Ever thought about growing your own lemon tree indoors?
It might sound like a big project, but starting with just a lemon seed in a small cup is easier than you’d think.
I’ve done it, and let me tell you—it’s both satisfying and fun to watch that little seed sprout and grow.
Plus, even if it doesn’t end up producing fruit, a small lemon tree adds a touch of natural beauty to any room.
Why Grow a Lemon Tree in a Cup?
You might wonder why you’d want to grow a lemon tree in a cup instead of in a pot or straight in the ground.
Growing in a cup lets you start small, which is perfect if you’re short on space or just experimenting.
Plus, it’s easy to keep an eye on the seed’s progress and move it to a sunnier spot if needed. When it’s ready, you can always transfer it to a larger pot.
What You’ll Need to Plant a Lemon in a Cup
To get started, gather these supplies:
- A fresh lemon (organic if possible)
- A cup (plastic or ceramic works fine)
- Potting soil (citrus-friendly soil is ideal)
- Plastic wrap or a small clear bag
- Water
- A sunny spot (like a windowsill)
With just these basics, you’re all set to start your mini lemon tree!
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly
Step 1: Choose and Prep the Lemon Seeds
First things first: grab a lemon. I recommend going with an organic lemon, as non-organic ones are sometimes treated with chemicals that can stop the seeds from sprouting.
Here’s what to do:
- Slice open the lemon and take out a few seeds.
- Rinse the seeds under water to remove any sticky pulp. Be gentle!
- Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel, but don’t let them sit out too long. Lemon seeds need to stay moist to germinate.
Step 2: Plant the Seed in the Cup
Now it’s time to set up the cup and plant your seed.
Here’s how:
- Fill the cup with potting soil, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Make a small hole in the soil (about half an inch deep) and place the seed inside. Point the more rounded end of the seed down.
- Cover the seed with a thin layer of soil and gently press it down. Don’t pack it too tightly, though—you want the seed to have a little room.
Step 3: Water and Cover the Cup
After planting, give the soil a light watering. You don’t want to flood it—just enough to keep the soil moist.
To help the seed stay warm and humid, cover the top of the cup with plastic wrap or a small clear plastic bag. This will create a mini greenhouse effect, which is perfect for seed germination. I like to poke a few small holes in the plastic to allow some airflow.
Step 4: Place the Cup in a Sunny Spot
Your lemon seed will need a warm, sunny spot to start sprouting. I usually keep mine on a windowsill where it can soak up plenty of natural light. Lemon seeds need about 8 hours of sunlight a day, so try to find the sunniest place possible.
If you don’t have a bright spot, a grow light can work as a substitute.
Step 5: Water Regularly and Be Patient
Now, it’s a waiting game. Check the soil every few days to make sure it’s still damp. If it starts looking dry, add a little water. Be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can make the seed rot.
After about 2 to 4 weeks, you should start to see a tiny green sprout poking through the soil. This is a huge win! Keep the plastic cover on until the sprout gets a few inches tall, then you can remove it to let the plant get more air.
Caring for Your Lemon Seedling
Once your seedling starts growing, it’s time to give it a little extra care.
- Light: Keep your little lemon plant in the sunniest spot you can find.
- Water: Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Too much water isn’t a good thing!
- Fertilizer: After a few months, give it a small amount of balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Citrus trees love a little extra nutrition.
As it grows, you may want to transplant it into a larger pot to give the roots more space. A pot with drainage holes is best, as it prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged.
What to Expect as Your Lemon Tree Grows
A lemon tree grown from seed can take a few years to produce any fruit—if it does at all.
But even if it doesn’t, you’ll still have a beautiful, leafy green plant to brighten up your space. If you’re lucky and patient, your tree may eventually blossom and even produce small lemons!
Just remember that lemon trees need lots of sunlight and a little extra love, especially indoors. With proper care, your plant will thrive and bring a refreshing touch of nature into your home.
Growing a lemon tree in a cup is a rewarding and simple indoor gardening project.
Not only does it add a touch of green to your home, but it also gives you the satisfaction of growing something from scratch.
Whether or not it bears fruit, you’ll still have a beautiful indoor plant with a fresh citrus scent.
So grab a lemon, plant a seed, and see what happens!