How to Propagate Orange Trees From Seeds
Although the exact source of orange trees in the United States may be a mystery, their introduction may be from seeds planted by Spanish explorers. While citrus trees grow naturally in many warm climates, most orange trees offered by commercial growers and nurseries come from rootstock grafts. Even though rootstock grafting provides quality fruit trees, the natural way for orange trees to propagate is through seed production. Although it may take up to 15 years to produce fruit, you can grow your own orange trees from the small seeds found inside the fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Colander
- Paper towel
- Biodegradable seed pots
- Potting soil
- Pencil
- Waterproof container
- Siphon
Instructions
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Select ripe fruits from which to harvest your orange seeds. If you currently have orange trees in your yard or trees your neighbors are willing to share, select healthy, robust trees for harvesting the seeds to plant. Look for trees that exhibit even growth and numerous fruits. Choose fruits that contain even color and uniform shape. Avoid fruits that show signs of rotting or disease.
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Separate the seeds from the fruit by gently mashing the ripe segments of fruit between your fingers. Massage the soft fruit away from the seeds, using care to avoid smashing or crushing the small seeds. Gently rinse the seeds in cool water in a colander to remove traces of pulp or fruit tissue. Lay the cleaned seeds on a dry paper towel while you prepare your pots.
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Fill your biodegradable seed pots with loose, well-drained potting soil. Select a sterile medium to avoid the introduction of weed seeds and diseases. Fill the pots to slightly below the rim of the pots. Lay two or three seeds over the surface of your potting soil. Using the eraser end of a pencil, gently press the seeds slightly less than an inch into the soil. Smooth the soil over the tops of the submerged seeds.
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Set your seed pots in a deep, waterproof container, such as a casserole dish. Slowly pour water into the dish--not the seed pots--until the water soaks into the biodegradable pots and the surface of the soil becomes slightly damp. This bottom watering will dampen the soil without disturbing the seeds. Siphon out any excess moisture so the pots do not sit in standing water.
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Place your seed pots in a bright, sunny area that provides even warmth and protection from strong winds. Keep the soil slightly moist by bottom watering the small seedlings whenever the surface of the soil begins to feel slightly dry.
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Watch for your young seedlings to appear within two weeks. Thin out your seedlings after they develop their second set of leaves. A single orange seed can produce three sprouts. Pinch off the weak center sprout and the weakest side sprout, leaving only the strongest sprout in each biodegradable pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Transplant your young seedlings to larger pots when you notice fine roots emerging from the sides and bottoms of your biodegradable pots.
References
- Photo Credit orange tree in the garden image by Daria Miroshnikova from Fotolia.com
