Citrus plants in our homes are far from uncommon. Lemon is a popular favorite, since with proper care it can bear fruit all year round. Of course, before this happens, it needs to be grown, and here many people stop halfway. It's just that not everyone knows how to grow lemon from seed at home. Of course, you can do something simpler and buy a tree that has already grown, and yet there is a chance to grow a fruitful tree from ordinary seeds. And how to do it right, we’ll talk now.
One of the main points that you should pay attention to is the choice of seeds. Lemon seeds should be taken from strong ripe fruits, while there should be several. Choose about 5-6 pieces of the best seeds and quickly begin to plant them. The fact is that if you keep them outdoors for a long time, they very quickly lose their properties, so prepare the container and soil in advance. Initially, select small containers for planting, for example, cups, since in the future already grown seedlings will still have to be replanted. The soil must be nutritious, ordinary land from the garden will not work, since it may contain microorganisms that are harmful to the lemon. Having scattered soil on capacities, lower one seed into it by 1 cm and lightly fill it with earth. Water a little. If possible, put it all in a warm place.
Since growing lemon from seed is a long and painstaking work, be prepared for the fact that you will try the first fruits only after 4-5 years. And for this to happen, it is necessary to provide good care for the already grown lemon seedlings. To begin with, from small containers they should be transplanted into large spacious pots. The seedling should be removed with a lump of earth and thus move it into a new pot. The soil should be nutritious, with enough humus. It should be noted that it is best to choose clay pots for planting , since their walls are able to control the level of moisture in the earth: if it is in excess, then they will absorb it, and if it is not enough, the same clay walls will fill the shortage.
After you have transplanted seedlings, be patient and wait a bit. As soon as they get well and mature, you will have to choose one or two of the strongest plants, which you will continue to care for. Now you probably understand why it was originally necessary to plant several seeds.
In order for the lemon to bloom after some time, the seedlings should be planted. If this is not done, then you will probably have to forget about the crop. Also, make sure that the plant grows in a bush; one straight branch will never bring you a crop. If the bush does not form, it is necessary to carefully glue the top of the tree with a fingernail or tweezers. This will make it possible to let new shoots of lemon. Since growing lemon from seed is only half the battle, you will have to maintain certain climatic conditions throughout his life. Lemon is a heat-loving plant, so in winter it can hardly tolerate low temperatures. Choose the sunny side for its cultivation. An important role is played by air humidity and lighting. If the room has dry air, spray the plant more often with water and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Lemon needs long-term lighting, so when growing it, you will have to use lamps to create artificial lighting. Watering is moderate, based on the condition of the soil. Overflow can be detrimental to the growth and fruiting of the plant. Several times a year, lemon needs to be fed. For this purpose, special mineral fertilizer is used.
How to grow lemon from seed, you know. True, you should pay attention to one more point: as soon as the lemon begins to bear fruit, make sure that it does not need anything. Improper care during this period can lead to the fact that the plant completely ceases to bear fruit.