The Chinotto or bitter orange grows very weakly and extremely compressed. This citrus variety forms a small, compact bush with an abundance of flowers and fruit. The long-lasting fruits are smaller than the normal shape. In the past, candied fruits were made from the chinotto.
How do I properly care for a Chinotto plant?
Chinotto plants prefer a sunny, wind-protected location and citrus soil as a substrate. Water moderately without causing waterlogging. Fertilize with citrus fertilizer every one to two weeks and prune the plant in spring. Overwinter them cool and frost-free.
Location
The Chinotto, like all types of citrus, prefers sunny, warm and protected conditions. You should definitely protect the plant from drafts and wildly fluctuating temperatures. Between June and September, the Chinotto is best placed in a protected, preferably covered place in the garden, on the balcony or terrace.
Substrate
It is best to plant the Chinotto tree in citrus soil, which contains the optimal composition for citrus species. Also ensure good drainage by placing a layer of expanded clay or lava stone at the bottom of the pot. There is hardly anything (except cold) that citrus plants like less than waterlogging.
Pouring
As with all other types of citrus, the same applies to Chinotto: Don't water too much or too little. The tree cannot tolerate wetness at all, but excessive dryness is also damaging to it. Check the soil with your finger: It's time to water when the surface of the substrate has dried out. After watering, the soil should be moist, but not really wet. Rainwater or stale water is best, as the Chinotto is also sensitive to limescale.
Fertilize
Fertilize your Chinotto tree about every one to two weeks with a special citrus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) that contains all the nutrients in the right composition.
When and how to cut
The shape and thinning cut should be carried out in spring, if possible, before the first shoots emerge.
Pests
Like all types of citrus, the Chinotto is often attacked by scale insects, aphids and spider mites. The pests mainly occur in winter quarters, when the plant is already weakened. If the infestation is still small, it is usually sufficient to spray the animals with a mixture of water and detergent to kill them all over.
Diseases
The Chinotto reacts quickly to care errors with leaf drop and/or discolored leaves. There can be various reasons behind this, which should be carefully investigated.
- Plant is too moist
- Plant is too dry
- Nutrient deficiency (too little fertilizer)
- Lack of light (especially in winter)
- Plant is exposed to drafts and / or temperature fluctuations
Wintering
Like all citrus species, the Chinotto overwinters best in a cool, but frost-free and bright location. It is sufficient if the temperatures are just above freezing point.
Tips & Tricks
The “Seville Orange” type of bitter orange is also very pretty to look at, the fruits of which are traditionally made into bitter orange jam. The fruits of the Chinotto are also ideal for jam.
