GROWING LEMON SEEDS GERMINATION

GROWING LEMON SEEDS GERMINATION

The first step in propagating lemon seeds is to select a good tasting, juicy lemon. Remove the seeds from the pulp and wash them to remove any clinging flesh and sugar that can foster fungal disease, which will kill off your seed by the way. You want to use only fresh seeds and plant them immediately; don’t let them dry out which will decrease the chance that they will germinate. Fill a small pot with pasteurized soil mix or a mix of half peat moss and half perlite or sand and pasteurize it yourself. Pasteurization will also aid in removing any harmful pathogens that can kill your seedling. Plant several lemon seeds about ½ inch deep to increase the chance for lemon seed propagation. Moisten the soil lightly and cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap to aid in water retention. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Keep your growing lemon tree seeds in an area that is around 70 degrees F. (21 C.); the top of the fridge is ideal. Once the seedlings emerge, move the container into brighter light and remove the plastic. When the seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant them to larger, 4- to 6-inch pots filled with sterile potting medium. Fertilize them with a water soluble fertilizer high in potassium every two to four weeks and keep the soil moist. The propagated lemon seedlings should have at least four hours of direct sun with temps between 60-70 degrees F. (15-21 C.). As the tree gets larger, prune it in the early spring and repot as needed to encourage new growth and fruiting. Cease fertilizing and reduce water in the winter and keep the tree in a draft free area. There you have it; a lemon tree from seed. Remember though, it may take as long as 15 years before you are squeezing those lemons for lemonade!

Lemon Tree Life Cycle

The average lifespan of lemon trees is over 50 years. With proper care and disease prevention practices, a vigorous tree can live over 100 years. Diseases can shorten the life of a lemon tree, but good care leads to a strong, healthy tree less susceptible to diseases. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your tree: Plant lemon trees in a location with eight or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a site with loose, well-drained soil. Water the tree often enough to keep the soil from drying out until it is well-established in its new home. An established lemon tree has bright, shiny foliage, and it shows signs of new growth. Once established, the tree only needs water during prolonged dry spells. Fertilize the tree with a citrus fertilizer. This type of fertilizer provides everything a citrus tree needs, including all of the essential micronutrients. Prune the tree just enough to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches. Failure to thin the tree can lead to diseases. Watch the tree for broken or diseased branches and prune to remove problems as they occur. The lemon tree life cycle is simple. Two to five years after planting, the trees bloom with fragrant flowers capable of fertilization. Each branch holds both male and female flowers. Bees are the primary pollinators, and if pollination is successful, the resulting fruit contains seeds.