Growing a lemon tree indoors is a straightforward and rewarding venture. With just a sunny windowsill, suitable soil, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your own lemon tree. Before diving into the process of growing a lemon tree from seeds, let’s cover some essential points to ensure success.
While it may take a few years for an indoor lemon tree to blossom and bear fruit, the glossy leaves and steady growth make it a captivating project. The flavor of home-grown lemons is incomparable to store-bought ones. Though lemon trees are considered easy to grow indoors, proper attention to germination and propagation is crucial.
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the journey of growing a lemon tree from seed.
Materials Needed:
- One or two organic lemons
- A small plastic zip bag and paper towel
- Sterile citrus soil or a mix of peat, perlite, vermiculite, and organic fertilizer
- 10 cm pots (terracotta or plastic)
You’ll also require a warm, shady place for seed germination and a sunny spot for growing the lemon trees once they sprout.
Germinating Seeds in Paper Towels:
- Collect the Seeds: Cut the lemon and gather its fleshiest seeds. Consider using organic varieties with minimal exposure to pesticides. Aim for at least 5 seeds, as not all may germinate. Clean the pulp from the seeds, rinse them with warm water, and dry them with a paper towel.
- Remove White Skin (Optional): Speed up germination by peeling off the white skin from the seeds, allowing the sprout to emerge more easily. Be cautious not to damage the seeds or the sprout inside.
- Wrap Seeds in Damp Paper Towel: Place seeds about 2 cm apart on a paper towel, cover them with another towel, and dampen it. Seal them in a plastic bag, noting the date. Leave some air inside for moisture, warmth, and air.
- Place in a Warm, Shaded Area: Lemon seeds don’t need light during this stage but require warmth and humidity. Keep them away from cold areas to expedite germination.
After 2 to 4 weeks or when roots are 3 to 5 cm long, the seeds are ready for planting.
- Prepare Soil and Pots: Use pots at least 7 cm in diameter and 10 cm in height. The ideal soil should have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can use a citrus potting mix or create your own.
- Separate Seedlings from Paper Towel: Carefully separate seedlings, even if they only have roots. Some paper towel attached to the roots is acceptable and won’t hinder growth.
- Plant Seedlings: Plant seedlings about 3 cm deep, considering the length of the roots. Gently tap the soil while covering the seedlings, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent root breakage.
- Keep Soil Moist Until Leaves Appear: Maintain soil moisture until each plant has 4 to 5 leaves. Gradually move plants to a sunny window, ideally facing south, for maximum sunlight exposure.
- Allow Top 2 cm of Soil to Dry Between Waterings: Once established, let the top 2 cm of soil dry out between waterings, but never let the entire pot dry out. Lemon trees thrive in humidity.
Remember, after planting, it takes about three years for your lemon tree to produce lemons that are ready for consumption. Whether you choose to peel the white skin or not, nurturing your lemon tree with care is the key to its fruitful future. Happy growing!
