Welcome to our how to grow a lemon tree guide. Growing a lemon tree is actually very easy. First you are going to need a fresh lemon. Take a knife, cut it in half and remove the seeds. Before planting the seeds you must first wash them with plenty of water in order to remove any sugar left on the seed coat. This is done because the sugar might encourage fungal growth. If you want you can save some of the seeds for future use. However lemon seeds don't tolerate dryness so they must be kept moisturized. You can do that by placing the lemon seeds in paper towels. Take three or four, soak them and put them one on top of the other. Then place the seeds inside and fold the towels a couple of times. Place the towels somewhere dark (for example a drawer or a plastic bag) and keep them wet by watering them from time to time. Avoid placing them somewhere with direct sunlight.
Of course instead of starting a plant right from seed you can simply buy an already established one in a pot and directly transplant it in your yard or simply grow it in a pot.
Planting the lemon seeds
I suggest you to plant your lemon seeds right after you remove them from your fresh lemon. You can either plant them directly in your chosen location or in pots. Using a pot first is highly recommended because your plant will be very delicate at first. Make sure that the pot has adequate drainage. Place the pot in a sunny location (for example a window) and when the seedling is about one month old it is ready for transplantation.
Choosing the location for planting the lemon seedling
Lemon trees love the sun and thus you should place them in the sunniest place you can provide. Also be aware that the soil shouldn't be too acidic and that it also has good drainage.
Before planting the lemon seedling make sure to properly prepare the soil. Start by digging a hole that is a bit less swallow than the seedling's root ball, place the root ball inside the hole you dug, cover with soil and give a good watering. Once the water is soaked, water once again. The transplantation is now complete and your tree will gradually start to grow!
Lemon tree watering
You should water just enough so that the soil remains constantly a bit moist. Usually watering just once or twice during autumn and winter is enough. During summer and spring your tree might require more water. Beware of falling yellow leaves as they may actually be an indication of overwatering !.
Lemon tree fertilization
Lemon trees should be fertilized every three to six months. You can use compost, manure or organic matter.
Lemon tree mulching
Mulching should always be done in order to suppress weeds, improve the soil and keep its moisture and protect the tree's roots. For mulching you can use some well-rotted cow manure or sugar cane mulch. Just make sure that the mulch doesn't touch the stem cause it may lead to rot.
Lemon Tree Pruning
Prune your tree during winter just before the surge of new growth. Cut back the shoots and shape the plant the way you want. Pinch out any tips with very vigorous growths
Lemon tree harvesting
During the first 4 years (two for already grown plants in pots) of growth it is better if you remove any fruits the moment they start to form. This way your lemon tree will grow faster and it will yield bigger crops for the years to come!
In order to harvest twist the lemons from the stem instead of pulling them directly as this might damage the tree!
In late winter, before the surge of growth, cut back some shoots to help shape the plant, and pinch out the tips of very vigorous growths.
Lemon tree cold protection
As mentioned before lemon trees require a lot of sun and they are sensitive to cold and frosts. They do their best at temperatures of about 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) . If during the winter the temperature drops below 30 degrees F (-1 degree C) you must protect your tree by wrapping it with a blanker or if it is grown in a pot move it inside.
Lemon Tree Pests and diseases
Aphids, scale and mealy bugs love lemon trees and sometimes cause medium to serious damage (especially during spring and summer). If you catch them early on just remove them by hand or use some soapy water to kill them.
Of course instead of starting a plant right from seed you can simply buy an already established one in a pot and directly transplant it in your yard or simply grow it in a pot.
Planting the lemon seeds
I suggest you to plant your lemon seeds right after you remove them from your fresh lemon. You can either plant them directly in your chosen location or in pots. Using a pot first is highly recommended because your plant will be very delicate at first. Make sure that the pot has adequate drainage. Place the pot in a sunny location (for example a window) and when the seedling is about one month old it is ready for transplantation.
A how to grow lemon from seed video
Lemon trees love the sun and thus you should place them in the sunniest place you can provide. Also be aware that the soil shouldn't be too acidic and that it also has good drainage.
Before planting the lemon seedling make sure to properly prepare the soil. Start by digging a hole that is a bit less swallow than the seedling's root ball, place the root ball inside the hole you dug, cover with soil and give a good watering. Once the water is soaked, water once again. The transplantation is now complete and your tree will gradually start to grow!
Lemon tree watering
You should water just enough so that the soil remains constantly a bit moist. Usually watering just once or twice during autumn and winter is enough. During summer and spring your tree might require more water. Beware of falling yellow leaves as they may actually be an indication of overwatering !.
Lemon tree fertilization
Lemon trees should be fertilized every three to six months. You can use compost, manure or organic matter.
Lemon tree mulching
Mulching should always be done in order to suppress weeds, improve the soil and keep its moisture and protect the tree's roots. For mulching you can use some well-rotted cow manure or sugar cane mulch. Just make sure that the mulch doesn't touch the stem cause it may lead to rot.
Lemon Tree Pruning
Prune your tree during winter just before the surge of new growth. Cut back the shoots and shape the plant the way you want. Pinch out any tips with very vigorous growths
Lemon tree harvesting
During the first 4 years (two for already grown plants in pots) of growth it is better if you remove any fruits the moment they start to form. This way your lemon tree will grow faster and it will yield bigger crops for the years to come!
In order to harvest twist the lemons from the stem instead of pulling them directly as this might damage the tree!
In late winter, before the surge of growth, cut back some shoots to help shape the plant, and pinch out the tips of very vigorous growths.
Lemon tree cold protection
As mentioned before lemon trees require a lot of sun and they are sensitive to cold and frosts. They do their best at temperatures of about 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) . If during the winter the temperature drops below 30 degrees F (-1 degree C) you must protect your tree by wrapping it with a blanker or if it is grown in a pot move it inside.
Lemon Tree Pests and diseases
Aphids, scale and mealy bugs love lemon trees and sometimes cause medium to serious damage (especially during spring and summer). If you catch them early on just remove them by hand or use some soapy water to kill them.
