Planting lemon seeds – you can plant your lemon tree from seeds, A well looked after plant will start to bear fragrant fruits in 2-3 years’ time, Here is how you can start planting lemon seeds.
Planting lemon seeds
Seeds selection
The first step in propagating a lemon tree is to select your seeds from an organic lemon fruit. You may choose any type of lemon just avoid the inorganic ones since they tend to have non-germinating seeds. For indoor planting, you may consider the Meyer lemon which is smaller and often grown for ornamental purposes.
Cut open the fruit and select a seed. Remove the seed from the fruit, making sure there is no more pulp clinging to it. Flesh and sugar can foster fungal disease which will kill your seed. Plant the seed in the soonest time possible and do not let it dry out. Moisture is the key to germinating a lemon seed.
Choosing the pot and type of soil
Lemon trees can tolerate a range of soils but works well in a well-drained slightly acidic soil. Its pH level should be between 5.7 and 6.5. You can also use a potting soil that contains a blend of peat, perlite, vermiculite and organic fertilizer. You would also need a planting pot that is six inches wide and six inches deep. Best choice would be a clay pot because it tends to dry up faster.
Moisten the potting soil until it is damp, not soaked. Plant the moist seed about half an inch deep in the middle of the pot. Spray the soil that is covering the seeds gently with water from a spray bottle. Then cover you pot with a clear plastic wrap with small holes above it to aid in water retention.
Light and temperature
Place your potted seeds on an area which is warm and sunny. Lemon trees need full sun in order to thrive well. If you plan to keep it as an indoor plant, make sure you place the pot near a sunny window or bring it outside to sit under the sun for a few hours every day.
Once the seedlings emerge, you may remove the plastic covering the pot. This usually happens in about two weeks’ time after planting the seed. Your lemon seedlings need at least 10 hours of direct sun with temps between 60-70 degrees F.
Nourishment and care
In its first years, your lemon tree will require an average amount of water to thrive. Ensure that the soil is damp at all times. Once your plant is established and fully grown, just a small amount of watering will do. Lemon trees require deep watering once or twice a week but you may adjust depending on the time of the year and weather.
Fertilize your young lemon tree with a water soluble fertilizer high in potassium every two to four weeks. You may cease nutrients when winter arrives and the tree grows larger. You may prune it in the early spring and repot as needed to encourage new growth and fruiting.