Growing an Orange Tree from Seed

Orange trees are usually propagated by grafting. If we want to start an orange tree from seed, we have to understand that the orange tree grown from seed may not bear fruits for the first 10-12 years or more. It may not be able to bear fruit for the whole of its lifetime. Moreover, the tree will be susceptible to various diseases. These are the reasons why commercial orange growers never choose this method. They rather choose to use grafted seedlings. In that way, they benefit from a combination of a healthy mature tree with a desired highly productive variety. Thus, they can harvest a fair production after 2-3 years.

However, if we want to start from seed, the first thing we have to do is cut an orange in the middle and carefully collect its seeds. This may turn to be more difficult than it sounds, because nearly all popular orange varieties are seedless.

Once we find oranges with seeds, we have to collect and wash the seeds with water and soap. Then, we carefully unpeel the seeds. We carefully rip the seed with our nails, in order to get rid of the various membranes that protect the inner part of the seed and will surely delay germination. The best season for sowing the seeds is during the spring, when the soil is warm enough (temperature over 60 °F or 15 °C). We have to sow many seeds from different oranges, since only a fraction of them will finally turn into young seedlings. Sowing takes place inside a big pot in lines spaced 3 inches (7,6 cm) and the seeds are sown on the line at a distance of 1 inch (2.5 cm). The soil mix consists of sand and seed starting potting soil mix. We lightly press the seedling into the soil mix and cover with a layer of clean river sand to a depth of 0,7-1 inch (1.8-2,5 cm). Some growers cover the pot with a dark plastic bag, in order to create greenhouse conditions. The pots must be placed in a dark and warm place for 10-12 days. The soil should be kept moist (but not soggy) until seedlings appear.

When seedlings reach a height of 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), we can transplant them in larger individual pots filled with soil, fertilizer and a small quantity of well-rotted manure. Generally, the young seedlings shall have access to plenty of sunlight, but it is better to experience their first winter in a protected indoors environment.

You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your “growing orange tree from seeds” methods and techniques.

1.)Orange Tree Information

2.) Orange Health Benefits

3.) Orange Fruit Facts

4.) How to grow Orange Trees from seed

5.) How to grow an Orange Tree from cuttings

6.) Growing Orange Trees for Profit

7.) Orange Tree Climate & Soil Requirements

8.) Choosing Orange Tree variety

9.) Orange Tree Propagation & Pollination

10.) Planting Orange Trees

11.) Orange Tree Fertilizer Requirements

12.) Orange Tree Water Requirements

13.) Pruning Orange Trees

14.) Orange Tree Harvest & Yields

15.) Orange Tree Diseases and Pests

16.) Q&As Orange Tree

Do you have experience in Orange Tree cultivation? Please share your experience, methods and practices in the comments below. All the content you add will be soon reviewed by our agronomists. Once approved, it will be added to Wikifarmer.com and it will influence positively thousands of new and experienced farmers across the world.