How to germinate lemon seeds in paper towel

Are you ready to grow your own lemon tree from seeds? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you exactly how to successfully germinate lemon seeds using a simple paper towel method. Growing lemon trees from seeds can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you have beautiful citrus trees in your garden, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor (literally!) with freshly grown lemons. Using the paper towel method is a popular and effective technique for germinating lemon seeds. Not only is it easy to do, but it also allows you to closely monitor the progress of your seeds as they sprout and grow. In this article, we will walk you through the entire germination process, from selecting the right seeds to caring for your seedlings. We will also share some tips and tricks to ensure your lemon seeds have the best chance of sprouting and thriving. So let’s get started and unlock the secrets to successfully germinating lemon seeds in a paper towel!

This article will show you how to plant lemon seeds using paper towels.

Germination process of seeds in a paper towel

1-Moisten a paper towel and smooth it on a flat surface. Start by soaking a paper towel in water, then squeeze out the excess water. Place the damp paper towel on a flat surface and remove any creases. The paper towel should fit in your zippered or re-sealable plastic bag. If the paper towel is too large, fold it in half or in three.

2-Choose 5 to 10 lemon seeds from an organic lemon. Non-organic lemon seeds don’t always grow, so it’s a good idea to prepare at least 10 seeds to ensure you have a healthy selection.  Look for seeds that are large and fleshy. Ignore those that look shriveled or that look like tiny white dots. These will not germinate or become healthy seeds.

Even if you plan to grow only one lemon tree, it is a good idea to start with several seeds. Not all seeds will grow and not all plants will survive. Be careful not to clutter the seeds. They should be spaced at least three inches apart, so as to leave room for their roots during germination.

3-Remember to store the seeds in a cup of water overnight, this will prevent the seeds from drying out while you work. The seeds should remain moist. If they dry out, they will not germinate.

4-Clean the gel-like coating of each seed. You can do this by rinsing the seeds in cold water or by sucking them. This gel is filled with sugars, which can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.

5-You can also peel the other white layer to reveal a brown seed. Start peeling from the pointed end. You can use your fingernail or a knife to pinch the tip, then peel the outer shell. This will facilitate seed germination and speed up the process, but it is not necessary for germination to occur.

6-Peel the brown seed cover too. You may notice that your seed is covered with a thin brown film. Use your fingernail to scrape off this coating

7-Place the seeds on the damp paper towel. Try to distribute the seeds as evenly as possible, so that the roots do not get tangled when they grow.

8-Repeat the peeling process for the rest of the seeds and place them on the towel. Once the seeds are on the paper towel, they should remain moist. If you notice that they are starting to dry out, consider covering the paper towel with another wet paper towel or folding the first one over.

9-Slide the paper towel into a zippered or resalable plastic bag, then close the bag tightly. Do not use a plastic grocery bag. You want the bag to be zipped or resalable; this will help trap moisture and retain heat. Your seeds will need both to germinate.

10- Store the plastic bag in a dark, warm place until the seeds germinate. Keep the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It will take one to two weeks. Some seedlings will need three weeks to germinate.

11-Transplant the plants when the tail is about 8 centimeters (3.15 inches) long. Make a shallow hole (half an inch thick) in a pot of moist, well-drained soil, and then place the plant in the hole. Gently pat the soil around the seedling.

12- Move the pot to a warm and sunny place. Remember to water the plant and keep the soil moist; do not let the soil become soggy or dry.

Conclusion

Remember, do not use colored or drawn sheets of paper towels to prevent ink from contaminating the seeds. When the tree starts to grow you’ll need to learn how to shape it properly. Don’t forget to learn how to properly trim you new lemon tree before you plant your new tree.