Lemon trees are among the easiest fruit trees to grow indoors. All they need is the right soil, and a lot of patience.
It can take a few years for an indoor lemon tree to bloom and produce fruit, but it’s worth the wait. Their shiny leaves and rapid growth are mesmerizing to any greenery addict and you really can’t compare the taste of indoor-grown lemons with store-bought fruit.
As we said, lemon trees are some of the easiest and most spectacular trees to grow indoors, and indoor plants are either small or naturally large, but this does not mean you should not pay your full attention to their germination and propagation!
This article stands as a step-by-step guide to help you grow a lemon tree from seed.
1. Start with Organic Lemons
Begin with an organic lemon to ensure successful germination. Non-organic lemons often have non-germinating seeds, which means they won’t sprout. Select a ripe lemon and extract the seeds for planting.
2. Prepare Potting Soil
Choose a well-draining soil mix for your lemon tree. A mixture of vermiculite, perlite, peat, and organic fertilizer provides adequate drainage and essential nutrients. Pour the soil into a bucket, add water until it becomes damp, and mix it evenly.
3. Choose the Right Pot
Select a pot that is about four inches wide and six inches deep for growing one lemon plant. If desired, you can plant multiple seeds in a larger pot. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
4. Prepare the Seeds
Wash the seeds you gathered from the organic lemon to remove the slimy coating. Opt for plump-looking seeds, as they have a better chance of sprouting. Soak the seeds in warm water overnight to promote faster germination.
5. Plant the Seeds
Fill the pot with soil, leaving about an inch of space from the rim. Create a 1/2-inch deep hole using your finger or a pencil. Place the lemon tree seeds into the hole, ensuring that the pointy tip is pointing downward and the rounded part is facing upward. Cover the seeds with soil.
6. Cover the Pot
To create a warm and moist environment for germination, cover the pot with breathable plastic. Use plastic wrap secured with a rubber band and poke small holes in it to allow for air circulation.
7. Provide Adequate Warmth
Place the pot in a warm location, such as beside a window, but avoid direct sunlight at this stage. The ideal temperature range for lemon seed germination is between 68°F and 82.4°F.
8. Water the Soil
Monitor the moisture levels in the soil. The plastic cover will help retain moisture, but if you live in a dry environment, regular watering may be necessary. Remove the plastic cover, water the soil when it begins to dry out, and then re-cover the pot.
9. Care for the Seedlings
Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic cover and transfer the pot to a warm and sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide at least eight hours of sunlight daily, or supplement with a grow light if needed.
10. Transplanting
When the seedlings have developed leaves and the tails are around 3.15 inches long, they are ready for transplanting. Create a shallow hole in a damp, well-drained soil and gently place the seedling in it. Pat the soil around the seedling to secure it.
11. Continued Care
As your lemon tree grows, it will eventually outgrow its pot. After about a year, transfer it to a larger pot, approximately six inches wide. Over time, you may need to move the tree to an even larger pot or transplant it directly into the soil.
Now you know how to grow lemon trees from seed! I hope you’ll have as much success. In fact, I’m looking forward to reading about your experience with these techniques! Let us know how it went for you in the comment section of this article.
