Growing Lemon Tree from a Lemon Fruit

1. Extracting and Preparing the Seeds:

• Choose a healthy lemon: Select a plump, ripe lemon from the grocery store. Organic lemons are sometimes preferred as their seeds might have a higher germination rate.
• Carefully remove seeds: Cut the lemon in half, being careful not to damage the seeds. Gently extract the seeds and rinse off all pulp and sugary residue. Any remaining pulp can cause mold.
• Discard non-viable seeds: Put the cleaned seeds in a bowl of water. Any seeds that float are likely not viable and should be discarded. Keep the ones that sink.
• Soak the seeds (optional but recommended): Soak the viable seeds in water for 12-24 hours. This helps soften the hard seed coat and can speed up germination.
• Remove the outer seed coat (optional but recommended): After soaking, you can carefully remove the outer white seed coat. This can further accelerate germination. Use your fingernails or small clippers to gently nick the pointed end and peel it off, being very careful not to damage the embryo inside.

2. Germinating the Seeds:

There are two main methods for germination:

• Method A: Paper Towel Method (for faster germination and visual confirmation):
  1. Damp paper towel: Get a few sheets of paper towel and dampen them thoroughly, but wring out any excess water so they are not dripping.
  2. Place seeds: Lay the lemon seeds on one half of the damp paper towel, spaced about an inch apart.
  3. Fold and bag: Fold the paper towel over the seeds a few times, then place the folded paper towel into a sealable plastic bag (like a Ziploc bag).
  4. Warm, dark place: Place the bag in a warm, dark location, such as a kitchen cabinet or on top of a refrigerator.
  5. Check regularly: Check the seeds every few days. Keep the paper towel moist (spritz with water if needed). You should see roots emerging within 7-10 days, though it can take up to a few weeks.
  6. Plant sprouted seeds: Once the roots are about 1 inch long, carefully remove the sprouted seeds and proceed to planting.
• Method B: Direct Soil Planting:
  1. Prepare pots: Fill small pots (about 4 inches in diameter) with a well-draining potting mix. A good quality seed-starting mix or a mix with added perlite or sand for drainage is ideal.
  2. Moisten soil: Water the soil thoroughly until it’s evenly moist but not soggy.
  3. Plant seeds: Plant each seed about 1/2 inch deep into the soil. You can plant a few seeds per pot to increase your chances of success, or plant multiple pots.
  4. Warmth and light: Place the pots in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light. A temperature of around 70-85°F (21-29°C) is ideal for germination. A heating mat can be very helpful.
  5. Maintain moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. You can cover the pots with plastic wrap or a clear dome to create a humid “mini-greenhouse” effect, but remember to vent it occasionally to prevent mold.
  6. Patience: Seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks, but it can take longer.

3. Caring for Your Lemon Seedlings:

• Light: Once the seedlings sprout, they need plenty of bright light. A south-facing window is ideal in Bangladesh. If natural light is insufficient (especially indoors), consider using a grow light for 8-12 hours a day.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering.
• Humidity: Lemon trees appreciate humidity. You can mist the leaves regularly or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water).
• Temperature: Maintain warm temperatures, ideally between 50-80°F (10-27°C). Protect them from cold drafts.
• Thinning (if multiple sprouts): If you planted multiple seeds and more than one sprouted in a pot, choose the strongest seedling and gently snip off the others at the soil line to avoid disturbing the roots of the chosen seedling.
• Fertilizing: Once your seedling has developed a few sets of true leaves, you can start with a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (like an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer or one specifically for citrus). Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Repotting: As your seedling grows, it will eventually outgrow its initial pot. Repot it into a slightly larger pot (1-2 inches wider in diameter) when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes or the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.

4. Long-Term Care and Considerations:

• Fruiting: Be aware that lemon trees grown from seed are not “true to type,” meaning the fruit they produce might be different from the parent lemon, or they might not produce edible fruit at all. Also, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 years for a seed-grown lemon tree to mature enough to produce fruit.
• Grafting: If you want a specific type of lemon and guaranteed fruit production within a few years, it’s best to buy a grafted sapling from a nursery. You could also try grafting a scion (cutting) from a known fruiting lemon tree onto your seed-grown rootstock once it’s mature enough.