How to Get a New Lemon Seedling From a Meyer Bush

The Meyer lemon bush, also known as the Meyer lemon tree, is a compact variety that is usually grown on a porch or patio. It reaches heights of only 6- to 10-feet tall, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who are tight on space or those who live in areas with very cold winters. The bush develops fragrant, soft-pink blooms in spring. The Meyer lemon can be propagated from seeds and, unlike most other plants, one seed can produce up to three seedlings.

Things You'll Need

• Growing containers
• Sterile potting soil
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Collect the desired number of seeds from the lemons. Wash the seeds well with cold water to remove the sugar that coats them, as it can encourage fungal disease to develop.

2. Fill a growing container with sterile potting soil. Add water until the soil is just moist enough to stick to your finger.

3. Plant the seeds 1/2-inch deep. Stretch plastic wrap over the container and place in a warm location, such as the top of the refrigerator.

4. Check the moisture level in the soil every day, and add water only when it feels dry.

5. Remove the plastic when the first sprout appears. Move the container to a location that receives several hours of sunlight each day. Continue to moisten the soil any time it feels dry.

6. Transplant the seedlings into their permanent growing containers once they have developed four leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• The growing container should have several holes in the bottom for drainage.

• Plant Meyer lemon seeds as soon as they are harvested, before they begin to dry out.

• Avoid over-watering, because the roots of the seedlings will rot quickly if they remain too moist.

References

• New Mexico State University: Lemon Tree from Seed
• Floridata: Citrus Meyeri