How to Grow Orange Trees from Orange Seeds

You may not get fruit from your orange tree, but it will be an interesting house plant.

Growing orange trees from orange seeds is an easy project enjoyed by the whole family. This may not be the best method for starting an orchard, but it is a creative way to show children the magic of growing plants from food they have eaten. This is also a great way to add an interesting house plant to your home. If you live in an area that does not see frost, you can plant the citrus tree outside.

Things You'll Need

• Orange
• Small planting pots about the size of a yogurt cup
• Potting soil
• Paper towel
• Water
• Planting pot (8 to 12 inches)

Instructions

1. Eat an orange. When cutting the orange open, be careful with the seeds.

2. Clean the seeds. Simple water and hand rubbing is all you will need.

3. Dry the orange seeds. Place them on a paper towel for two days. Cats think these are fun toys to play with, so keep them out of reach.

4. Soak the seeds in water for two or three days. This helps promote germination -- orange seeds are tough.

5. Plant the orange seeds. Use moist potting soil in a small planting pot about the size of a yogurt cup. You may also use a mixture of sand, peat moss and potting soil. Using a finger, create a small hole for the orange seed about a half inch deep. Place two or three seeds in the hole and cover with soil. Lightly press on the soil to ensure the seeds are surrounded by dirt.

6. Cover the planter pot with plastic wrap. Keep the soil moist, but not drenched. The plastic wrap helps keep moisture within the planter. Ensure proper drainage in your planter by poking holes in the bottom of the cups. Once the orange tree sprouts, you will need to remove the wrap.

7. Place the planters in a warm and sunny location. Remember, orange trees are citrus trees. They grow best in warmer climates near the equator. Your goal is to replicate that as best you can. Make sure the planters get as much sunlight as possible.

8. Move the seedlings to larger pots. Do this when the seedlings have reached about six inches. You should see this in about eight weeks. You will need to repeat this as the tree grows larger -- within the boundaries of your living space, of course. Full size dwarf varieties may need planters between 20 and 30 gallons.

9. Care for your orange tree. Fertilize and water regularly. Water thoroughly at least once a week. Keep the trees in a sunny and warm location. Pruning can be done as needed, but is not required.

Tips & Warnings

• Your planters should allow water to drain out of the pot and not sit in the pot.

• When selecting fertilizer, select one designed for citrus trees.

• You can move the tree outdoors in the summer after the danger of frost has passed. Move back inside when frost poses a danger.

• Pollinate by hand with a small brush. If you move your plant outside in the summer, bees will help with this instead.

• Consider lining the bottom of your planter with stones or rocks for better drainage.

• If you are doing this for indoor oranges, you may wish to purchase a dwarf tree from a nursery instead. These will be better suited for fruit production. Also, normal orange trees can reach up to 20 inches in height, so be prepared.

• Grafting is a much more common method of orange tree propagation.

• Water-logged soil will slowly kill the orange tree. Keep well drained. Consider getting a device that measures the moisture in the soil.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide -- Introduction
• The Garden of Eaden: How to Grow an Orange Tree From Seed