If you or someone you know has already had a lemon tree that has been blooming and fruiting beautifully for years, then you should propagate this magnificent specimen if possible. The easiest way to propagate is through cuttings or grafting, although you can of course simply stick the seeds into the soil.
How to propagate a lemon tree?
To propagate a lemon tree, cuttings can be taken from a strong, perennial tree and planted in potting soil. Alternatively, grafting onto a robust rootstock, such as bitter lemon, can ensure a more resilient plant.
Easily propagate lemon trees using cuttings
Propagation via cuttings usually works excellently for all types of lemon. In a mini greenhouse with a constant temperature - this can also simply be placed on a sunny, warm windowsill - the lemon cuttings root very quickly. A thermometer helps to maintain the desired temperature. As soon as the root growth has reached a length of six to ten centimeters, the cuttings can be placed in individual pots.
Propagate lemon trees from cuttings – this is how it works
Before you go to the trouble of cutting sticks from a lemon tree, you should first carefully select a mother plant. The best choice is a strong, perennial lemon tree that is already blooming and has already successfully borne fruit. Cuttings from such a tree have a very good chance of growing into a lushly flowering and fruiting lemon tree.
- Cut one or more cuttings.
- These should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
- Wooden shoots from the previous year are best.
- The shoots should have several buds and one or two leaves.
- Cut the two leaves approximately in the middle.
- Treat the interface with a rooting hormone.
- Place the cuttings about four centimeters deep in conventional potting soil.
- Press the cutting well and water it.
- Place the greenhouse with the cuttings in a partially shaded, warm place.
- Check temperature and humidity regularly.
Refining ensures robustness and better properties
However, lemons - just like oranges and other citrus plants - are quite sensitive to temperatures, humidity, loamy soil, etc. For this reason, grafting is advisable in order to achieve greater resistance to the plant. Because of its good properties and its weak growth, the bitter lemon (Citrus trifoliata) is an excellent rootstock. In contrast to other citrus plants, the bitter lemon is even winter-proof and can tolerate even low temperatures in the double-digit range for a short time.
Repot lemon trees regularly
Young lemon trees in particular should be repotted once a year, at the beginning of the growing season. For older plants (around four to five years old), it is sufficient to receive a larger pot and fresh substrate every two to three years. Repotting is particularly important because of the hardening of the substrate: the older the potting soil is, the harder and more impenetrable it becomes for the roots. Over time, the roots can suffocate, resulting in the death of the entire plant.
Tips & Tricks
Lemon trees grown from seeds take at least eight to twelve years to bloom for the first time. In order to shorten this long youth period, refining is strongly recommended.
