In general, people who eat fruits as part of an overall healthy diet have a lower risk of chronic diseases. Fruits are rich in numerous nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium.

Citrus fruits are the favorites of many. Their taste is usually a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter, which makes them a fantastic refreshment and a great addition to numerous recipes.

Yet, they are also highly beneficial for us, as they are a rich source of vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Citrus fruits offer numerous health benefits, so it would be invaluable to have them at hand all the time.

This is why we decided to teach you how to grow a lemon tree from seed and have an endless supply of these fruits at home.  In this way, you will be able to enjoy high-quality fruits with fresh flavor, more nutrients, and free of chemicals.

First of all, you should buy a baby lemon tree, only a few years old, and get a clay or plastic pot with holes in the bottom. Then, just place the baby tree into it, and fill the drainage container with stones to boost airflow. Fill the pot with soil, and place it in a place that gets about 8-10 hours of sunlight a day.

Water the tree regularly. Yet, you can grow a lemon tree from a seed too.   You will need organic lemons, fertile soil, preferably one rich in peat, vermiculite, perlite, and natural fertilizers.

Buy a planting pot which is six inches wide and six inches deep, and a seedling pot about 24 inches wide by 12 inches deep. You will also benefit from having a grow lamp.

Instructions:

• Dampen the potting soil all the way through. Fill the smaller pot with it.
• Remove the seeds from the lemon, remove the pulp from them. To make sure it is clean, you can suck on the seed. Any clinging flesh and sugar might foster a fungal disease, that will eventually kill off the seed.
• To boost the chances for lemon seed propagation, you can plant several seeds.
• Bury it immediately into the soil, as it has to be moist, in order not to germinate. Plant it about half an inch deep in the middle of the pot. Spray the soil directly above it with water.
• Cover the pot with plastic wrap, to aid in water retention. Then, seal the edges with a rubber band, and poke small holes in the top with a pencil. Place the pot in a warm and sunny place.
• Do not let the soil dry out, so occasionally water it to keep it moist.
• The sprouting emerges in about two weeks, so take the plastic wrap off.
• Make sure the young plant gets 8 full hours of light daily, keep the soil damp, and use organic fertilizer in moderate doses.
• Whenever needed, remove any brown or dead leaves.
• As soon as the young tree outgrows the pot, transfer it to the larger one. Repeat the same procedure as when you planted it.
• Make sure you water it regularly.

In the following video, gardener Mitchell Boyle reveals some useful tricks to help you grow a lemon tree from seeds, which he claims that “work every time!”

Lemon trees flourish outdoors year-round in hot, sunny regions. In cold-season climates, they can also thrive indoors as edible houseplants. Apart from the tasty and healthy fruits, your lemon tree will grow lush, dark green, oval leaves with a glossy texture that shimmers in sunlight.

The delicate white flowers are very soft and have a citrus fragrance. The entire tree, with its exotic nature, will decorate your home.

If you like the idea of planting a citrus fruit tree at home, here are guidelines to help you plant a mandarin tree as well:

• Buy a baby tree, and plant it in a pot, previously prepared just like in the case of lemons. Make sure the tree gets regular sunlight.
• As these trees don’t grow very tall, they can be grown indoors.
• Water the tree regularly and as soon as the roots grow larger, transfer it to a larger pot.
• Pick the fruits as soon as they turn orange, as over time, they will start losing their flavor.
• When picking them, make sure you leave the little button at the top of the orange on the tree.

Enjoy your chemical-free and delicious fruits!

Sources:
www.farmersalmanac.com
www.gardeningknowhow.com
growingwildceeds.wordpress.com