It's generally not recommended to dry lemon seeds.
Why You Shouldn't Dry Lemon Seeds
Drying lemon seeds significantly reduces their viability, meaning their ability to germinate and grow into new lemon plants is greatly diminished. The provided reference explicitly states: "The lemon seeds you select should be used immediately; don't let them dry out, as this reduces their veracity." Veracity in this context refers to the seed's ability to germinate.
What to Do with Lemon Seeds Instead
To maximize your chances of successful germination, plant your lemon seeds as soon as possible after extracting them from the fruit. Fresh seeds have a much higher success rate.
- Immediate Planting: The best approach is to directly sow the seeds into well-draining potting mix.
- Moisture is Key: Maintain consistently moist (but not soggy) soil conditions to support germination.
Keep in mind that even with fresh seeds, success isn't guaranteed, as growing citrus from seed can be challenging. Often, the resulting fruit may not be the same as the parent plant.
