How to Plant Lemons
Recover the Seeds: Remove the seeds from a lemon, wash them thoroughly, and dry them.
Prepare the Seeds: Remove the outer skin covering them.
Planting: Fill small pots with universal soil, plant the seeds just below the surface, and sprinkle them with water.
Germination: Cover the pots with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect and let them rest in a warm, bright place. After about 5-6 days, you should see the first sprouts.
Alternative Method: You can also wrap the moist seeds in paper towels for 7 days before planting.
Once the seedlings have grown, to produce fruit more quickly and reliably, you’ll need to graft them.
Repotting: How and When
Repotting is essential to ensure healthy growth.
When to Repot: The ideal time is spring, when the plant enters the vegetative phase. Young plants should be repotted annually; adult plants should be repotted every 4-5 years.
Pot selection: Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one (at least 35 cm in diameter), preferably terracotta, to promote root transpiration.
Pot preparation: Place a layer of gravel or expanded clay at the bottom to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Removing the plant: Water the soil generously to facilitate removal. Gently remove some of the soil and trim the roots by about 10%, removing any damaged roots.
Transplanting: Place the plant in the new pot and fill with fresh citrus-specific soil (pH between 6 and 6.5).
Post-repotting care: Place the plant in a sunny spot, sheltered from the wind. Water moderately and, after about a week, fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer, such as ground lupin.
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