Citrus is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the family of fruits called Rutaceae, in the class of Plectricaceae. The word “citrus,” which means “to flourish or grow well,” was coined around 1825 by a French naturalist, itus curae, called Couvet. In his “ometry,” he suggested that a fruit grows in a round, rather than a square, structure, and he used the name “citrus” to explain this difference. Other names of this tree are the zodiac fruit, the orchid tree, or the tropical fruit tree.
This citrus fruit has many uses. It can be eaten fresh, as juice, stewed, and puree; it is a great source of essential oil for cooking and fragranced foods, it makes great bonsai soil, and it can be potted in potting mix. When cared for properly, an orangery can be a wonderful addition to any home or cottage. Citrus fruit can be propagated easily by root pruning, especially when the branches are allowed to grow up to two feet tall. For those who prefer indoor growing, there are orangeries that can grow from seed and have their roots planted in a variety of containers on a sunny windowsill.
Although the taste of these oranges varies depending on where they are from, most people find that the tart taste is more pleasant if they are eaten raw or canned, rather than eating them after they are canned. Citrus fruit tends to be bitter in flavor when they are picked before they are fully ripe. The acidity level in citrus fruit can be adjusted to a level that suits the palette. When growing oranges in a greenhouse, follow grow instructions for planting spacing and watering as instructed by the manufacturer.
Growing citrus trees in a greenhouse offers many benefits. They can be trained to grow into bushes, shade-tolerant plants, even poplars if you know how to train them. The fruit on a fruit tree will change colors as it ripens so you can watch them develop at your leisure. Most orangeries thrive in partial shade, but some can survive in full sun.
Caring for orangeries can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in plants and gardening. These lovely fruit trees grow well in any range of conditions, and they are easy to grow at home. A well cared for orangeries will reward you with a bountiful crop of sweet, tart-tasting fruit.
It doesn’t take much effort to grow an orangeries plant from seed. They grow best in fertile soil that has been lightly tilled. The soil should not be soggy and sandy. The pH levels in the soil should be around 5.5 and the mixture should be rich in composted garden waste such as grass clippings. Once your orangeries start to grow, keep in mind that they like lots of sunlight and regular watering.