- Choose a Cup:Â Use a small cup with drainage holes at the bottom. If your cup doesnât have holes, poke a few with a skewer or toothpick.
- Fill with Soil:Â Fill the cup with potting soil, leaving about 1 inch of space from the top.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
- Plant the Seeds:Â Push the seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil with the pointed end facing down.
- Cover with Soil:Â Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Step 4: Water and Cover
- Water Gently:Â Moisten the soil using a spray bottle or by lightly watering until damp, but not soggy.
- Create a Greenhouse:Â Cover the top of the cup with plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth. Secure the wrap with a rubber band and poke small holes for airflow.
Step 5: Provide Proper Conditions
- Place in Sunlight:Â Place the cup in a warm, sunny spot where it gets at least 6â8 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
- Keep Soil Moist:Â Check regularly and water lightly when the soil starts to dry out. Avoid overwatering.
Step 6: Germination
- Wait for Sprouts: Lemon seeds typically sprout within 2â3 weeks. Once you see tiny green shoots, remove the plastic wrap.
Step 7: Care for the Seedling
- Thinning:Â If multiple seeds sprout, thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving the healthiest one to grow.
- Transplanting:Â When the plant outgrows the cup (about 3â4 inches tall), transfer it to a larger pot with good drainage.
Pro Tips
- Choose Organic Lemons:Â Non-organic seeds may be less viable due to treatments.
- Fertilizer:Â After a few weeks, feed the plant with a citrus-specific fertilizer for healthy growth.
- Patience:Â Lemons grown from seeds may take several years to bear fruit, but the plant will still be a lovely indoor or outdoor addition.
Why Grow a Lemon Plant in a Cup?
- Compact and Easy:Â Perfect for small spaces or as a beginner gardening project.
- Aesthetic Appeal:Â Adds greenery to your home with a refreshing citrus scent.
- Educational:Â A fun project for kids and adults to learn about plant growth.
With these steps, you can grow your own lemon plant and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing a tiny tree right from your windowsill! đđ±