Growing an orange or lemon tree is really easy, and this is such a great activity for kids. Anyone can grow an indoor citrus tree from seed. Especially in the winter, when citrus is abundant and you may be looking for something different to try with students.
You can save the seeds from oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines or other citrus fruit. But you do have to plant them immediately because they cannot be allowed to dry out.
Preparing the Seeds
Choose a large fruit to take the seeds from. Sometimes, on our mature lemons, the seeds will start sprouting right inside the lemon. This is ideal; however, not required.
Rinse the seeds, being careful not to rub them too harshly. Plant them about one inch deep in regular potting soil in a small (6 inch) pot. If planting more than one seed per pot, allow about an inch in between each seed to avoid competition for nutrients.
Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds should germinate in approximately 20-30 days. Watering is very important for the first 8 weeks otherwise the seeds and/or sprouts will die of dehydration.
What to do Once your Tree has Sprouted
Once the seeds have sprouted, you will want to hang a grow light a few feet above the plant to stimulate growth. When the seedlings have at least four leaves, transplant them each to their own pots. The plants will need 4-5 hours of sun per day and will continue to need to be watered about 3 times a week.
As the plant grows, pinch back the center, tiny leaf tips of new growth to encourage bushier growth.
Your kids will love checking on the progress of their citrus trees every day!
Have you tried to grow an indoor citrus tree from seed? How did it work? Let me know in the comments below.
