Growing Citrus and Pomegranate from Grocery Store Seeds: Realities and Methods

Why Store-Bought Fruit Seeds Are a Gamble

Seeds from supermarket lemons, pears, and pomegranates are almost always from hybrid varieties. They won’t come true—fruit quality, size, and hardiness will be unpredictable. Plus, 5+ years to first fruit.

Better Alternative for Texas

Buy dwarf, grafted citrus (lemon, lime, kumquat) and pomegranate cultivars suited to your zone. They fruit in 1–2 years and are managed as patio/indoor plants.

If You Still Want to Try Seeds

1. Clean seeds; sow ½ inch deep at 75–80°F.
2. Germinate in 2 weeks; transplant to individual pots.
3. Grow under 40-watt shop lights or bright south window.
4. Fertilize with 12-12-12 per label.
5. Harden off 10 days in shade before full sun.

Fun experiment, but not a reliable food source.