How to grow an orange tree from seed

Citrus trees are usually propagated by grafting. If we want to grow an orange tree from seed, we must understand that an orange tree grown from seed may not produce fruit for the first 10-12 years or so.

It may not be able to bear fruit for the rest of its life. Moreover, trees will be susceptible to various diseases. This is the reason why commercial citrus growers never choose this method. They prefer to use grafted seeds. That way, they benefit from the combination of a healthy mature tree with a highly productive variety. Thus, they can harvest decent yields after 2-3 years.

However, if we want to grow from seed, the first thing we have to do is center the oranges and collect the seeds (seeds) carefully. This may be more difficult than listening to it, because almost all popular citrus varieties are seedless.

After we found oranges with seeds, we had to collect and wash the seeds with soap and water. Then, we carefully peel the seeds. We carefully tear off the seeds with our nails, to remove various repairs that protect the inside of the seeds and will definitely delay germination.

The best season for sowing seeds is during spring, when the soil is moderately warm (temperatures above 60°F or 15°C). We had to sow a lot of seeds from different oranges, because only a small part of them would eventually become young seedlings. Sowing is done in large pots with 3-inch (7.6 cm) line spacing and seeds are sown in 1-inch (2.5 cm) line spacing.

soil mix consists of sand and soil mixture for planting seeds. We gently press the seedlings into the soil mixture and cover them with a layer of clean river sand to a depth of 0.7-1 inch (1.8-2.5cm). Some farmers find dark plastic bags, to create greenhouse conditions. The pot should be placed in a dark and warm place for 10-12 days. The soil should remain moist (but not soggy) until seedlings emerge.

When the seedlings reach a height of 8-11 inches (20-28cm), we can transplant them into larger individual pots filled with soil, manure and a little rotted manure. In general, young seedlings will have access to plenty of sun, but it is better to experience their first winter in a protected indoor environment.