When life hands you lemon seeds, plant a lemon tree. Although it can be a labor of love, it is possible to grow a fruit-producing citrus tree from seed indoors or outside in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Generally, it takes seven to 15 years for a lemon tree planted from seed to mature and produce fruit. In the meantime, you can enjoy this plant's beautiful foliage. If you're in it for the long haul, these expert tips for growing a lemon tree from seed will help you produce a healthy, fruit-bearing tree before you know it.

How to Plant Lemon Seeds

Planting lemon seeds is easy to do with citrus purchased from the grocery store or farmers market. Keep in mind that the seedlings will look similar to the parent plant but not identical.

Choose a Lemon

Seeds from any healthy, mature lemon fruit can be used to grow a lemon tree, says Justine Kandra, a horticulturist at Missouri Botanical Garden's Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Check for signs of rotting or bruising when selecting a lemon to harvest the seeds from.

Remove the Seeds

Cut the lemon in half, being careful not to accidentally slice open the seeds. Gently remove the seeds from the fruit and rinse them off with water to remove any pulp and lingering sugars.

Plant the Seeds

Fill a small pot or plug tray with fertilizer-free potting soil. Plant the seeds 1-inch deep in the soil. "It is best to plant the seeds as soon as possible, because they do not tolerate being dried out for too long," says Kandra.

Provide the Right Conditions

Water the seeds thoroughly and keep them in a brightly lit, warm area (at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit) to allow them to germinate. If you don't have a space with adequate sunlight, supplement with grow lights. After a few weeks, the seeds will begin to sprout.

Types of Lemons

Consider these popular cultivars when choosing a type of lemon to grow from seed.

Meyer Lemon

This hybrid of citron and a mandarin orange is not considered a true lemon. Meyer lemons are smaller, more round, and taste sweeter than the traditional lemon. The flavor is more herbal than it is fruity.1

Lisbon Lemon

Often used to make lemonade, Lisbon lemons are the most commonly sold type in the Eastern U.S. They have a distinctive lemon shape with a pushed-in point on one end. As the name implies, Lisbon lemons are believed to have originated in Portugal.1

Eureka Lemon

Eureka lemons are similar to Lisbon lemons in flavor and aroma. Some Eureka Lemon trees feature beautiful white-and-green variegated leaves, filling your home or garden with beauty even when they're not producing fruit. The lemons have pink pulp sacks, giving the flesh a pinkish hue.1

How to Care for Lemon Trees

Whether you are growing lemon trees indoors or outside, the requirements needed to ensure they grow and thrive are similar.

Sunlight

Your lemon tree will need at least eight hours of full sun each day, says horticulturist Steven Biggs. It will grow best indoors if it has access to a south-facing, sunny window. As mentioned, you can use grow lights to supplement natural light if necessary.

Soil

Lemon trees need well-draining soil. If planting outdoors, choose a location that doesn't pool with water during heavy rains. When planting in containers, choose a well-draining potting mix or amend potting mix with pumice or perlite to improve drainage.

Water

Make sure the soil stays evenly moist, but not waterlogged. For best success, water your lemon tree once the soil has mostly dried out before watering again, says Biggs.

Fertilizer

Apply an all-purpose fertilizer with micronutrients or a lemon tree-specific fertilizer during the growing season to encourage fruit production. Our experts recommend following the manufacturer's directions for guidance on how and how often to apply the fertilizer.

How to Repot Lemon Trees

Young lemon trees grown in containers will need to be repotted about every two years; mature ones should be repotted every three to four years. The best time to do so is in the spring, right ahead of the growing season, says Kandra. Here's how to do it:

1. Gently remove the lemon tree from its original container.
2. Fill a new container halfway with well-draining potting soil. The new container should be 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter than the original.
3. Place the lemon tree in the new container and backfill with soil.
4. Water the soil thoroughly and place the container in a brightly lit, warm location.

How to Harvest Lemons From a Lemon Tree

Lemons that are ready to be picked are firm and bright yellow—you should be able to easily take them off the plant. Using your hands, gently twist the fruit and pull it off the tree. Lemons will stay ripe for weeks to months on a tree, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad quickly, says Biggs.

Common Problems With Lemon Trees

Although lemon trees are relatively low-maintenance, there are some common issues you may run into when growing and caring for this plant.

Pests

Mealy bugs, spider mites, and scale insects are common lemon tree pests. The best way to get rid of them is by dabbing the infested foliage with a cotton round and rubbing alcohol, says Biggs. He recommends growing your lemon tree in humid conditions, since these bugs don't survive in this type of environment.  

Root Rot

If your lemon tree has root rot, it is likely due to poor drainage. Make sure you plant an outdoor lemon tree in a well-draining location. If you planted the tree in a container indoors, make sure it has drainage holes. Overwatering may also cause root rot, so be sure to feel the soil for dryness before watering. If scaling back your watering schedule doesn't work, you may need to repot the tree.