orange plant seeds Hardy Orange Seeds

orange plant seeds Hardy Orange Seeds(Poncirus trifoliata) Perennial. Zones 5 10 The striking Hardy Orange tree also known as Chinese Bitter Orange or Trifoliate Orange while not a true orange, is closely related to the Citrus family. This incredibly tough plant is native to Northern China and Korea; it tolerates frost, snow and temperatures down to 20C. (It may need some additional protection in zone 5.) First appearing in North America in the 1820s, Hardy Orange became popular with

(Poncirus trifoliata) Perennial.  Zones 5 - 10

The striking Hardy Orange tree - also known as Chinese Bitter Orange or Trifoliate Orange - while not a true orange, is closely related to the Citrus family. This incredibly tough plant is native to Northern China and Korea; it tolerates frost, snow and temperatures down to -20C.  (It may need some additional protection in zone 5.)

First appearing in North America in the 1820s, Hardy Orange became popular with American growers as a hedgerow, or living fence; it makes an impenetrable barrier hedge with its twisted branches and long, sharp thorns.  It has a tendency to be invasive in some places, so pruning is recommended. 

Hardy Orange will reach a height of 8 - 20 feet. It has lovely green branches, twisted and dense with thick, 2” long thorns; trifoliate leaves; showy white, fragrant flowers; and delightful, golf ball sized fuzzy, lemon-like sour fruit that ripen slowly into Fall.  Birds like to take safe refuge from predators in the fortress of branches.

The fruit - a modified berry - is very bitter, seedy and not typically eaten fresh off the tree, though it has extensive culinary uses. It is naturally high in pectin, and excellent for marmalade and other preserves; it makes a tasty lemonade; and the fruit peel can be candied or dried and powdered.

Note: Hardy Orange is very suitable for container gardening! Choose a container with a minimum 12” diameter. 

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Cold Hardiness: Zones 5 - 10

Edible: Yes

Size: Small Tree

Growth Rate: Slow ( 8ft after 10 years )

Nitrogen Fixer: Yes

Native Plant: No

Germination: 80-90%

Sun Requirements: Full Sun - partial shade

Soil Preference: Prefers moist, well-draining soil. Tolerant of many soil types, drought and urban pollution. 

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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray/cells or container.

STRATIFICATION: 30 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.

POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep. Requires soil temperatures of at least 18°C to germinate. Water evenly and regularly.

GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30-45 days.

*When used as a rootstock for other citrus varieties, it allows for an additional 3°C resistance to the cold*

*How To Stratify Your Tree Seeds*

*Excited about growing Fruit Trees from seed? Learn more HERE*

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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.