How to Grow a Lemon Tree

Did you know you can grow a lemon tree at home? I had no idea until recently. Here’s how.

Step 1

Get a lemon. I chose organic because I heard I would have a better chance of growing a healthy plant. I don’t know about the validity of this, but hey, it was on the internet so it must be true.

Step 2

Cut that bad boy open and strain the juice from the seeds. I made a refreshing lemon water with mine.

Step 3

Peel the seeds.

The seeds have a white shell/membrane that needs to be peeled. I did not do this on my first attempt and my seeds just got moldy. They should look more like an apple seed after that white shell is gone. Also, don’t trust anyone that tells you to suck on the seeds until the white part is gone. That shell is pretty sturdy. One more thing, don’t let the seeds sit around and dry out. You will want to peel them immediately.

Step 4

Ok, you have options. You can either press the seeds in a moist paper towel, then place them inside of a plastic bag in a warm, dark space for several days to a week, or you can just plant them about a half inch down directly in a pot. I have tried both ways with success. I also used seed starter soil to be sure they had everything they needed. I germinated my paper towel seeds under my favorite cake plate and dome.

The reviews are in and this was a charming location for seeds to germinate. 10 out of 10.

Story break!

The first set of seeds that I managed to germinate stalled for about a week. It was really cold outside, so I wonder if the house temperature dropped a little? I thought I had done something wrong, so I picked up another lemon and started a new bunch. The lemon I used for the new bunch happened to have 16 seeds in it! Eleven of the seeds germinated. So, adding in the plants that I started to begin with, I am now growing 16 lemon tree’s in my Indiana kitchen. I literally have an Indiana indoor lemon farm. Follow along and I will continue to post as these baby’s grow.

Step 4

If you are germinating your seeds in a paper towel, plant them into the dirt when they begin to get these little roots. They will look like this.

This is my lemon nursery. I have 11 lemon babies in here waiting to be transplanted as soon as they are big enough.

I use a spray bottle to water them every day. I also keep a giant clear storage bag over the pot to keep them safe and warm while they are getting started. It’s like a mini-greenhouse.

With consistent attention and care, you will have tiny sprouts in no time. I have only named one of my sprouts so far, so I am taking suggestions. This is Alberta, but she goes by Bert for short.