Are you trying to grow lemon seedlings that would turn into fruitful lemon trees someday?
Well, if you’re looking for guidance about caring for your lemon seedlings, you’re certainly in the right place!
This article will thoroughly guide you on the topic of caring for lemon seedlings from watering all the way to transplant. Let’s get into it, shall we? (P.S. It’s simple, not easy)
How To Care For Lemon Seedlings?
1 – Watering
Watering is essential for all plants; lemon seedlings are no exception.
Whether you’re growing the seedlings in a seed tray or individual pots, make sure the surface of the soil remains moist at all times. Moist, however, does not mean flooded with water!
Even though lemon seedlings prefer slightly moist soil, overdoing the water will just waterlog the soil and hinder root development by attracting rot, which you don’t want.
2 – Temperature Regulation
For optimal growth, lemon seedlings typically prefer a warmer environment with higher humidity. The 24-hour cycle of day and night is perfect for them since nighttime tends to be cooler compared to daytime and that’s what lemon seedlings want.
Ensure there aren’t any drastic fluctuations in temperature around the seedlings and levels remain consistent throughout the weeks and months of growth.
For colder regions and winters, consider keeping the seedlings indoors as they won’t tolerate extended periods of cold for long. And, the same goes for hot days when the blazing sun can scorch the delicate seedlings if kept outside in direct sunlight.
3 – Light Exposure
Lemon seedlings are not for the low-light conditions. They require plenty of bright indirect light either coming in through a window or outside in a partially shaded area.
The reason I wouldn’t recommend direct sun exposure is because it can be a little harsh on the vulnerable seedlings, potentially scorching new leaves and drying out the soil.
Try to get your seedlings a minimum of 12-15 hours of indirect light on a daily basis.
4 – Use Fertilizers
Lemon seedlings typically do very well with fertilizers, especially if planted in smaller pots and containers.
Even if you planted your seedlings in potting soil, it’s still a good idea to incorporate a balanced, diluted fertilizer into the mix from time to time.
5 – Transplanting
When you begin to see your lemon seedlings outgrow their seed trays/containers, it’s probably time to transplant them into the garden or a larger pot that will allow for further maturation.
During the transplanting process, it’s crucial that you treat the seedling with delicate hands, especially when pulling it out of its initial container. If the roots break off even by accident, your whole project will essentially go to waste.
Ensure proper aftercare once the seedlings are in the garden/pot and keep them well-hydrated initially since transplanting can put stress on them.
Final Words
In order to successfully grow large fruitful lemon trees, one needs to pay the initial dues of effort by caring for tiny seedlings and transplanting them in the right spot.
If you’re someone who’s deeply passionate about gardening or even just growing lemons, caring for seedlings shouldn’t feel like work despite being somewhat of a demanding procedure.
Hope you get to enjoy the fruit of your labor someday! (Literally)
