How to Grow Lemon Trees from Seed

Select moist, white lemon seeds from a ripe, flavorful lemon with a thick blemish-free skin.

Collect Lemon Seeds

Gently extract and rinse lemon seeds to ensure they are free from pulp or juice before proceeding.

Extract Seeds

Plant lemon seeds 1 inch deep in seedling pots with nutrient-rich, well-draining mix, leaving space below the rim after moistening the soil.

Prepare Seedling Pots

Gently water seeds with a fine spray nozzle, avoiding overwatering, to maintain neutral to slightly acidic soil.

Water Seeds

Put seedling pots in a warm, sunny spot (70-75°F) like a windowsill or greenhouse for germination.

Light and Warmth

Wait for lemon seeds to germinate, keep soil moist, and plant seedlings in well-drained soil.

Wait for Germination

Transplant seedlings with two to three leaves into 10-inch diameter pots with drainage holes.

Transplant Seedlings

After transplanting, ensure lemon trees receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and regular, but not excessive, watering.

Light and Water

Once the lemon tree is 6 inches tall, begin fertilizing with a high-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer, ideally with a 6-6-6 NPK ratio.

Fertilize

Regularly prune and shape lemon tree for desired form, fruit production, and single trunk or bushy shape.

Prune and Train