How to Grow an Orange Tree Indoors

Growing an orange tree from seed will produce an attractive houseplant, but is not recommended if your desire is to grow oranges for eating. Most orange trees are grafted to rootstock to produce the size and flavor that people are accustomed to. Trees started from seeds may produce fruit after several years, but the oranges will not be identical to the fruit from the parent tree. As a project for teaching children about seeds, germination and growth, growing an orange tree can be both fun and educational.

Things You'll Need

• Orange seeds
• All-purpose potting soil
• Plant pot
• Plastic wrap
• Water soluble fertilizer

Instructions

1. Remove seeds from the orange and wash to remove any pulp or juice. Place them on a paper towel and allow them to dry for several days.

2. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to promote germination. Discard seeds that float as these are not viable seeds and will not germinate.

3. Plant the seeds to a depth of ½ inch in a pot of all-purpose potting soil. Water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid soggy soil as this will promote mold and may cause the seed to rot before it has time to germinate.

4. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to retain moisture and warmth. Punch a few holes in the plastic to increase aeration.

5. Place the pot in a warm location until the seed germinates, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Germination time depends on the species and the growing conditions.

6. Monitor the seeds regularly for any signs of mold or excessive moisture. Open the plastic to increase circulation and to allow moisture to escape if it becomes a problem.

7. Remove the plastic and move the pot to a sunny windowsill when seeds germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist and apply water soluble fertilizer in the spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the pot outside in a sunny location during the summer and let it grow in a southern window during the winter.