How to Plant Citrus Trees From Seeds
- 1). Let one or two of the desired types of citrus fruits remain on the tree, ripening almost to the point of being rotten. Pluck the fruit, and scoop out the seeds. Rinse them in clear water at room temperature, carefully removing any pulp that might be sticking to the seeds.
- 2). Place the seeds on a board, brick or other hard, flat surface in a location that does not receive sunlight. Keep the seeds in this spot for between seven and 10 days.
- 3). Fill nursery pots with potting soil mixed with peat moss, sand and vermiculite in a ratio of ½ cup of each of the ingredients per quart of potting soil. Once the seeds have thoroughly dried, place them in the pots at a depth of 1/2 inch, and 1 inch apart. Place the pot in a sunny location, and water thoroughly every day. Cover the pots with clear cling wrap--punch around 20 small holes in the plastic to ensure proper circulation. Remove the cling wrap after the seeds have sprouted, which typically takes between two and three weeks.
- 4). Transplant the seedlings once they have reached a height of between 2 and 3 inches. Place them in potting soil that is slightly acidic, and position them in a sunny spot. Check the soil occasionally to ensure it hasn't become too dry.
- 5). Fertilize the seedling around the three month point. Feed them fertilizer that contains an NPK ratio of 8-8-8. Follow the instructions on the label of the fertilizer.
- 6). Transplant the tree to a location outdoors once it has reached a height of around 1 foot. Plant the tree in a spot with good drainage and full sunlight. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of less than 7.0.
