeds in it for 24 hours . The tea ’s high S subject matter is a great fungicide .
The soaked ejaculate will make grow a layer of germ - friendly gel . To polish off it before planting , lap them lightly for 1 minute a sports stadium of unclouded , cool water . Keep the seeds moist while you prepare their starter pot .
How Do I Plant the Seeds?
For this part of the seed commence projection , you need :
Condensation on the perforated credit card cover charge should keep the growing medium moist . If it ’s drying out , remove the cover long enough to mist the mass medium lightly with a spray bottle .
When Will the Seeds Sprout?
Lemon tree cum normally need one to three workweek to germinate . Each workable one sprouts a stalk with two primitive leaves ( cotyledons ) . When the first true leaf appear , fertilize with an constituent , urine - soluble houseplant plant food at the label ’s recommend strength .
Reapply the fertilizer every two weeks and water supply whenever the growing medium looks and feel dry .
When Do I Transplant the Seedlings?
When they have three sets of true leaf , transpose your lemon seedlings to 6 - inch pots fill with moist citrus potting admixture . Water until water runs from the drain jam and keep them in the same warm , cheery location .
What Care Will the Seedlings Need?
In their first year , give your seedlings eight or more hour of daily sun . If necessary , move them outside when nighttime temperature are consistently above 60 ° F ( 15.5 ° degree centigrade ) . Continue watering when the citrus mixing feels and looks dry andfertilizeevery two months during the growing time of year .
When you see root pound through the drainage holes , move the seedlings to 10 - inch pots . Do n’t be alarmed to see pricker sprouting as they get ; they ’re a lifelike defense against folio - munching critter .
Prune the cardinal stalk when the seedlings get leggy and move the smoke back indoors before your first fall frost . Use spring up visible light , if needed , to append their winter Lord’s Day .
Expert gardener ’s tip : Be patient in waiting for your cum - take off trees to flower and bear yield . In the meantime , appreciate them as a lovely , shining - leavedpatio plants and indoor air cleanser .
