Grow Oranges at Home Like a Pro - Know the Easy Method
Have you ever wished you could grow fresh, juicy oranges on your balcony or terrace? Growing oranges like a pro at home is no longer just a dream but can become a practical reality – all you need is the right information and a little dedication.
In this blog, we will tell you how you can grow oranges at home like a pro – the entire journey from choosing the seeds to getting the fruit, in simple language, and with personal experiences and scientific information.
Why grow oranges at home?
Oranges are not only delicious, but they are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Oranges bought from the market are often full of chemicals and preservatives. In such a situation, growing oranges at home is a healthy, sustainable, and cheap option.
Advantages:
100% organic and chemical-free.
The Peace and Satisfaction of Gardening.
Educational Activity for Kids.
Proper use of the terrace or balcony.
What varieties of oranges to choose for growing oranges at home?
Not every orange is suitable for growing at home. Therefore, choosing the right variety is very important.
Choose Dwarf Varieties
Dwarf varieties such as Calamondin, Dwarf Valencia, or Dwarf Washington Navel Orange can easily be grown in containers. These plants are small but produce good fruit.
Tip: While taking a plant from the nursery, ensure that it is grafted, so that it will bear fruit quickly and the plant will remain strong.
In which season should we plant oranges?
The most suitable time for orange cultivation is February to April or July to September. During this time, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, due to which the roots of the plant settle easily.
Which soil and pot should be chosen?
Sandy loam soil is most suitable for orange cultivation.
The pH level should be between 5.5 to 7.
The soil must have good drainage, otherwise the roots may rot.
Soil Mixture:
40% garden soil.
30% coco peat or sand.
20% farmyard manure.
10% vermicompost.
How should the pot be?
Get a pot that’s at least 18-24 inches deep and wide.
There must be drainage holes at the bottom so that water does not accumulate.
How to plant an orange tree?
Put small stones or broken brick pieces at the bottom of the pot for drainage.
Now fill it with prepared soil and make a small pit in the center.
Plant the plant carefully and cover it with soil.
Water gently so that the soil settles.
How to take care of an orange? (Pro Tips)
Sunlight
6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily are necessary.
If there is a lot of sunlight on the terrace, then keep it there.
Giving water
Water only when the soil feels dry.
Excessive water can cause root rot.
Watering every other day in summer, and 1-2 times a week in winter, is sufficient.
When and how to apply fertilizer?
Apply these fertilizers every 30-45 days:
1 handful vermicompost.1 teaspoon bone meal or neem khali.
Seaweed or fish emulsion for sprinkling.
Note: After applying fertilizer, give light water.
How to protect from diseases and pests?
Common problems:
Aphids: Appear on soft leaves.
Leaf miners: zigzag lines on leaves.
Leaf fall due to stress.
Remedy:
Spray Neem oil every 15 days.
Mix 5ml Neem oil + a few drops of liquid soap in 1-liter water and spray.
If any insect infestation occurs, prune the leaves immediately.
When do oranges flowers and fruit appear?
With proper care-
Grafted plants start flowering in 1.5 to 2 years.
The fruit starts ripening in 6-7 months after flowering.
To prevent flowers from falling:
Protect the plant from stress (such as lack of water and high temperatures).
Apply organic phosphorus fertilizer (eg, bone meal) at the time of flowering.
How to prune an orange?
Prune lightly once a year, especially in late winter.
Cut off dry, dead, or intertwining branches.
Pruning causes the plant to produce new leaves and fruit-bearing branches.
Tip: Don't prune too much, or you may produce less fruit.
Personal Experience: The Journey of My Oranges
When I planted Dwarf Nagpur Orange on the terrace for the first time in 2021, I was very excited initially. But in the first year, there were no flowers, and some leaves turned yellow.
Then I researched on Krishi Vigyan Kendra's website and discovered that the soil was lacking in micronutrients. Adding vermicompost and bone meal made a difference. The next year flowers bloomed, and I picked my first oranges in November - and they were much sweeter than the ones sold in the market!
Conclusion: Growing oranges isn’t hard – it just takes some smart work
Growing oranges at home is a satisfying experience that brings you closer to nature. Whether you have a terrace or a balcony, you can grow oranges even in a small space – all you need is the right variety, the right soil, and regular care.
So what are you waiting for? Get a dwarf orange plant today and see for yourself the magic.