HOW TO GROW AN ORANGE TREE FROM SEED
How to grow an orange tree from seed
An orange is the fruit of a variety of citrus fruits in the family Rutaceae. it refers to Citrus sinensis, also known as sweet orange, to distinguish it from the similar Citrus aurantium, known as bitter orange. sweet orange also reproduces male and female (apomixis by nucellar embryos); A sweet orange variety results from the mutation.
The orange is a hybrid between the pomelo (Citrus maxima) and the mandarin (Citrus reticulata).The chloroplast cell, and therefore the mother cell, is that of the grapefruit. Sweet orange has its complete genome sequenced.
Oranges are native to regions that include southern China, northeastern India, and Myanmar, and the first mention of sweet oranges is in Chinese literature in 314 BC. Since 1987, the orange tree has been the most cultivated fruit tree in the world.
Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh or prepared for its juice or peel to flavor it.
In 2012, sweet oranges accounted for about 70% of citrus production.
In 2019, 79 million oranges are grown worldwide, with Brazil producing 22% of the total, followed by China and India.
Sowing Tips
Correct moisture balance and planting depth are important for successful orange production. Use a clean 3- to 4-inch pot with at least two drainage holes in the bottom and a sterile compost containing equal parts of peat moss and small grains of perlite. Fill the pot to within 1/2 inch of the top with soil mixture and place two seeds on top near the center, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Cover the fruit with a layer of 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch. Spray the mist with water to settle it.
Germination Care
Oranges need temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to ripen properly. Arrange the pots on a germination mat or in a naturally warm place, such as on top of the refrigerator or next to the water heater. Place a sheet of plastic over the pot to keep it warm, but keep the sides to prevent excess water from escaping. Keep the soil mixture well, but allow the surface to dry a little before watering again. Orange is the best
Seeds germinate in seven to ten days when warm, but some may take longer. Once the sprouts appear, remove the plastic cover and move the pots to a west or south facing window with at least four hours of sunlight per day. Orange trees produce two different types of fruit: genetic and vegetative. The shoots of the plant share the same characteristics as the mother plant, so they will eventually produce good fruit. Genetically modified plants are genetically different due to cross-pollination, so they may not produce the same type of fruit to be removed. Each orange can produce three shoots: one genetic and two vegetative. The shoots are stronger and taller than the weak genetic shoots. Use small scissors to cut off the genetic shoot and discard it so that the vegetative shoots can grow without competition for nutrients.
Transplant and Aftercare
Poor quality orange juice does not contain the nutrients necessary for healthy fruit development. Therefore, plants should be transplanted into new pots as soon as they have produced many leaves. Move the plant to 4 to 6 pots filled with citrus plant material. Also, use a pot with drainage holes. Place the plants in a bright, sunny, south-facing location and water when the soil dries out on top, adding water until it comes out of the bottom of the pot . Fertilize orange trees every two weeks with 1/2 teaspoon of 10-10-10 fertilizer dissolved in 1 gallon of water. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter. Orange trees tolerate growing in containers, but they will do best if planted outdoors in their preferred climate.
