To grow a lemon tree from seed, follow these expert steps:
- Select and Prepare Seeds
- Choose a ripe lemon and carefully extract the seeds without damaging their outer coating.
- Rinse the seeds to remove pulp and juice residue.
- Place the seeds in cold water and keep only those that sink, as floating seeds are not viable.
- Soak the viable seeds for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat
- Germination Process
- Optionally, wrap the seeds in a damp paper towel, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and keep them in a warm, dark place for 10–14 days until roots appear
* Alternatively, plant the seeds directly after soaking while they are still moist, as lemon seeds do not require cold stratification
- Planting Seeds
- Use a small pot with drainage holes filled with a well-draining, pasteurized potting mix.
- Plant each seed about half an inch deep into the moist soil.
- Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, but avoid soggy soil.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear dome to maintain humidity during germination, then remove once seedlings emerge
- Growing Conditions
- Place the pot in a warm location around 65–70°F (18–21°C) with plenty of indirect sunlight or use a grow light if natural light is insufficient.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Once seedlings appear, thin out weaker ones and transplant the strongest seedlings into larger pots as they grow
- Care and Maintenance
- Lemon trees thrive indoors or outdoors in warm climates (USDA zones 9–11).
- Repot the tree as it grows, providing fresh soil and adequate space.
- Prune the tree in spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Fertilize according to citrus-specific fertilizer instructions to support development
- Patience for Fruit
- Lemon trees grown from seed typically take 2 to 3 years to mature and produce fruit indoors.
- Even if fruit does not develop, the tree remains an attractive and fragrant houseplant
By following these steps, you can successfully grow a lemon tree from seed at home, enjoying the process and eventually harvesting your own lemons.
