I've read through most of the Container Forum and some of the rest of the site and can't find what I'm looking for, so maybe someone will want to help. I couldn't find anything starting with actual seeds.

I have a few seeds from calamondin (tiny oranges, right?) and would like to try to grow them. I've read that cactus/orchid soil is best, is this right? Do I start them in the soil or in water? I'm also assuming that I plant them in something egg-carton sized at first, but when to repot? Each seed should have it's own pot from the beginning, right? I've read that citrus likes it's roots to be confined, so I don't want to do it too soon, but the egg-size seems aweful small. I dig the idea of using christmas lights for heat, so will probably do that when our weather starts to change.

I'm doing this for someone very special, which is how I got the idea and why these exact seeds are the ones I want to use. Yeah, I figure my success rate may not be so good.

Thanks for your help. WD.

Hey Whiskey...Welcome!!!!
I plant all seed in a warm seedbed -- all together. When they get 2 or more leaves, I separate & transplant them into a 12-16 oz. clear plastic cup. When I see roots from outside of cup (getting rootbound) .. that's good. Then I transplant into bigger pots.
For starting seeds use mostly perlite. Then mix into cactus mix - which is mostly peat, w/ some perlite. Hope this helps.
Where you from BTW?

Ayup. The only place ive had roots tangle is in the baggie method (sprouting seeds in a bag of moist soil) I usually put multiple seeds in a cup. their germination isnt 100%.

If you keep them moist (every 2-4 days in this heat) Ive had good sucess setting seeds outside this time of year. (I did have some decent germination over the winter under lights tho)

Good luck!

I start citrus seeds in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Generally citrus seed take 21 days to germinate (can take 90 days if planting medium is cold), faster if you have the ability to give the seeds some bottom heat. Use most any container that is approximately 4-6 inches deep and has bottom drainage. Welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you as a member. - Millet

Wow, thanks so much for all of your help. I'll try to pick up the soil today and start. I have a window that opens to a flat surface, so I think I'll start them on that for sun, fresh air and a good surface for christmas lights. This site incredibly helpful and thorough. You are all so knowledgeable and sharing. We'll see what happens!

I'm in Pittsburgh - so I'll have to work extra hard on keeping them warm.