The Journey of Growing a Lemon Tree from Seed: A Nine-Year Odyssey

Hello, citrus enthusiasts and budding gardeners! Nine years ago, I embarked on a unique endeavor - growing a lemon tree from seed. Today, I am sharing the saga, the trials and tribulations, and my expectations for this year. Will it finally bear fruit and flowers? Let's dive into the exciting world of my lemon tree adventure!

The Origins of My Love for Plants

Let's rewind time to the year 2014. The world of plant fanatics hadn't really come into its own yet. The American Fig company and my appreciation for plants were just vague ideas buried deep within my subconscious.

Strangely, I decided to grow a lemon tree from seed. Step one was figuring out how to start it off. Like every newbie gardener, I hit up YouTube for some pointers. After watching a video on the paper towel method of starting seedlings, I sprouted a tiny lemon seed in a paper towel. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of my lifelong love for plants, birthing projects like the American Fig Company and Plant Fanatics!

“And nine years later, you are looking at what started everything. My love of plants, the American Fig Company, Plant Fanatics, all of it came because of this lemon tree right here.”

The Growth Journey and the Struggles

With each passing year, my lemon tree has had to face many challenges.In its early days, it moved from my garage to our first greenhouse—a shy, ten-foot by twelve structure. I had to consistently prune it fiercely to fit it into these confined spaces, which heavily hampered its growth. Nevertheless, its resilience never wavered. Now, freshly moved into a bigger greenhouse, I am confident that this year it will finally bear fruit and burst into bloom.

For those unfamiliar with the tales of lemon tree survival, let's review some of my tree's battles. It persevered through my ruthless pruning, a symbol of its resilience. It faced winter in an unheated garage in a region where temperatures are known to plummet below zero. The result? Complete defoliation. My lemon tree was reduced to a bare twig, and I genuinely thought it was dead. However, come spring, it astounded me by fully regaining its health!

From Lisbon Lemon to Unknown Variants

The lemon that donated the seed for my tree was, I believe, a Lisbon lemon. Since pollination can lead to fruits with different traits, I am unsure what type my lemon tree will bear. However, regardless of the appearance or taste of the fruits, I am committed to cultivating it simply because of the emotional value the tree holds.

Dealing with Root Binding: The Magic of Root Pruning

As my citrus tree grew larger, it became root-bound—its roots filled the pot, leaving no space for expansion or fresh growth. Now, it's not grafted onto a flying dragon root stalk; it's growing on its own roots in full-size-tree fashion. My solution? Root pruning!

I carefully unpot the tree, prune the root mass significantly, and replant it—a process that might terrify many but has proven effective for me every time. To anybody interested in this topic, keep an eye out for a detailed video on root pruning soon!

Should You Grow Your Lemon Tree from Seed?

Growing a lemon tree from seed might feel daunting, but it's an experience like no other. There is something incredibly rewarding about nurturing a tree grown from seed, knowing that every leaf and branch are the result of your diligent care. Don't let its size discourage you! As my tree's journey shows, even massive trees can be managed through root pruning or canopy trimming.

The passion and commitment needed to grow a lemon tree from seed seem intimidating, and many ask, "why not just buy a grafted tree?”. Growing a citrus tree from seed elevates gardening to new levels, turning hard work and tenacity into satisfaction and gratification. So, if you're cultivating lemon trees from seed, sheer dedication will make your journey worthwhile!

Here's a thumbs-up to all the seed sowers and plant growers out there! Add some zest to your friends' gardening ventures by sharing these insights. Meanwhile, stay tuned for an update on my lemon tree's blooming journey in spring.

Thanks for reading, and keep growing!