When life gives you lemons, you could make lemonade, but what if it doesn’t? Then you better have your own lemon tree at home!
How about you zest up your life and connect with mother nature by having a lemon tree in your yard? Now, this is a decision you will never regret. We bring you a simple yet comprehensive guide that will walk you through an entire process that will end with you having a citrus tree at home!
It all starts with that little seed. With that minuscule miracle in your pot, you will grow the most beautiful citrus tree.
Here’s how:
– Cut up the fruit and scoop out the fleshiest seeds.
– Make sure you collect a few seeds, as not all of them will germinate in the end.
– Remove the pulp from the seeds, wash them with clear water, and dry them with paper towels.
– Remove the white skin if you want germination to happen faster.
– Grab a plastic bag and some paper towels.
– Cover them with paper towels and keep a distance of 2 cm between them.
– Spray the paper towels with water.
– Place the seeds in a plastic bag.
– Make sure you trap a little air inside to facilitate germination.
– Keep your bag away from cold, as the seeds need warmth and light to grow.
Usually, it would take around 2 to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout and develop roots. The germination period is unpredictable and relies on multiple factors that include temperature, and soil quality.
– Plant the seeds in deep pots that contain acidic soil with a pH that ranges between 6.0 and 7.0.
– Prepare your potting soil or simply buy a special citrus potting soil.
Here are a few points to take into consideration when sowing lemon trees.
– When picking seeds, go for healthy-looking and large ones.
– Always soak the seeds in warm water for a day before you plant them.
– Plant the seeds about 1.5 inches deep into the soil.
– Provide warmth and moisture at all times. Sunlight is always good!
– Once the seedlings have grown a bit, you can transfer them to a larger pot.
Your lemon tree should be exposed to sunlight but definitely in moderation.
How do you do this, one might ask? Here’s how:
– Choose the right location when you plant the tree to expose it to dappled sunlight.
– Use shade cloth that will protect your tree from direct sunlight.
– Prune strategically to allow light to reach the lower branches in moderate doses.
The lemon tree is a tropical plant that likes water, but that doesn’t mean you must drown the poor thing. Let us show you how to do this:
– Water the lemon tree deeply but less frequently. You can do it once a week and that is enough.
– Water in the morning so the water doesn’t evaporate quickly.
– Adjust the water habits based on the weather. If the weather is dry, you water more often, but if it gets cold, your tree will need to be watered less often.
Nothing beats the indescribable feeling of harvesting the fruits of one’s labor. This tree indeed takes a few years to start producing citrus fruit, but rest assured that it is worth the wait. So don’t only be a good farmer but also be patient, and your patience shall be rewarded sooner than you thought.
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Luscious Lemons in Your Own Backyard