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| I just got a navel orange tree from home depot. Is this the kind of tree that needs two plants to bear fruit? I only got one tree so I might have to go back to get another one if required. I was hoping it would fruit without a companion plant.
Also since the temperatures are over 50 now I have placed it on the patio.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Your tree doesn't need a companion ... in fact it doesn't even need bees! Navel oranges are parthenocarpic which basically means they are virgins and as a result seedless. I'm somewhat of a beginner with citrus myself; but read around, there's several very knowledgable people here that can give you some great advice about container growing citrus. |
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| Orange trees are self-fertile, so only the one plant is required to produce fruit. However, if kept indoors, you would need to pollinate the flowers by hand with a tiny artist's brush or cotton swab. Since you have it outdoors, pollinators should find it readily and do the job. Citrus is easy to care for. Outdoors in summer, first in shade for a week or so to ease the transition, then another week in semi-shade, then into sunlight. Be sure to bring in before any danger of frost. Indoor conditions should be very bright, coolish, and the tree should be allowed to get just slightly dry between waterings. Watch for mites and scales on the mature growth, and aphids on the new growth. |
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- Posted by hoosierquilt z10a/23 Vista Calif (My Page) on Sun, May 20, 12 at 13:00
| Don't need to pollinate citrus, denninmi. Nearly all citrus are parthenocarpic as cayden has mentioned (with the more notable exception of clemintine mandarins, which do need cross pollination). That means that they can produce fruit without needing to be pollinated. And your orange tree will enjoy being outside as much as possible. Water appropriately and fertilize regularly (our container citrus folks can advise on fertilizing schedules and best products). Watch for pests/bugs and take care of them immediately with the appropriate treatments. Protect the tree if you have a wicked summer storm. Patty S. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Four Winds Growers: Growing Dwarf Citrus
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