My mother in law has a Key Lime tree and I wanted to try growing a tree from some of the seeds from it. I've never tried growing anything from seeds. We live in central Florida, so the soil is pretty dry and sandy, but it's warm. Her tree has been doing great, so I'm hoping I can get a nice tree from it. Also, would it be possible to take a cutting from the tree and root it instead? Which method would be best?
The seed for this variety is polyembryonic so there's a good chance seedlings will be clonal copies of their parent. Key lime has a relatively short junvenility period for citrus, perhaps two years, before a seedling will mature and begin to bear fruit. Propagation by cutting is also possible and will result in a genetic copy of the tree.
Thanks a lot.^^ Now, my grandmother told me I should dry the seeds out first. Is she right and why? Is there anything else I should do with the seeds?
Citrus seed should be sown while fresh as they loose viability relatively quickly. Much has been discussed in the past in regard to cultivation of seeds and plants. You may find a review of that information useful. To get started use a porous, quick to drain mix. Keep it warm and moist but not wet. Choose seeds that are plump; the small, flat ones are unlikely to be viable.
