Lemon Tree Seeds - Dwarf Lemon - Citrus limon

9, 10, 11 (for in-ground planting)

USDA Zones 9-11 (In-Ground Planting) - This is the native subtropical range for lemon trees. In these frost-free zones, they can be planted directly into the garden where they will grow into full-sized, beautiful landscape trees.

USDA Zones 4-8 (Container Growing Only) - In these cooler climates, lemon trees must be grown in containers. They will thrive outdoors on a sunny porch or patio from spring through fall but must be brought indoors to a protected, bright location before the first frost. They will not survive the winter outside.

Northern Zones (Below 4) - Growing a lemon tree is a challenge best suited for those with a greenhouse or a dedicated sunroom. The plant must be kept in a container and overwintered in a very bright indoor location, potentially with supplemental grow lights to ensure it gets enough energy to survive the long winter.

Germination Temperature - Citrus seeds require warmth to sprout. Maintain a consistent soil temperature between 70-80 degrees F for optimal germination. Using a seedling heat mat is highly recommended.

Maturity Period - As a perennial tree, this plant requires year-round care. It does not produce fruit in its first season. When grown from seed, a lemon tree needs 5-15 years to reach sexual maturity and begin flowering and fruiting. It must be protected from frost every year.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Seed Preparation:
For best results, soak seeds in a bowl of room-temperature water for 2-3 hours before planting. This helps soften the seed coat. Use only seeds that sink to the bottom; discard any that float.

Sowing the Seeds:

Container: Start your seeds in a 4-inch pot with excellent drainage holes.

Soil: Use a sterile, well-draining potting medium. A mix designed for citrus, palms, or cacti is ideal.

Sowing Depth: Plant one seed about 1/2 inch deep in the center of the pot.

Water: Water gently but thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Humidity: Cover the pot with a piece of plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to create a humid environment, which aids germination.

Warmth: Place the pot in a warm location or on a seedling heat mat to maintain a soil temperature of 70-80 degrees F.

Seedling Care:

Germination: Expect to see a sprout emerge in 2-6 weeks. Once it does, remove the plastic covering.

Light: Move the new seedling to a location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh, direct sun which can scorch the young leaves.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Growing On:

Repotting: When the seedling is 6-8 inches tall and has several sets of true leaves, it's time to transplant it into a larger, 1-gallon pot. Continue to repot into a container that is 2-3 inches wider every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound.

Sunlight: As the tree matures, it needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.

Fertilizing: Once the tree is established and showing active growth, feed it with a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for citrus trees. Follow the package instructions, typically feeding during the spring and summer growing season.

Watering (Mature Plant): Water deeply and thoroughly whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil become dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Overwintering (For Zones 8 and below):
Bring your container-grown tree indoors before temperatures drop below 40 degrees F. Place it in the sunniest, brightest window in your home. Reduce watering frequency during the winter and do not fertilize until new growth appears in the spring.