If you have space in the garden, then an Orange tree is an essential. They do very well in pots too, as long as the container is large and the citrus is grown on dwarfing rootstocks. Apart from the delicious and generous fruit that it will provide, the fragrance of the blossoms is intoxicating! Oranges like very well-drained, friable, slightly acid, loam soil. They need full sun, regular watering and protection from wind, especially during the summer months. They also require regular feeding, including large amounts of nitrogen and potassium for good fruiting. Prune only to remove dead, diseased wood. They will tolerate only light frosts.
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There is a whole world of interesting facts – such as that the orange is actually a type of Berry - relating to the Common Orange that are fascinating. For example, did you know that:
It is an efficient cleaning agent which is promoted as being environmentally friendly. Its smell is considered more pleasant by some than those of other cleaning agents.
The orange blossom is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings for some time.
The petals of orange blossom can also be made into a delicately citrus-scented version of rosewater.
In Spain, fallen blossoms are dried and then used to make tea.
Orange blossom honey is produced by putting beehives in the citrus groves during bloom, which also pollinates seeded citrus varieties. Orange blossom honey is highly prized, and tastes much like orange.
All parts of the orange are used to make marmalade: the pith and pips are separated, and typically placed in a muslin bag where they are boiled in the juice (and sliced peel) to extract their pectin, aiding the setting process.
Orange peel is used by gardeners as a slug repellent.
Wow! All that from one fruit. Every garden should grow one.
Citrus. A good quality NZ orange with sweet and juicy, virtually seed-less fruit. Ripens from September onwards. Chock full of Vitamin C. Oranges are happiest in a sunny well drained position with protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.