Oranges are now grown in about 100 countries in the tropics and subtropics. With a fruit production of around 60 million tons per year, the fruit, also known as the orange, is the most cultivated fruit in the world.

Oranges originally come from China

Various types of citrus were already cultivated around 4000 years ago. Many ancient writings dating back to 2100 B.C. BC, describe citrus varieties and their cultivation in China. The orange is probably a cross between a mandarine and a grapefruit. Thanks to increased trade relations, the exotic fruits reached Europe via Persia and the Arabian region. From about the 15th / 16th century it was very fashionable in European aristocratic houses to grow oranges and other citrus plants in special orangeries.

Large variety also in Europe

In 1706, the botanist Johann Christoph Volkamer was the first German to describe a large number of the varieties in his now famous book "Nürnbergische Hesperides", which were then collected in the manorial houses and grown from seed. Unfortunately, many of these varieties that were known at the time have been lost, but have been rediscovered in old Italian castle gardens and nurseries. Breedings of the historical varieties can now be viewed in the botanical garden on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance. However, the orange varieties at that time were exclusively bitter oranges / sour oranges, the sweet orange did not reach southern Europe until the 18th century.

Oranges do not tolerate frost

Cultivating oranges in the normal room requires good care. The plants usually grow so luxuriantly within a short period of time that the space they were originally given quickly becomes too small. In addition, oranges - like olives and other Mediterranean plants - need a winter break with temperatures of a maximum of 10 °C. At the same time, unlike some lemon varieties, oranges do not tolerate frost and should therefore not be planted out in the garden. Oranges are best cultivated in a bright conservatory with plenty of space. Particularly well suited are varieties that remain compact and rather bushy, e.g. B. the bitter orange varieties "Chinotto" and "Bouquet de Fleurs".

Oranges can be outside in the summer

Many orange varieties, especially the grafted varieties, can be left outside in summer. After the last frosts, place the plant in a sheltered spot that is as warm as possible on the south or west side of the house. Here they can stay until the onset of the first frosts.

tips and tricks

Note that plants left in the greenhouse or conservatory will grow much more luxuriantly than plants grown outdoors. Due to the higher temperatures, the plants grow faster and there are usually three shoots in the vegetation period. Oranges are self-fertile, i. H. You do not need another tree for pollination.

Category:

Vegetable garden