Lemon
Citrus limon
A fragrant citrus tree that can be grown in pots indoors or outdoors in warm climates. Lemons from seed are a long project but deeply rewarding.
hard
Full Sun (8+ hours)
Moderate — let top layer dry between waterings
3-5 years to first fruit from seed
How to Grow
Extract seeds from a fresh organic lemon. Peel the seed coat and plant 1cm deep in moist potting mix. Keep warm (20-25°C) and consistently moist. Transplant to a larger pot once 15cm tall. Move outdoors in summer if possible. Feed with citrus fertilizer monthly.
Growth Phases
Germination (1-3 weeks)
Seed swells and a white root emerges
Seedling (2-4 weeks)
First small, shiny green leaves appear
Juvenile (6-12 months)
Stem thickens, more branches form
Young Tree (1-2 years)
Dense canopy develops with fragrant leaves
Maturity (1-3 years)
Flowers appear — fruit follows after pollination
Care Tips
- •Seed-grown lemons may take 5+ years to fruit — grafted trees are faster
- •Protect from temperatures below 5°C
- •Yellowing leaves usually mean overwatering
- •Indoor trees need a south-facing window
Companion Plants
Community Interest
Real-time — updates when others show interest