At home, our indoor plants not only have a decorative vocation, they are mostly depolluting and thus purify the air we breathe. According to Chinese Feng Shui philosophy, some plants even bring positive energy and scare away all negative waves. Also, our plants are very symbolic and they represent us: we carefully select the shape, color, texture and scent they give off. In some cases, certain plants are even grown to end up on our plate.
Take the case, for example, of the lemon. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this exceptional citrus fruit has countless health benefits. But not only. With its disinfecting, whitening and deodorizing properties, it is a perfect cleaner for the home.
Want to perfume your interior with a delicate tangy freshness? In this article, we will show you how to germinate lemon seeds at home. Thanks to this trick, your living spaces will be perfumed with a wonderful scent of 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 in and soil to fill your container of choice. If it is the first option: it will be more practical to rinse the seeds, in order to remove the small skin that covers them. Instead, prefer bottled water rather than tap water, especially if it is too calcareous.
How to germinate lemon seeds?
Once your seeds are ready to plant, you have two planting methods to choose from:
The first is to place them directly in the pot with soil and put them about 3 cm deep from the surface. This method is easier because you won’t have to transplant when the seed has already germinated.
The second method is to place a thin layer of moistened 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 more controlled humidity and temperature, ideally between 20 and 25°C. Please note: the cotton must always remain damp. 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 2nd layer of cotton and bring the seeds to the pot with soil.
As we have already mentioned, thanks to its characteristics, the lemon is excellent for your health, but it is also ideal for cleaning and to perfume the house. However, you will need to be patient while the seeds germinate, depending on the method used. The development of its growth will vary depending on the living conditions you give them, the humidity that the soil has and the temperature where you plant them.
How do I take good care of my lemon tree?
The 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 properly maintain it to keep it in optimal conditions:
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Fertilization
Fertilizer is another important element when caring for your lemon tree. If you move it to a larger pot, you can put compost or worm castings in the bottom of it, before transplanting it. You can do this once a year or every 6 months.
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Ground
The ground where you have your lemon tree must be permeable and aerated. The lemon tree needs a lot of water, but it needs soil that can absorb it in the best possible way.
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Temperature
The lemon tree is very sensitive to cold. That is why it should be taken care of at room temperature. Lemon feels most at home in Mediterranean climates where temperatures typically hover between 15 and 25 degrees.
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humidity
Humidity is another important factor to take into account: you must check your lemon tree regularly, because it needs a lot of water. If you get good soil with aeration and flow, you will be able to interpret your plant more easily. It is important to water slowly to allow it to absorb the water, without flooding or forming puddles, so the soil will always remain moist.
NB : in a pot, the lemon tree dries out much faster than on vegetable garden soil. Proper watering is therefore essential. How to notice a lack of water? You will notice this if the lemon starts to split.
Growing a lemon tree in a pot at home is a great idea to benefit from citrus fruits. Remember to prune it when it grows to keep its pretty compact shape. During the growth 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 scale insects that attack the pot. The lemon tree risks having a visible whitish mass on its foliage and the lemons can rot before their time.
