How to Plant Seeds for Orange Trees

Have a tree full of your favorite oranges.

Growing orange trees is a simple task. However, when you grow orange trees from seeds waiting seven to eight years for the trees to bear fruit is the hard part. Getting orange seeds is not that easy since you can rarely find them in stores or in packets. The best way to get them is to go to the market and buy fresh oranges with seeds. Choose the oranges that you would like to grow. A few seeds are all you will need to plant a few orange trees.

Things You'll Need

• Orange seeds
• Warm water
• Paper towels
• 2 inch deep pots
• Self draining soil
• Big pots
• Warm spot

Instructions

1. Choose the seeds carefully. Not all seeds are good for planting. The best way to test them is to place the seeds in a glass of water; do not use the seeds that rise to the top. In addition, discard very small seeds as these will not have what it takes to initiate germination.

2. Wrap the orange seeds in a thickly folded paper towel. A period of cold is necessary for the seeds to overcome their normal dormancy period. Once wrapped, place the paper towel in a food grade container and keep it in the fridge for around three weeks.

3. Take the seeds out and place them in some warm water. Soak them for a few days until you see that they have fluffed up a bit. They will now be ready for planting. This is essential since the seed has a very hard coating through which germination has to occur.

4. Fill the two-inch pots with good quality, self-draining soil. Place only one seed in each pot. Orange plants need a lot of space to take root. Push the seed in around an inch deep.

5. Keep the soil moist at all times and put it in a warm place like the kitchen windowsill or the top of the refrigerator.

6. Transfer the sprouts to a bigger pot once you see that a few leaves have grown. Keep them in warm spots but make sure the sunlight is not too bright. Orange trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11 and they should not be left in temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you take the seeds out of the orange, clean them thoroughly of any residual fruit. The fruit has certain chemicals that prevent the germination process from beginning.

• Patience is key, orange seeds take up to two weeks to germinate.

• Keep the plant away from constant exposure to harsh sunlight. You could end up burning the plant and its leaves.

References

• Learn 2 Grow: Orange you curious to try this?
• The Garden of Eaden: How to grow an orange tree from seed
• Plant Answers: Orange
• Garden Guides.com: About Orange Trees