How to Plant Lemon Trees from Cuttings

Gather Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need a pair of sharp garden shears, rooting hormone powder, a small pot, potting soil, and a mature lemon tree to take cuttings from.

Choose the Cuttings

Take cuttings from the mature lemon tree in the dormant season, which is usually late fall or early winter. Choose healthy branches that are 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter and 6-8 inches long. Be sure to cut the branches cleanly with your sharp garden shears so as not to damage the tree.

Prep the Cuttings

Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of each cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the remaining leaves into rooting hormone powder, which will help the roots to develop. Shake off any excess powder.

Plant the Cuttings

Fill a small pot with moist potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Make a hole in the center of the soil using a pencil or your finger. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it so it is standing upright. Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting.

Care for the Cuttings

Place the pot in a warm location that receives indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, by watering the cutting lightly every few days. Cover the top of the pot with clear plastic wrap to create a humid environment for the cutting. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to grow new leaves.

Transplant the Cuttings

After a few months, the cutting should have developed a strong root system. It is now ready to be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into your garden. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole in the soil that is slightly larger than the root ball of the cutting. Gently place the root ball into the hole and fill in with soil. Water the soil around the cutting and monitor the plant to ensure it is growing healthily.

Conclusion

With the right supplies and a little patience, you can easily plant lemon trees from cuttings. Remember to choose healthy branches, use rooting hormone powder, and provide the right conditions for the cutting to develop strong roots. With proper care, your cutting will grow into a healthy and fruitful lemon tree in no time.