Growing a lemon tree (or any citrus tree, for that matter) from seed is easy.
If you would like to harvest homegrown lemons, start with a lemon tree from a nursery.
This way you won’t damage the seeds.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Use your hands to separate the lemon into segments split launch the individual slices.
Citrus seeds have a hard outer seed coat, but they are easily sliced with a sharp knife.
Place the seeds in a bowl and rinse them under tap water, then drain.
Place them on a paper towel to dry.
Cover the seeds with soil and gently water without disturbing the seeds.
Adding a heating mat andgrow lightswill help the seeds germinate quickly and the seedlings grow rapidly.
These tips will help you care for your new lemon tree seedling.
Soil
Lemon trees preferwell-draining soil.
They easily succumb to root rot if allowed to sit in soggy soils.
For container plants, choose a commercial citrus potting mix or lightweight, well-draining potting mix.
Another alternative is standardsoil mixwith added pumice, perlite, or sand to ensure good drainage.
Water
Like most citrus trees, lemons need water but suffer when given too much.
When watering the tree, water deeply, and ensure that the soil is thoroughly moistened.
Its best to water as needed when the soil becomes dry rather than follow a rigid schedule.
Keep in mind that heating, air conditioning, and fans affect how quickly the soil dries out.
Scale insectsoften attack lemon trees, both indoors and outdoors.
A combination of mechanical and chemical means may be required to control them.
Because of the soft shells and immobility, scale insects are easily wiped off manually.
Scale (and other insects) can also be removed with a strong spray of water.
Here are four types of lemon trees you might find at nurseries.
Eureka Lemon
Eureka lemons (CitrusxlimonEureka) is the standard grocery store lemon.
When fully ripe, it has a bright yellow rind.
These lemons are great for juicing due to their thin skin and mostly seedless pulp.
Large, tart fruits are produced along with flowers nearly year-round, making them exceptionally productive.
It is excellent for juicing due to its thin, smooth skin and high juice content with few seeds.
The rind has beautiful yellow and green striping.
This cultivar makes an excellent container plant for its added color throughout.
Meyer Lemon
This popular fruit is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a lemon.
While Meyer lemons quickly became popular, they are susceptible to a devastating virus.
Improved Meyer lemons have the same sweeter, less acidic flavor as Meyer lemons.
