Citrus fruits are not only a sweet and sour explosion of vitamins that wakes you up more than a triple espresso, but they are also the stars of every garden or urban balcony. While most people swear by proven seedlings from nurseries, true enthusiasts know that growing a citrus tree from seed is a special experience – like meditation with a long-term goal. Fear not: you don't need a laboratory, just some patience, warmth and regular spraying (not nerves – with water).
Follow these steps to raise citrus tree and maybe in a few years (yes, years) you'll be drinking freshly squeezed juice from fruit you grew yourself in the morning. Or at least you'll have a beautiful citrus tree that makes selfies more photogenic.
Step 1: Choose and prepare the right seeds
First, bite into the fresh, ecologically lemon, grapefruit, tangerine or orange – because we don't want pesticides saying "no thanks" to your seeds.
Wash the seeds under cold water and remove any remaining pulp. (Yes, even those that don't want to come off - stick with it, it's for the benefit of the future tree.)
Tip for perfectionists: Choose only those seeds that are beautiful, full and without wrinkles.
Step 2: Peel the seeds (optional, but recommended)
Citrus seeds have a protective coat – a thin brown shell that protects but also inhibits germination. With a little skill and a lot of gentleness, you can remove it.
How to:
- Use your fingernails or tweezers and carefully remove the envelope.
- Leave the inner white part intact – this is your mini tree treasure.
Not necessary, but recommended: seeds without a "coat" germinate faster and easier.
Step 3: Pre-hardening – a paper method for beginners and wizards
It's not magic – just good old moisture, heat, and a ziplock bag.
You need:
- Paper towels
- Plastic zip bag
- Water spray
Process:
- Dampen a paper towel (don't let it float).
- Place the peeled seeds on it, spaced like introverts at a party.
- Wrap, place in a bag and seal.
- Store in a dark, warm place (a kitchen cabinet will be perfect).
- Check every day – the first root tips will appear in 7 to 14 days.
If during this time you are seized by the urge to look every five minutes – congratulations, you have become a parent.
Step 4: Moving into the ground
Once the seeds sprout, it's time for the next step – a real home in a pot.
You need:
- Small pots with drainage
- Citrus soil or well-drained all-purpose soil
- Sprayer or mini watering can
Process:
- Fill the pot with moistened soil.
- Make a hole 1.5–2 cm deep, place the seed with the root facing down.
- Cover lightly with soil, sprinkle.
- Place the pot in a warm and sunny spot – preferably with a view.
Step 5: How to prune a (young) citrus tree
Your citrus tree needs love and routine. And lots of sun.
Light: At least 6 hours of daylight – natural or with LED lighting. Without light, the plant will be sad and you will be disappointed.
Water: The soil should be moist, not wet. When the top inch of soil dries out, water it.
Temperature: Ideally between 20–28 °C. If you're comfortable in a T-shirt, grapefruit probably likes it too.
Transplantation: As it grows, gradually move it to a larger pot. If you live in a Mediterranean paradise – you can even move it to the garden later.
When do the fruits come?
Realistically? Not anytime soon. You need 6 to 10 years and a bit of luck. And even then, it's possible that the fruit won't be the same as the one from the store. But hey – it's yours unique citrus snowflake.
For a quicker route, you can graft the tree later with a branch from a mature tree. But that's the next level of citrus magic.
Conclusion: Citrus meditation with a touch of exoticism
Growing a citrus tree from seed is a project for the soul. You may not end up reading a book in the shade of your own tree with a fresh lemon in your hand—but even if it ends up as a houseplant with shiny leaves, you've won.
Let this be your Zen corner in the urban jungle - with a touch of tropical glamour and a great story for every visitor who asks: "Did you really grow this from seed?" Yes, you did.
