Lemon, Orange, or Grapefruit?

Question

I want to try growing a citrus plant from a seed. I live in the UK, so it would probably live in my conservatory. I am not a serious gardener, but I would like to try and grow a fruit tree for fun.

Which citrus fruit (does not have to be from the above) would be best?

Which one would bear the most fruit, take the shortest time to bear fruit, and how would I grow it from scratch? etc.

Thank you for any comments!

Answer 1

A citrus tree is a citrus tree. That is, one isn't necessarily easier to grow than another. So, pick a fruit that you would like to eat the most.

Also, if you grow a tree from seed (that is, if you can even get the seed to sprout), it will take at least a few years before the tree is mature enough to produce fruit. Also, citrus trees get to be about 15 fet tall unless you get a dwarf variety (they get to about 4 feet tall). And, the only way to get a dwarf variety is to graft a mature, fruit-bearing stalk onto dwarf rootstock. Or, just go buy a dwarf tree.

I'm not sure how a citrus tree would do in the UK. They prefer warm temperatures and full sun, and get severely damaged below 28 - 30 degrees F (-2 or -3 C). But, go ahead and give it a go. I would be curious to know how it turns out.

Answer 2

Any of the above will grow into pot plants very doubtful if they will produce edible fruit. If you grow them in the garden it will take several years to fruit & they would need to have x pollination
I have grown peaches but no fruit but my friend who lives in the south of England where climate is warmer grew peaches quite successfully & laden with fruit.
It might be better to have a visit to a garden centre where they have fruit trees for sale as these will already have been pollinated. They have dwarf varieties too which flourish well in pots for patios & small gardens. I live in the North of England & i purchase a lot of my plants etc from a Dutch company Baaker which is based in Spalding in Lincs. Local garden centres are great for information on plants to grow.
good luck

Answer 3

Its very unlikely that a citrus will develop any fruits in this country, not enough sunshine heat and light, these could be added to a conservatory but expensive.
Best to choose a self pollinating variety and miniature variety average size fruits on a miniature tree.
Best grown from cuttings.

Answer 4

In old times some houses used to have conservatories just for orange trees called orangeries, so I can imagine you should be able to grow oranges if it's been done in the past.

A pip from an orange should do it. Choose a variety you like.

Answer 5

lemons are the easiest to grow..

good luck