If you or someone you know has had a lemon tree that has been blooming and fruiting for years, then you should multiply 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 ground.

Easily propagate lemon tree from cuttings

With all lemon varieties, propagation via cuttings usually works extremely well. In a mini greenhouse (€7.95) 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 centimetres, the cuttings can be placed in individual pots.

Propagating a lemon tree from cuttings - this is how it works

Before you go to the trouble of cutting sticks from a lemon tree, you should first carefully choose a mother plant. A perennial, strong lemon tree that is already flowering and has already successfully borne fruit is best. Cuttings of such a tree have a very good chance of growing into a lemon tree that also blooms luxuriantly and bears fruit.

  • Cut off one or more sticks.
  • These should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
  • Woody shoots from the previous year are best suited.
  • The shoots should have several buds and one or two leaves.
  • Cut the two leaves roughly in the middle.
  • Treat the cutting site with a rooting hormone.
  • Insert the stick about four centimeters deep into 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.

Refinement provides robustness and better properties

However, lemons - like oranges and other citrus plants - are quite sensitive to temperatures, moisture, loamy soil, etc. For this reason, grafting is advisable in order to achieve greater insensitivity of the plant. Because of its good qualities and its weak growth, the bitter lemon (Citrus trifoliata) is an excellent substrate. In contrast to other citrus plants, the bitter lemon is even hardy and can withstand even double-digit minus temperatures 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. Older plants (about four to five years old) will suffice if they get 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 firmer and more impenetrable it becomes for the roots. Therefore, over time, the roots can suffocate, resulting in the death of the entire plant.

tips and tricks

Lemon trees grown from seed take at least eight to twelve years to flower. In order to shorten this long period of youth, grafting is strongly recommended.

Category:

Vegetable garden