At home, our indoor plants are not only decorative, they are mostly decontaminating and thus purify the air we breathe. According to the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, some plants even bring positive energy and chase away all negative waves. In addition, our plants are very symbolic and represent us: we carefully select the shape, colour, texture and smell they give off. In some cases, certain plants are even grown to end up on our plate.
Take the case, for example, of lemon. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this exceptional citrus fruit has countless health benefits. But not only. With its disinfectant, bleaching, and deodorizing properties, it is a perfect household cleaner.
Do you want to perfume your interior with a delicate acidic freshness? In this article, we’ll show you how to germinate lemon seeds at home. Thanks to this trick, your living spaces will be scented with a wonderful fruity aroma.
How to get lemon seeds?
For this first task you have two options: you can recycle the seeds of a lemon that has already been consumed, giving them a second life, or you can buy them directly from a specialized store.
However you get your seeds, you’ll need a pot to grow them and soil to fill the container of your choice. If it is the first option: it will be more practical to rinse the seeds, to remove the small skin that covers them. Instead, prefer bottled water over tap water, especially if it’s too chalky.
How to germinate lemon seeds?
Once your seeds are ready for planting, you have two planting methods to choose from:
The first thing is to place them directly into the pot with soil and put them about 3 cm deep from the surface. This method is easier because you will not have to transplant when the seed has already germinated.
The second method is to place a thin layer of moistened absorbent cotton in a small cup on top of the seeds and another on top of them. This speeds up the germination process. If you choose this method, you can have the humidity and temperature more controlled, ideally between 20 and 25°C. Attention: the absorbent cotton must always remain moist. If it is dry, nothing will grow: so remember to moisten it regularly with a spray bottle. Normally, it takes 5 to 8 days for the seeds to germinate. Remove the second layer of cotton and move the seeds to the pot with soil.
As we have already mentioned, thanks to its characteristics, lemon is excellent for your health, but it is also ideal for cleaning and scenting the house. However, you will need to be patient while the seeds germinate, depending on the method used. The development of their growth will vary depending on the living conditions you give them, the humidity of the soil and the temperature where you plant them.
How do I take good care of my lemon tree?
Lemon, like all citrus fruits, has a particular but very simple maintenance. If you want to have it in your home, we explain how to maintain it correctly to keep it in optimal condition:
- Fertilization
Fertilizer is another important element when it comes to caring for your lemon tree. If you move it to a larger pot, you can put compost or worm castings in the bottom of the pot before transplanting. You can do this once a year or every 6 months.
- The Soil
The soil where you have your lemon tree should be permeable and airy. The lemon tree needs a lot of water, but it needs soil that absorbs it in the best possible way.
- Temperature
The lemon tree is very sensitive to cold. That’s why it should be cared for at room temperature. Lemon is most at home in Mediterranean climates, where temperatures typically range from 15 to 25 degrees.
- humidity
Humidity is another important factor to consider: you should check your lemon tree regularly, because it needs a lot of water. If you get good soil with aeration and fluidity, you’ll be able to interpret your plant more easily. It is important to water slowly so that it absorbs the water, without waterlogging or forming puddles, so the soil will always remain moist.
NB : In pots, the lemon tree dries much faster than in orchard soil. Therefore, proper watering is essential. How to notice a lack of water? You’ll notice this if the lemon starts to split.
Growing a potted lemon tree at home is a great idea to benefit from citrus. Remember to prune it when it grows to keep its shape fairly compact. During the growing period, every 15 days, it would be wise to add a special citrus fertilizer to promote better fruiting. Finally, pay close attention to pests such as aphids or mealybugs that attack the pot. The lemon tree is at risk of having a visible whitish mass on its foliage and lemons can rot prematurely.