While the provided reference only briefly mentions germination, setting lime seeds essentially involves planting them to grow a lime tree. Here's a more comprehensive guide:
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Prepare the Seeds:
- Extract seeds from a ripe lime.
- Wash the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp.
- Some sources suggest scarifying (lightly scratching) the seed coat or soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates, but this isn't strictly necessary.
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Prepare the Potting Mix:
- Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well. Alternatively, use a seed starting mix.
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Planting the Seeds:
- Fill a small pot or seedling tray with the potting mix.
- Make a small hole (about 1/2 inch deep).
- Place 2-3 seeds in each hole to increase the chances of germination.
- Cover the seeds with potting mix and gently water.
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Create a Suitable Environment:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Provide warmth. Lime seeds germinate best in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). A warm sunny spot, like a windowsill, or a greenhouse is ideal.
- Humidity can also aid germination. Consider covering the pot with plastic wrap or a humidity dome until seedlings emerge, removing it periodically for ventilation.
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Germination and Seedling Care:
- Germination can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, or even longer. Be patient! The reference mentions seeing germination around Day 24.
- Once the seedlings emerge, remove any covering if you used one.
- Provide adequate light. A sunny windowsill or grow lights are essential for healthy growth.
- Thin out the seedlings, leaving only the strongest one in each pot.
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Transplanting:
- Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle (several inches tall), transplant them into larger pots.
Remember that growing limes from seed may not produce fruit identical to the parent lime, and it can take several years for a lime tree grown from seed to produce fruit. Grafting is often used to propagate lime trees to ensure consistent fruit quality and faster fruiting.
