How to Root Lemon Trees
Lemons are among the easiest plants to grow from a cutting. While lemons can be grown from seeds, the trees will grow slowly and take two to three years to mature. Rooting a cutting will produce a tree that yields fruit in about half that time. Lemon trees are very easy to care for once they are established. They require warm temperatures, full sun and regular watering. Very rarely do they need extra vitamins or special care. Once the cutting is rooted, you will have a low-maintenance addition to an indoor or outdoor summer garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lemon tree cutting
- Pruning shears
- Rooting hormone
- Potting soil
- 8 oz. terra cotta pot
- Plastic gallon bag
- Water
Instructions
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1
Choose a cutting from new growth on an established lemon tree. The new growth should be tender, but brown and stiff, not green.
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2
Cut the branch right below the first small bump, or node, of the new growth. The cutting should be 3 to 5 inches long.
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3
Moisten the cut end of the cutting with water. Then dip it in rooting hormone. If you're using powder, there should only be a light dusting of hormone on the cutting. If you're using gel, spread only a thin layer.
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4
Fill the terra cotta pot ¾ of the way with potting soil. Push your thumb into the soil and place the end of the cutting in the resulting dip. Sprinkle soil around the base of the cutting and gently press the soil so the cutting stands straight.
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5
Water the cutting deeply. Make sure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but not soaked.
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6
Put the terra cotta pot in the bottom of the plastic bag. Set the pot and bag on a table so the sides of the bag stand up straight.
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Push in on the seams of the bag so it becomes slightly cylindrical and does not touch the cutting. Close the bag except for a 2-inch section in the middle. This will allow air to circulate while condensation forms inside the bag.
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Wait about three to five weeks for the cutting to root. If the condensation begins to dissipate, water it enough to moisten the soil again.
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