Citrus also known as the sweet oranges, is a commonly cultivated family of oranges that includes blood oranges and navel oranges
Tips for Orange Tree Plant Care
Give trees the water they need. Orange trees that have been recently planted will need the most water.
Fertilize plants. Different types of fertilizers exist, and the type we use will affect the crop.
Prune orange trees.
Harvest at the right time.
Orange tree is a citrus evergreen tree with a productive lifespan of 50-60 years. Some well-cared orange trees can live up to 100 years or more
How To Sprout and Grow Orange Trees
When it comes to planting our own orange tree or other citrus trees, the major things to keep in mind are how to plant, where to plant, and how to care for our budding fruits.
The sweet orange (citrus x sinensis) is a tender perennial fruit in the Citrus family that grows on trees both full size and smaller, dwarf trees. Oranges are a summer fruit that grow in warm weather, and are very sensitive to cold and frost.
Common orange varieties include:
1. Valencia oranges: originally from Orange County, California, and commonly used for fresh-squeezed orange juice
2. Trovita: a sturdy orange that fares well in colder climates
3. Ruby (or Blood): smaller with fewer seeds, with jewel-toned flesh and a tart, tangy taste
4. Washington Navel oranges: a large, seedless orange that is easy to peel, and thrives when planted in Southern California
There are also sour oranges, which include Willow leaf oranges and Seville oranges, which are ideal as a base for marmalade.
Oranges are a tender crop, and should be planted at least six weeks after the last frost date, when the air and soil temperatures are consistently warm.
Those who live in the commercial citrus belt, extending from Southern California to Florida, can plant orange trees at any time, due to the perennial warmth. Before planting, consult plant hardiness map to determine if area is suitable for year-round citrus plant growth.
to Grow Orange Trees Outdoors
Locate a spot with plentiful sunlight and well-draining soil rich in loam. Since orange trees lay deep roots, measure a clearing of at least a 20-foot circumference from the base of full-sized trees, and 10-foot circumference from smaller varieties.
Mound the soil around the base of the fledgling tree, then make sure to water the roots with about an inch of water per week.
How to Grow Orange Trees From Seeds
we can extract seeded orange seeds straight from the fruit.
1. Soak the seeds in water. The seeds will need to sit in water for at least 24 hours. After a day or two, discard any seeds that float to the top.
2. Prepare your soil. To germinate orange tree seeds, you can use traditional potting mix. Place your soil in trays and plant the seeds in a hole about an inch deep. Cover with soil, and add any compost or mulch to add nutrients to the soil.
3. Keep in a warm place. Once the seeds have been planted, place seeds in a warm, moist spot with access to indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist by placing moist paper towels or plastic bags over the trays for a few weeks. Once the seeds begin to sprout, we can remove the covers. Keep in a warm spot with lots of sunlight. Supplement with a grow light if natural light is scarce.
4. Transfer to individual pots. Seeds should continue sprouting and growing. Keep the seedlings moist and warm until they are ready to transplant into individual containers. When transplanting, keep the root ball undisturbed. Plant in a pot big enough to accommodate the deep roots the tree lays in well-draining soil. Place in a warm spot indoors with access to direct sunlight and good air circulation. Ensure planters have drainage holes.
