The lemon tree, a product of millions of years of evolution and thousands of years of cross-breeding by humans, finds its origins in the citrus trees of eight million years ago.
The byproduct of combining the properties of citron and sour orange was introduced to America in 1493 through the agency of Cristopher Columbus.
Lemon is considered one of the most versatile fruits, complementing various foods. Whether you eat something savory, salty, or sweet, this rich source of nutrients is a key and a healthy add-on to your diet for its many health benefits.
Lemons contain soluble fiber that improves digestion and bowel function.
For example, one of the main benefits of this fruit is the high amount of vitamin C. Also, lemons contain soluble fiber that improves digestion and bowel function. In addition, lemons may aid with weight loss and with reducing the risk of heart disease, digestive issues, and even cancer. Not only are lemons a healthy fruit but their taste and smell are a delicious add-on to any food.
In this blog, we will explore the process of growing and harvesting your lemon tree, tips to know when they are ready to pick, and some advice to store them and keep them fresh for longer.
Did you know that lemon seeds can propagate in growing a lemon tree?
As it turns out, it’s easy for the seeds to germinate. The first step in the propagation process is to select a good and juicy lemon. Take the seeds, wash them and keep the flesh out of the lemon. Remember to use fresh seeds and avoid using dry ones. Otherwise, the probability of germination will decrease.
Afterward, plant a few seeds in a small pot with a soil mix. You should moisten the soil lightly and cover it with plastic wrap to retain the moisture. When the tree is growing, keep your pot in an area with a temperature around 70ºF. Once the seeds germinate, move them into brighter light and remove the plastic. Potassium-rich fertilizers are healthy for your soil!
Trees produced via seed take five or more years to grow fruit. For that matter, keep in mind that not only is the fruit a delicious asset but while waiting for the fruit to grow, the leaves and foliage smell wonderful, and you can use them as potpourri.
After the tree starts to produce flowers, it takes between 4 to 6 months to produce fruit.
The harvest season lasts approximately 3 to 4 months, depending on the weather and soil’s health. Color and size are also helpful indicators that it may be time to harvest the lemons. For example, when the fruit skin turns green to yellow and the size is around 2 to 3 inches.
You can pick them while they are still slightly green and keep them at room temperature for them to ripen. Nevertheless, you’ll get a juicier fruit if you wait until the lemon is at its optimum condition.
Now that you know how to grow your lemon tree and when to harvest the fruit, let’s explore the different ways to store them properly. Fresh lemons can last for up to a week just on the counter. We recommend storing the fruit in a bag or a container inside the fridge to keep the lemons fresh for a month. Lastly, you can freeze your lemons as another preservation technique, lengthening the lifetime of this fruit for up to 3 to 4 months.