My fiance's grandmother has a fruit-bearing miniature orange tree that he absolutely adores. The tree is grown in a pot that stays outside during nice weather, and is brought back in during the cold (even though this is GA, we dip below freezing quite a bit).

The fruit is small - about the size of a table grape - and looks just like an orange. It is sectioned, has seeds, but is as sour as a lemon - like turn-your-face-inside-out sour. :)

A few people in his family have attempted to grow their own from seed from this tree, and they can get a nice, good-sized tree, but they never bear fruit.

I have some seeds now, which I washed and let dry on napkins. I was planning to plant them and try my luck - any tips or hints for making these produce fruit? I know that my fiance's grandmother won't be here much longer, and these oranges are a common bonding point for the two of them. I'd just like him to have something to remember her by.

Any help would be appreciated. As this will be my first attempt at propagating citrus, I'm going to need it!!

Getting seed grown citrus to bloom and set fruit can be very hard. It has nothing to do with your skills as a gardener. Seed grown citrus just tend to be locked in a juvenile stage that can last for over 10 years. The best bet is to buy a potted Calamondin from a garden center. Get one that is already blooming or setting fruit that way you know that it can bloom. They come in many sizes and there is also a variegated form with splashy white and green leaves.

I like the fragrance of their flowers better than any other citrus.

I know some people disagree but I have better results if I slosh them around in a metal tea strainer under a very warm water stream until all the gooy sugary coating is removed. Then either store in the fridge or plant immediately. Never let a citrus seed dry out.

I sprout some of my seeds in damp paper towels in a clear deli caryout box.

Here's a link...