{"product_id":"hardy-orange-seeds","title":"Hardy Orange Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe striking Hardy Orange tree - also known as Chinese Bitter Orange or Trifoliate Orange - while not a true orange, is closely related to the Citrus family. This incredibly tough plant is native to Northern China and Korea; it tolerates frost, snow and temperatures down to -20C.  (It may need some additional protection in zone 5.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst appearing in North America in the 1820s, Hardy Orange became popular with American growers as a hedgerow, or living fence; it makes an impenetrable barrier hedge with its twisted branches and long, sharp thorns.  It has a tendency to be invasive in some places, so pruning is recommended. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy Orange will reach a height of 8 - 20 feet. It has lovely green branches, twisted and dense with thick, 2” long thorns; trifoliate leaves; showy white, fragrant flowers; and delightful, golf ball sized fuzzy, lemon-like sour fruit that ripen slowly into Fall.  Birds like to take safe refuge from predators in the fortress of branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit - a modified berry - is very bitter, seedy and not typically eaten fresh off the tree, though it has extensive culinary uses. It is naturally high in pectin, and excellent for marmalade and other preserves; it makes a tasty lemonade; and the fruit peel can be candied or dried and powdered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Hardy Orange is very suitable for container gardening! Choose a container with a minimum 12” diameter. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold Hardiness: Zones 5 - 10\u003cbr\u003eEdible: Yes\u003cbr\u003eSize: Small Tree\u003cbr\u003eGrowth Rate: Slow ( 8ft after 10 years )\u003cbr\u003eNitrogen Fixer: Yes\u003cbr\u003eNative Plant: No\u003cbr\u003eGermination: 80-90%\u003cbr\u003eSun Requirements: Full Sun - partial shade\u003cbr\u003eSoil Preference: Prefers moist, well-draining soil. Tolerant of many soil types, drought and urban pollution. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGROWING INSTRUCTIONS\u003cbr\u003eSEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray\/cells or container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTRATIFICATION: 30 days cold\/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePOST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1\/4” deep. Requires soil temperatures of at least 18°C to germinate. Water evenly and regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30-45 days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seedsplant","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778856485181,"sku":null,"price":5.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778856517949,"sku":null,"price":7.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778856550717,"sku":null,"price":12.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778856583485,"sku":null,"price":17.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_52fb9e3a-550d-4262-8e1e-73eb7eb20311.jpg?v=1780321655","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/hardy-orange-seeds","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}