Growing a Lemon Tree from Seed: What to Expect

Starting a lemon tree from seed is a fun project, but there’s a catch: most store-bought citrus are hybrids grown on grafted rootstock. Seedlings won’t produce identical fruit, and they may take years to flower.

How to Germinate Lemon Seeds

1. Let seeds dry a few days.
2. Plant ½ inch deep in moist, well-draining potting mix.
3. Keep warm (70–80°F) and evenly moist.
4. Germination occurs in 1–2 weeks.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once seedlings reach 4–6 inches with several leaf sets, gently move each to its own pot. In Fort Worth (Zone 8a), they can summer outdoors but must be protected from frost.

Enjoy the process, but for reliable fruit, purchase a grafted tree suited to your climate.