9. 2. 2015. How to grow a lemon tree from seed | Growing Wild
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How to grow a lemon tree from seed
When life gives you lemons, grow trees!
If you’ve ever seen a flowering lemon tree, you’ll understand why. For those of you who haven’t, allow me
explain. Their lush, dark green, oval leaves have a glossy texture that shimmers in sunlight. Their delicate
white flowers bloom with a citrus fragrance and are soft to the touch. Their exotic nature provides an
alluring quality. And, finally, they bear the exciting possibility of fruit!
Typically, lemon trees flourish outdoors yearround in hot, sunny regions, but they can also thrive
indoors as edible houseplants in coldseason climates. At the organic food store where I work we have a
healthy lemon cutting producing massive fruit in a garage setting all year. It makes for an impressive sight
during the dead of a Canadian winter!
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Th is is th e lit t le tr ee w ith big fru it in th e shop I w ork a t .
And while rooting cuttings is a sensible option for fast fruit, lemon tree cuttings are not readily available
in many parts of the world. But lemons are another story. And although it may take anywhere from 36
years for your tree to be capable of producing fruit, there is something extra rewarding about starting
from seed. I currently have six strong little seedlings on the go, all of which were germinated in the middle
of winter with very little effort. Watching them grow has been an exciting and fascinating experience and I
know the best is yet to come.
Here is a stepbystep guide to growing your very own lemon tree from seed:
9. 2. 2015. How to grow a lemon tree from seed | Growing Wild
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Things you’ll need:
1. A lemon. Make sure you purchase an organic lemon since some nonorganic lemon seeds may be
“duds”, incapable of germinating. Any organic lemon will do, but if you have climate or space restrictions,
you may want to try looking for a specific variety called a “Meyer” lemon. Meyer lemons are a smaller
type of lemon, often grown for ornamental purposes, and are thus better suited for indoor containers. I
chose Meyer seeds for these reasons, but you can use any seed that makes sense for your situation.
Th is is a Mey er lem on!
2. Potting soil. I would guess that any potting soil will do, but I suggest using one with a blend of peat,
perlite, vermiculite, and organic fertilizer. Every single one of the seeds I planted in this type of certified
organic potting mix have sprouted beautifully, so I think it’s fair to say that it works.
3. Container/pot. A container (with drainage holes) that is 56” deep and a few inches in diameter will be
sufficient for sprouting; however, the seedling will need to be repotted into a much larger container.
Mature lemon trees prefer a container that is wider rather than deeper, so I suggest planting your seedling
in a pot that is 1016” deep and 1218” in diameter. Your baby tree will happily make itself at home in this
larger container for the next few years, at which time you may want to upgrade again.
4. A grow light or lots of sun. Lemon trees need a lot of light, especially when they are sprouting and
require 1014 hours of it each day. If you don’t have a consistently sunny window (like me), get a grow
light. They don’t cost much and will prove their worth in healthy green foliage.
Method for sprouting the lemon seed:
1. Premoisten your potting soil. Put some soil into a bucket and mix in some water until the soil is damp
all the way through.
2. Fill your container with the premoistened soil. Leave about an inch of space below the rim of your
9. 2. 2015. How to grow a lemon tree from seed | Growing Wild
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container.
3. Slice open your lemon and choose a seed that looks completely full of life. Pop it into your mouth and
suck on it until all the flesh is removed and the lemon flavour is gone. Do not allow the seed to dry out at
any time. It needs to stay moist in order to germinate. I suggest keeping it in your mouth until you’re
ready to plant.
4. Plant your seed! While it’s moist, plant your seed about 1/2″ below the soil level. Cover it completely
with soil and water well with a squirt bottle or gentle watering can.
5. Cover your container with breathable plastic to keep your seeds warm and moist. I used a piece of clear
garbage bag with holes poked into it and a rubber band to securely hold it in place.
6. Place the container in a warm location and observe for the next few days. Keep in mind: your seed
needs warmth and moisture in order to germinate. Don’t allow the potting soil to dry out completely. Also
take caution that you don’t cook your seed in its little greenhouse. Too much heat and moisture could
lead to a rotten seed! You’re aiming to achieve a nice balance, so if you feel like the soil is warm enough
without the plastic then it’s probably safest to remove it.
7. In about two weeks you may notice a sprout emerging from the soil. Once it appears, remove the plastic
(if it’s still on) and place the little guy in a warm location with plenty of direct sunlight. Supplement sun
with your grow light if needed.
Here a re m y lit t le gu y s one m onth a fter plan t ing .
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At a lit t le less th an tw o m onth s old, th is lit t le gu y is upgrading to a la rger hom e.
8. Care for your new baby and watch it grow! Provide it with:
Water. Ensure that the soil is damp at all times, especially when your lemon tree is young. Do not
allow it to sit in a puddle of stagnant water though; those drainage holes are there for good reason.
Sunlight. Place it in a warm sunny window where it will receive eight hours of direct sunlight each
day, or supplement some sun for a grow light. Since Toronto rarely seems to get any sun in the
winter, my sprouts reside in a welllit window under the warm rays of a grow light for 12 hours each
day.
9. 2. 2015. How to grow a lemon tree from seed | Growing Wild
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Food. In order to keep your lemon tree healthy and growing the soil will eventually need to be
replenished with nutrients. I suggest feeding it an organic fertilizer, such as compost
or vermicompost, once it has developed a nice little set of leaves. Dig a little trench around the base
of your tree, fill it with compost and water it well. Or, serve it up as compost tea. Try feeding it twice
a year or as needed, but do not overfeed! When it comes to fertilizing, less it best; so if in doubt, put
it off a bit longer. (Another option is to start your seed in potting soil with vermicompost or worm
castings mixed into it).
Love. Spend some time looking at your new citrus friend. Pay attention to its growth. Feel it, talk to
it, sing to it, but don’t try to dance with it. Get into the habit of watching for browning leaves and
checking the underside of leaves for pests. Just like us, our plants can fall victim to bugs and disease
and may sometimes require some extra love and affection.