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Growing a lemon tree from a cutting is a simple and rewarding process. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Select a healthy branch: Choose a branch from a mature lemon tree that is at least 6 inches long and has no signs of disease or pests.
2. Prepare the cutting: Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
3. Plant the cutting: Fill a pot with well-draining soil and make a small hole. Place the cutting in the hole and gently press the soil around it.
4. Provide the right conditions: Place the pot in a warm and sunny location, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use a plastic bag or a dome to create a humid environment.
5. Wait for roots to develop: In a few weeks, roots should start to form. Check for root growth by gently tugging on the cutting. If it resists, roots have developed.
6. Transplant the cutting: Once the roots are well-established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground. Continue to care for the lemon tree by providing adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow a lemon tree from a cutting and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the future.
Growing lemon trees (Citrus x limon) can enhance the beauty of your yard or patio. These perennial trees thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 and bear tart, yellow fruits. While commercially grown lemon trees are usually grafted to obtain disease resistance and resilience, it is possible to grow a lemon tree from a cutting. However, keep in mind that the resulting tree may not possess the same level of disease resistance and resilience. Growing a lemon tree from a cutting is a straightforward process, but it requires the use of sterile tools and providing the cutting with the necessary conditions to grow into a healthy and productive tree.
Important Information Before Propagating a Lemon Tree from a Cutting
Nursery-grown lemon trees are usually propagated through budding or grafting, which involves using a root system that is more resistant to diseases. If foot rot is a prevalent issue in your area, it is advisable to only propagate a lemon tree from a cutting if foot rot is not a problem. Another option is to grow cutting-propagated lemon trees in large pots using sterile and disease-free soil. Lemon trees grown from cuttings may start producing fruit after one year, while ‘Meyer’ lemons (Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’) may take one to two years to fruit.
In general, lemon trees can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9 through 11. However, certain cultivars such as Eureka (Citrus x limon ‘Eureka’) and Lisbon (Citrus x limon ‘Lisbon’) can be grown in USDA zones 9 and 10. The popular Meyer lemon (Citrus x limon ’Meyer’)—a hybrid of a citron and mandarin-pomelo—has slightly better cold hardiness and can survive in USDA zones 8b through 11. It is important to protect all lemon trees from frost and freezes by using frost blankets or by planting them in pots that can be brought indoors.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to propagate a lemon tree from a cutting.
1. Prepare the Container for the Lemon Tree
Prior to taking a cutting, prepare a container where the cutting can be potted immediately. Any container will suffice as long as it has sufficient drainage holes and can hold approximately 1 gallon of soil. Fill the container with sterile seed-starting mix or a homemade mixture of half vermiculite or perlite and half milled peat moss. Avoid using garden soil as it may contain disease-causing fungi and bacteria.
Peat-based growing mixtures may initially resist water absorption, so it is necessary to gradually add water while stirring the mixture until it retains moisture. An eco-friendly alternative to peat moss is coconut coir, also known as coco coir, which readily absorbs water and has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.7. Ensure that the coco coir product has been washed to remove any ocean salts accumulated during the coconut tree’s growth.
2. Take a Cutting from the Lemon Tree
Late spring and early summer are the optimal times to take lemon cuttings. Select a 6-inch cutting from the tip of a healthy young branch, ensuring that it:
How to Propagate Lemon Trees from Cuttings
- Avoid using fruit or flowers as they take away energy from root production.
- Look for stems with at least two to three nodes, which are essential for root production.
- Avoid cuttings with signs of disease, stress, or damage. These can indicate potential problems.
To prepare the cutting, measure 6 inches from the tip and cut the stem at a 90-degree angle using a sanitized knife. Wrap the cutting in moist paper towel and transfer it to your work station.
Step 3: Pot the Cutting
Before potting the cutting, remove all but four leaves at the tip to reduce moisture loss. Remove the bottom two sets of leaves to expose the nodes. Cut the base of the stem at a 45-degree angle and dust the end and nodes with rooting hormone powder.
Make a hole in the moistened growing mixture and place the hormone-dusted portion of the stem inside. Firm the mixture against the stem.
To provide optimal conditions for rooting, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, ensuring it doesn’t rest against the cutting. Make small slices in the bag to allow excess moisture to escape.
Step 4: Root the Cutting
Provide constant warmth and bright, diffuse light for the cuttings. Avoid direct sunlight as it can stress the cutting.
Keep the growing mixture moist, but allow the surface to dry out slightly between waterings. Mist the cutting daily to increase humidity.
Rooting times may vary, but you can check for roots after eight weeks by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If it resists movement, it has rooted. Gradually acclimate the rooted cutting to normal humidity by cutting open the plastic bag.
Step 5: Transplant the Lemon Tree and Provide Aftercare
Once the cutting shows signs of growth, transplant it into a 1-gallon nursery container filled with potting mix. Place the pot in a bright, sheltered area outdoors with temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water the cutting when the soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring excess water drains from the pot. Lemon trees do not require heavy feeding. Water every two weeks with a diluted fertilizer solution.
Allow the lemon tree to grow in its pot for at least one season before transplanting it into a permanent pot or the garden in spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
