Citus Plant

Could anybody tell me whether you can grow a cirus plant from a lemon pip,i am a complete beginner and thought i might give it a go.

 

Yes, you can. most citrus pips are fairly easy to germinate, it's the looking after afterwards that I find difficult. Someone on GC [sorry, can't remember, was it pete?] has had quite alot of success with flowers appearing in the first season.

 

Thanks ,as i have put a couple in a pot about 2weeks ago with a dip of rooting powder ,nothing has happened as yet! at the same time i planted some tomato seeds and carrots,they seem to be sprouting up ,i bought myself a walk in greenhouse as i have just taken up gardening and find it very thereputic.

 

No it wasn't me Liz, although I have grown lots of citrus plants from pips, none up to now have flowered.
I find pip grown plants easier to look after than plants bought with large fruit hanging on them.

 

Found it- it was Frogesque- I knew it was someone greenfingered.
http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000108#000004
Hope this inspires you, blue1952!

 

You called? :D

I've some brand new Calamondin seedlings on the go at the moment!

Citrus are really easy to germinate from seeds and you can do it in one of two ways.

a) sow fresh seeds about 12mm (1/2") deep in moist compost and keep warm (20C - 25C) until the seed leaves apear. Airing cupboard is ideal. Germination takes from 2 to 4 weeks and does depend on the temperature although don't be tempted to cook them.

b) wash the seeds in warm water then keep them in a small jar of water at a min of 20C changing the water every few days until the seeds swell and germinate. Then plant up as normal taking care not to damage the tender root and shoot.

With some citrus varieties, especially grapefruit, you may get more than one seedling from the same pip.

My pink grapefruit flowered within a year (no fruit set) but I've had no flowers since and an orange tree I look after is about 5 years old, 2ft. high and has never flowered. Received knowledge is that it can take up to 15 years for some citrus to bear fruit so be patient.

They have deep tap roots so if you can use a deep pot (the type used for roses are ideal) Citrus need carefull watering and prefer a weekly soak rather than standing in a wet puddle. Water from the top of the soil only when it apears to be dry but avoild getting the leaves wet. The stems can also suffer sun burn especially under glass and dappled shade is better than direct sun but they do need good light. There are special citrus feeds but for seedlings less than a year old it shouldn't be neccesary if you use good free draining potting compost.

For growing out doors, hardy lemon or Seville oranges are probably best but you are unlikely to get any edible fruit in the UK.

 

Thanks for all the useful information you have given me ,i will be given them ago tomorrow !by the time i have finished ,i should be a dab hand at it! thanks once again everone for knowledge i really appreciate it.

 

I only once grew a lemon tree from pip and it did flower and fruit. The fruit rotted though. Like you said Liz, takes some aftercare. Anyone any tips?
John