Many indoor plant lovers dream of growing their own tangerine from a seed.
This will not only decorate the interior, but also give fragrant and tasty fruits. But how to grow a tangerine from a seed in a moderate climate? It's easier than you thought!
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist, agronomist, landscape designer, told how to grow a tangerine.
First of all, you need to choose quality seeds. The most preferable are seeds from the tangerine seeds of hybrid varieties, which have a high germination rate, develop faster, bloom early and produce edible fruits. The seeds should be whole, thick and without damage.
Germination of a seed
Then you need to germinate the seed. To do this, wrap it in a damp gauze or napkin and put it in a warm place for a few days. Check the humidity of the fabric and wait for the root to appear.
Planting a seed in a pot
After this, plant the seed in a pot with nutritious soil. The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic, without peat.
You can buy a special substrate for citrus or make it yourself from humus, forest soil and sand. The pot should be small, with drainage holes.
Place the seed on the soil surface and press it down lightly. Cover with a thin layer of soil and moisten with a spray bottle. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or glass jar and place in a bright place without direct sunlight.
The emergence of sprouts
Monitor the soil moisture and ventilate the pot every day. The first shoots should appear in 2-4 weeks. When they reach 5-10 cm, remove the cover and move the pot to a southern window.
Mandarin Care
Now your mandarin needs regular care. Water it moderately, not allowing it to dry out or become waterlogged.
Spray the leaves with warm water or place the pot on a tray with wet stones. Feed the plant twice a month with a complex fertilizer for citrus fruits.
Transplantation and crown formation
Replant the mandarin every year into a larger pot with new soil. Form the crown by pruning or pinching the tops of the shoots after the fifth leaf. Protect the plant from pests and diseases. If necessary, treat the plant with an insecticide or folk remedies.
Flowering and fruiting
In order for the mandarin to blossom and bear fruit, it needs to be provided with optimal conditions. In warm weather, take the pot out onto the balcony or into the garden, but avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.
In winter, remove the plant from the radiators and provide it with sufficient lighting. You can also stimulate flowering with hormonal preparations.
Previously we told you how to turn bread into fertilizer for vegetables .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
