How do I grow a lemon tree?

Growing a lemon tree can sometimes be complicated, especially if you don't have the right recommendations! We're doing the rounds to bring you all the advice and help you grow a lemon tree easily...

Growing lemon trees in your garden: from seed stage to young plant

To your pips, 1, 2, 3... go!

To get a beautiful lemon tree, you can either buy it as a seedling, or start with its first stage of growth: germinating a seed. Remove pips from the lemon that are firm and plump. You need to choose seeds from a healthy fruit, preferably an organic one while you're at it. That way, you'll be totally in tune with your permaculture garden. By the way, if you want some information on the subject, don't hesitate to read this crisp article on permaculture in the vegetable garden.

Clean the pips and remove the flesh that has remained clinging to them using a micro brush. Following this, you need to wipe your pips by placing them inside a microfibre cloth, which will absorb all the moisture. This method will prevent the seeds from rotting from the inside during the next phase. Then place them in kitchen paper, roll them up and place them in a moderately sunny spot for six days.

You can then proceed to bathe the seeds to activate their germination. This operation should last 48 hours. You can then bury them in damp cotton wool and place them on a flat surface away from light. It is essential that the seeds are kept in the dark for around twenty days until sprouts appear. Remember to keep an eye on your seeds to prevent mould forming on the surface. Moisten them every week. By observing their development, you'll be able to judge the ideal time to move on to the next stage, that of planting your pips in your vegetable patch or garden.

Planting your future lemon shrubs

Get your sprouted seeds in order to plant them. Plant them in a pot between 4 and 8 centimetres in diameter into which you have poured universal potting soil. Do this as soon as the sprouts are about 1 centimetre long and pointing downwards. You should then cover the seeds with a lighter potting soil than the one used to fill the pot.

Don't forget to water them generously and then place the pots in the sun. So however, don't leave your pips in too much exposure either. In less than 15 days, you'll get a very nice growth from your lemon seeds. Over time, the first leaves will appear on the horizon and the growth of the young shoot will continue to increase to become a magnificent lemon seedling.

Taking care of your lemon tree seedling

Taking care of your lemon tree requires plenty of sun and water. But we stress that the sun's rays must not be too intense. Nor should you overdo it on the water, at the risk of encountering the opposite effect. The sun and water must be used over the long term, i.e. with regularity of frequency rather than intensity. So make sure you pay attention to where you plant your young lemon trees in your garden or vegetable patch.

In permaculture, you can't use chemicals in your garden to treat your fruit bush. However, we offer several alternatives that will help you get rid of lemon tree pests and diseases. For example, there are natural solutions based on nettle purin. You should also avoid using any Bordeaux mixture, which must be eliminated from your vegetable garden treatments.