Oranges are one of the healthiest fruits to enjoy because they are rich in antioxidants. They can rejuvenate your skin glow and help you avoid multiple health issues. The best part is that they are relatively easy to grow in a warm environment.
This fruit is harvested primarily in winter and allows you to enjoy a rich taste. You will not have to make much effort to grow oranges as long as you know the requirements of your growing variety. Here is a guide to help you grow oranges in a greenhouse.
Can You Grow Oranges In A Greenhouse?
Oranges can be grown in a greenhouse by maintaining a warm environment for the best growth. Dwarf varieties are ideal for cultivation in a greenhouse because the small trees don’t take much space. Adequate watering will also help you ensure the optimal growth of oranges in a greenhouse.
Best Types Of Oranges To Grow In A Greenhouse
Here are the best types of oranges you can grow in a greenhouse:
1. Dwarf Campbell Valencia Orange
Valencia oranges are the easiest to grow in a greenhouse because of their low requirements. This dwarf variety is ideal if you want the fruit for making delicious juices. The tree will grow up to 8 to 12 feet after maturation making it the ideal option for greenhouse cultivation.
2. Dwarf Washington Navel Orange
This is another dwarf variety suitable for growing in a greenhouse due to the short height of 6 to 8 feet. The best part about this type is that it offers you sweet fruit for peeling. So if you love to eat oranges instead of making juices, you must grow this variety in your greenhouse.
3. Calamondin Orange
Calamondin orange is another short type that easily grows in a greenhouse. You can use it as an ornamental fruit or for making marmalades. This type is also ideal for making orange preserves. It is also a cold hardy fruit, so it can survive winter better than other varieties.
How To Grow Orange Fruit In A Greenhouse?
Here are the steps you should follow to grow oranges in a greenhouse:
1. Place The Tree In Pots
You must grow your orange trees in heavy clay pots with well-drained potting soil. It is ideal to choose from a dwarf variety if your greenhouse has limited space. You should select larger pots than the original to contain the fruit easily during repotting.
2. Water Adequately
Orange trees prefer acidic soil and require adequate watering for optimal growth. Rainwater is the most suitable for this purpose, but boiled and cooled tap water can also be used. You should also reduce the watering frequency in winter but ensure the soil never dries entirely.
3. Fertilize And Prune
The trees must be fertilized every week in spring and summer. You should reduce this to once every two weeks in fall and winter. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal for cold conditions. You must also not fertilize the plant when the temperature is under 55°F. Pruning is also essential for shaping orange trees.
4. Place In Shade
The pots must be kept outside the greenhouse in summer, and you should choose a shaded location for the first few weeks. After that, shift to a sunny position with adequate shelter for protection. Once fall starts, you should place the trees in the greenhouse in a shaded position.
5. Wash The Trees
When outdoors, washing the trees with low-pressured water using a hose is advisable. This will prevent the plant from developing diseases and prevent spider mites. You should also spray the trees with a bottle in the greenhouse.
6. Maintain The Right Temperature In Winter
Winter is a crucial period for growing oranges in a greenhouse. 60 to 65°F is the ideal temperature during the day, and 55°F is best for the night. You should ensure the temperature does not fall below 50 degrees. It is also essential to check the trees frequently for insects when inside a greenhouse.
How Long Does It Take For To Grow Oranges In A Greenhouse?
Some oranges can mature completely by 15 months, while others can take 8 to 12 months. The exact time depends on the variety you are growing. Meanwhile, the tree will take three to five years to reach the maximum maturation height.
Valencia and navel oranges are the best varieties to grow easily in a greenhouse. They also bear fruit faster than other types if you maintain the optimum growth conditions.
Do Oranges Grow All Year Round?
Oranges are primarily planted in summer and harvested in winter because they cannot survive when the temperature falls below 50°F. However, some specific varieties can allow you to harvest fruit all year. Effective cultivation techniques will also help you grow oranges throughout the year. You can help the trees survive cold weather by wrapping them in blankets at night.
