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Naranjilla: Growing from Cuttings
Introduction
Naranjilla, also known as “little oranges,” are unique fruit trees native to South America. They produce exotic blooms and golf-ball sized fruit with a distinctive flavor. Growing naranjilla from cuttings is a relatively easy process that can be done at home.
Materials
- Healthy naranjilla tree
- Sharp knife or pruners
- Potting mix
- 1-gallon pot with drainage holes
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Clear plastic
- Straws or dowels
Instructions
Taking Cuttings
- Choose a healthy, young branch.
- Take 4 to 6 inch cuttings from the tip of the branch.
- Use a sharp knife or pruners to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings, exposing the nodes.
- Each cutting should have two or three nodes.
Planting the Cuttings
- Fill a 1-gallon pot with well-drained potting mix.
- Water the potting mix thoroughly and allow it to drain.
- Dip the lower stem of the cuttings in rooting hormone (optional).
- Make holes in the potting mix with a pencil.
- Insert the cuttings into the holes, spacing them evenly.
- Cover the pot with clear plastic, propping it up with straws or dowels.
- Place the pot in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the potting mix moist.
Caring for the Cuttings
- Check the cuttings regularly and water as needed.
- Remove the plastic once the cuttings are rooted, which usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
- Plant the rooted cuttings in individual pots.
- Place the pots outdoors in a sheltered location with indirect sunlight.
- Water the young trees every other week with a dilute fertilizer solution.
- Transplant the cuttings into larger pots as the roots develop.
- Allow the young naranjilla trees to develop for at least a year before moving them to a permanent location.
Tips
- Take cuttings in late spring or early summer.
- Use a sharp knife or pruners to make clean cuts.
- Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy.
- Provide bright, indirect light for the cuttings.
- Be patient, as rooting can take several weeks.
Conclusion
Growing naranjilla from cuttings is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a unique and flavorful fruit tree. By following these instructions, you can successfully propagate your own naranjilla trees and enjoy their exotic blooms and fruit for years to come.
