Citrus × limon • Rutaceae Family
Lemon Tree is a fragrant evergreen citrus tree that produces bright yellow, juicy lemons! This beautiful tree offers glossy green foliage, wonderfully scented white blossoms, and can fruit multiple times per year in warm conditions.
Stem Cuttings - True to parent and fruits much sooner!
Beautiful white flowers with purple-tinted undersides and heavenly scent
Can flower and fruit multiple times per year in warm conditions
Perfect for indoor growing - dwarf varieties thrive in pots
One tree can produce fruit - no need for multiple trees
Compact, cold-hardy, sweet thin-skinned fruit
Large fruit, good for containers, very productive
Classic grocery store lemon, year-round fruiting
Produces clone true to parent and fruits much sooner
Easy to start but takes much longer to fruit
In spring or early summer, take a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) semi-hardwood cutting from current season's growth that has started to harden
Choose a healthy, disease-free branch without flowers or fruit for best results
Remove leaves on the lower half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top for photosynthesis
Carefully trim off any thorns on the cutting to make handling easier
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage faster root development
Fill a small pot with moist, well-draining propagation mix (half peat moss, half perlite or sand)
Insert the cutting 2-3 inches deep, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried in the soil
Cover with a clear plastic bag or propagation dome to maintain humidity, using sticks to prevent plastic touching leaves
Place in bright, indirect light at 70-80°F (21-27°C) - avoid direct sunlight which can overheat the cutting
Keep medium slightly moist and check periodically for mold. Roots typically form in 6-12 weeks
Once strong roots develop (about 1 inch long), remove plastic cover and transplant to larger pot with standard potting mix
Remove seeds from a ripe lemon and rinse off all pulp completely - fresh seeds germinate best
Optional: Soak clean seeds in lukewarm water for 24-48 hours, changing water periodically to jump-start germination
Fill small pots with sterile, well-draining potting mix (potting soil + perlite + peat works well)
Sow each seed about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6-1.25 cm) deep in the moist soil
Cover pot with plastic wrap or clear dome to maintain high humidity
Place in warm location (70-80°F / 21-27°C) with bright, indirect light - avoid direct sun on covered pot
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy - seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks under ideal conditions
Remove plastic cover once seedlings emerge to prevent fungal issues
Continue growing in sunny, warm spot and transplant to larger pots as they develop true leaves
Be patient: seed-grown trees can take 5-10 years before first fruiting, unlike cutting-grown trees
Full sun is essential - provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, place in brightest spot with some direct sun.
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Let top inch dry between waterings. Avoid standing water which causes root rot.
Well-draining, fertile soil with slight acidity (pH ~6). Use potting mix with organic matter like peat. Excellent drainage is essential.
Warm temperatures ideal: 65-85°F (18-29°C) during day, cooler nights. Cannot tolerate freezing - protect below 45°F (7°C).
Lethal disease causing yellow mottling, bitter fruit, and tree death
Prevention: Control citrus psyllid insects, buy certified disease-free plants
Sap-sucking pests causing yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew
Prevention: Regular inspection, horticultural oil treatments, insecticidal soap
Fungal disease from waterlogged soil causing wilting and decline
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil
Trees from cuttings fruit in 2-3 years vs 5-10 years from seeds - much faster results!
Self-pollinating flowers mean one tree can produce fruit, but hand-pollination helps indoor trees
Perfect for containers! Choose dwarf varieties like 'Meyer' lemon for indoor growing
Move potted trees indoors before frost and gradually acclimate them back outside in spring
Consistency is key - citrus hate both 'wet feet' and long dry spells, especially in containers
Heavy feeders - use citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season for best fruit production
Light pruning only needed - remove dead/crossing branches and wear gloves due to sharp thorns
Watch for scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites - inspect leaves regularly and treat with horticultural oil
Enjoy the fragrant white blossoms even before fruiting - they make wonderful houseplants for their beauty alone
Young trees may drop first flowers/fruits - this is normal as the tree matures and gains strength