When is the right time to plant orange seedlings?

Best time to plant orange seedlings

Oranges can be sown in spring or autumn. It is best to sow from February to May and from September to November each year. The germination rate is high. Orange seedlings are suitable for planting in late autumn. They need slightly warmer temperatures and germinate in about 3 weeks. If they are planted in colder weather, the germination time will be later.

How to plant orange seedlings

1. Seedling treatment: To improve the survival rate of seedlings, prune, root and mud the seedlings before planting. Cut or wipe off the immature shoots, diseased branches, weak branches and extra twigs before planting. The overly long strong branches should also be appropriately shortened, and some leaves should be removed to reduce water transpiration: At the same time, cut off the overly long main roots and large roots, generally leaving only 20-30 cm, which is conducive to promoting the growth of lateral roots, cutting off diseased roots and retaining healthy root systems.

2. Preparation of planting holes: Regardless of whether you are planting with a coordinate grid or at contour, you must double-line the location of the planting holes before planting, and then prepare the planting holes. Prepare 10 to 15 kg of organic fertilizers such as chicken manure and cow manure, and 1.5 to 2.5 kg of phosphate fertilizer in advance (calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer for acidic soil, superphosphate for alkaline soil), and then bury the decomposed dry chicken manure, cow manure and other organic fertilizers in the planting holes.

3. Planting of seedlings: Distribute the roots evenly to avoid bending and knotting of the roots. Then, while holding the seedlings, fill in fertile fine soil with appropriate dryness and wetness. When 1/2 to 2/3 is filled, hold the main trunk with your hands and gently lift it up and down several times to stretch the roots and allow the fine soil to be in close contact with the roots.

Orange seedling planting management matters needing attention

1. Soil: Orange trees like sunlight and are suitable for growing in fertile, loose, slightly acidic, well-drained sandy soil.

2. Humidity: It likes a warm environment with a certain humidity. The soil in the pot should be kept moist, but water should not accumulate in the pot. From summer to early autumn, when the weather is hot, in addition to watering the potted plants, you should also spray the ground of the potted plants with water to keep it moist.

3. Temperature: Orange trees like warmth, tolerate shade, and are more sensitive to temperature than light. The most suitable growth temperature is 26℃, and 23~34℃ is the most suitable.

4. Light: Orange is a shade-tolerant fruit, but in order to obtain good sunshine, sufficient yield must be guaranteed. Generally, the annual sunshine hours are between 1200 and 2200 hours.