How Do You Start A Citrus Tree From Seed?
Lemons, limes and oranges are frequently used to start citrus trees from seed due to their relative ease to germinate. According to Pam Elam, Farm Adviser of the University of California Cooperative Extension, trees grown from seeds may never produce edible fruit. Although homegrown citrus trees might have fruit unfit to eat, the plants beautify many homes as houseplants with their shiny leaves and aromatic flowers. Start citrus seedlings in the early spring, and use fresh seeds for best results. Peel the fruit, and remove the seeds by hand. Rinse the seeds with clean water. Eliminate as much of the fruit flesh sticking to the seeds as possible. Set the seeds aside on some paper towels. Fill the peat pots with potting soil up to ½ inch from the top. Moisten the soil with warm water, and let the pots drain. Push your citrus seeds into the soil with your index finger. Plant the seeds twice as deep as the size of each seed. Evenly space 2 to 3 seeds per peat pot. Cover the hole with soil.
