The fruits of the ornamental or dwarf orange Calamondin are certainly edible, but are often described as almost inedible. They should taste sour and/or bitter and not be particularly juicy. This may be due to an unsuitable location.
Are ornamental oranges edible?
Ornamental oranges, also called calamondin, are edible but often described as inedible because they taste sour and/or bitter and contain little juice. However, optimal care with lots of light and special fertilizer can improve the taste.
The Calamondin orange is a cross between mandarin and kumquat and comes from China. It can be found commercially under various botanical names. With its dark green, glossy leaves and white flowers, it is a real adornment for your winter garden even without fruit. The intense scent is very refreshing and pleasant.
How do I care for my ornamental orange?
Like many other fruits, the ornamental orange needs a lot of light to ripen. Only then does the bright orange color develop, but also the sweetness in the fruit. In summer, the ornamental orange feels very comfortable in a place protected from the wind in the garden or on the balcony. However, the plant must be slowly accustomed to the blazing sun so that the leaves do not burn.
Water your ornamental orange every day, possibly twice a day if temperatures are high, but be sure to avoid waterlogging. Special citrus fertilizer (€6.00 at Amazon) ensures optimal nutrient supply. Fertilize your ornamental orange weekly from March to October. This attractive plant feels at home all year round in a bright living room or winter garden. So that it doesn't get too big, it can be cut into shape regularly.
The ornamental orange in winter
The ornamental orange is not hardy; it doesn't particularly like temperatures below around 10 °C. Ideally, you should overwinter the plant in a bright winter garden at temperatures around 10 °C. The warmer and brighter it is in the winter quarters, the more water the ornamental orange needs. However, you should avoid fertilizing until the first shoots appear in spring.
The most important things in brief:
- Fruits edible, but possibly sour and/or bitter
- needs a lot of light
- can go into the garden in summer
- slowly get used to the blazing sun
- protect from wind and drafts
- Protect root balls from overheating
- water daily
- Avoid waterlogging
- fertilize weekly from March to October
- Use high-quality citrus fertilizer
- regular pruning allowed
Tip
So that your ornamental orange develops the desired fruits, you should offer the plant optimal conditions: lots of light and a good supply of water and special fertilizer.