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Why does my orange bush have thorns ?

Posted by ymt509 8 (My Page) on
Mon, Dec 14, 09 at 7:59

Hi, I planted seeds from an eating orange which are now small bushes but instead of producing blossom, they have fierce thorns about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. Is this normal? Does anyone know if they will produce fruit eventually? Do orange bushes have genders i.e. is my bush a male maybe?
Thanks.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Why does my orange bush have thorns ?

It might have just reverted - although some citrus are naturally thorny. Many of the commercial varieties are grafted onto trifoliata rootstock because it is hardier and more disease resistant. It can also be used as a very spiny hedge. Very spiny!

It 'might' flower and fruit - and it could be more like a bitter orange than a sweet Jaffa.


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RE: Why does my orange bush have thorns ?

Most Citrus plants are thorny.

It will eventually produce flowers and fruit, but your plant may well still be too young; it'll need to be at least 10 years old before it flowers, maybe more. They don't have genders (each flower has both sexes), but for good fruit production, it will need to be cross-pollinated by a different individual (self-pollination, "incest", doesn't work well).

As mentioned, the fruit quality may leave much to be desired.

Resin


 
 

 

 


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