With this method, you will successfully plant new lemons from leaf cuttings. Just follow our steps.
The lemon tree is a tree native to India. It is an evergreen plant whose scientific name is Citrus limon. Unlike other citrus fruits, this plant manages to produce flowers and fruits several times a year. So, give different harvests to enjoy lemons at different times.
Normally, the lemon has an elliptical shape and a yellow color. It has a tip, also called umbo, and is frequently used in cooking and beyond – from simple salads to other preparations. The lemon zest, on the other hand, is very thick and rich in glands that contain very fragrant oils.
Having a lemon in your garden is certainly an asset, and now we would like to show you how to grow new lemons from leaf cuttings. Below, in the next paragraph, we will see how to make a plant from a single branch. A very popular method of propagation.
New Lemons from Leaf Cuttings – Here’s How
As we said, we are going to see how to make a lemon tree plant only from a leaf cutting. Cutting is a very widespread and very safe method of propagation. Unlike sowing, it reduces the time required. Indeed, planting seeds is a longer and sometimes inefficient process.
Planting cuttings means having a plant that matches the mother plant from which the cutting branch was taken. You must first obtain a lemon tree branch and do this around March or during the pruning period of this citrus fruit. The branch must still be green and measure about 20 centimeters long.
Then, make sure it contains more gemstones and, before cutting it, disinfect the knife with which you want to make the cut. The latter must be slightly inclined. Then, take a plastic bottle, cut it about 30 cm from the bottom, and fill it with water. Take a clove of garlic and disinfect the cut before putting it in the water.
It should stay in water for at least two months, and you will see that small roots will form. Then, change the water and leave the cutting like this for another two months. You will see that new leaves with bright colors also appear. After 4 to 5 months, we can start planting the lemon in a pot.
Planting a Lemon Cutting
Take a container filled with moist soil and make a fairly large hole in the middle, in which you will place the cutting and its roots. Over time, the plant will continue to grow and you will gradually notice that it becomes larger and larger. But be sure to give it the attention it deserves.
Try to keep it properly during the first periods, especially since it is a small seedling that must be cared for in the right way. We give you some tips on this in the following. We also remind you to change the pot if the plant starts to grow too strong. Normally, the change is done after about a year.
How to Care for a Lemon?
Among the things to pay attention to during the first years of life, there is certainly watering and mulching. There must be enough water. In fact, the water requirement of the lemon is high. It is between 20 and 60 m3. It is also important during the flowering and fruiting phase. Never leave it without water.
Mulching is very useful, especially in the first few years. It consists of protecting the root system from the growth of wild grasses. In fact, these can compete with the plant for water and nutrients, and the lemon could then be affected. Then, you can add a layer of straw and bark to this natural fertilizer.
