Can You Plant a Lemon Tree from Lemon Seeds?

Lemons are a popular citrus fruit and a great source of vitamin C. If you have ever enjoyed this delicious fruit, you might be interested in growing your own lemon tree. If you have some lemon seeds lying around, you might even wonder if you can plant a lemon tree from these seeds. Here, we take a closer look at whether this is possible.

What You Need to Know About Lemon Trees

Lemon trees are native to Asia, but they can grow in many parts of the world, including the US. These trees can grow up to 30 feet tall if not trimmed, but they can also be grown in smaller sizes for indoors or patios. Lemon trees require well-draining soil and regular watering to thrive. They also need a lot of sunlight – at least eight hours per day – so you should choose a spot where your tree can get plenty of sun if you plan to grow it outdoors.

Can You Use Lemon Seeds to Grow a Lemon Tree?

Yes, you can plant lemon seeds and grow a lemon tree, but it may not be the best option. If you live in a colder climate, you might have trouble getting the tree to grow successfully from seeds. The trees may also take years to produce fruit, and the fruit may not be as high-quality as what you would get from a grafted tree. Nevertheless, many home gardeners have had success growing lemon trees from seeds, so it is worth a try if you want to take on the extra effort.

How to Plant Lemon Seeds and Grow a Lemon Tree

If you want to try growing a lemon tree from seeds, here are some steps to follow:

Remove the seeds from a ripe lemon and wash them thoroughly to remove any pulp.

Soak the seeds in water overnight to help them germinate.

Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with about 1/4 inch of soil.

Water the soil and make sure it stays moist but not waterlogged.

Place the pot in a warm, bright spot, such as a windowsill with plenty of sunlight.

As the tree grows, transplant it into a larger pot, making sure to keep the soil moist.

Once the tree is big enough, you can transplant it outside in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Conclusion

While growing a lemon tree from seeds may not be the easiest or quickest method, it is possible with enough time and effort. However, if you want to ensure high-quality fruit and a more reliable crop, it may be best to invest in a grafted lemon tree. Whether you decide to grow a lemon tree from seeds or purchase one already started, the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh fruit is worth the effort.