Citrus tree – cutting??

Question

Our neighbour has a large orange tree, the tree has a new shoot (about 1.5ft long), with a few smaller branches coming off it. This shoot is coming from the lower trunk, not below ground.
Question: How do I remove this (new branch) to grow a new tree, please?

Answer 1

First, you will need to find out where the graft point is on the tree. This is likely growing below that graft knot. If this is the case, it is likely to be a wild citrus, and not produce an edible fruit. It is best to take a cutting from the top fruiting portion of the tree. This will ensure that your tree will fruit within the first few years, as it is the same age as the parent tree.

If you still want to take this small shoot, then you can still do so, but I would also take a branch from the top if you can, as well.

This can be done by snipping the branch at an angle directly at a leaf node. Dip this in honey, or a rooting hormone of your choice. You can put it into some good potting soil, and keep it moist but not wet. The cutting will practically root itself in a week or two.