Adopted orange tree.

[TrixC]

Yes citrus blossom is one of the finest scents there is IMO. Makes fabulous honey too.

[Bonjour]

Thanks TrixC,

Those new shoots are kind of creepy when you look at them with a magnifying glass.

As my adopted tree is being decent enough not to die on me and is making the effort to put on new growth, I feel I owe it at least a chance of one summer out on the patio.

In the longer term, now my interest has been piqued about growing citrus in borderline conditions, I think I'll do some more research before deciding on which the lucky? variety will be.

Are kumquats quite prolific fruiters? Can you make decent marmalade from them?

[TrixC]

Thanks TrixC,

Those new shoots are kind of creepy when you look at them with a magnifying glass.

As my adopted tree is being decent enough not to die on me and is making the effort to put on new growth, I feel I owe it at least a chance of one summer out on the patio.

In the longer term, now my interest has been piqued about growing citrus in borderline conditions, I think I'll do some more research before deciding on which the lucky? variety will be.

Are kumquats quite prolific fruiters? Can you make decent marmalade from them?

They are outstanding for marmalade, that’s what I mainly use mine for. You can also eat them fresh although that’s a bit of a marmite thing - you eat the whole fruit, the rind is sweet and the flesh is sour. My tree is not that large (it’s in a pot) but fruits quite prolifically and I get enough for several small jars of marmalade each year. I’m considering putting it in the ground so it can get bigger.

[devonuk]

Bear in mind that it is warmth and sunshine that creates sugars, so satsumas and the like may fruit well, but the fruit won't necessarily be edible out of hand. I get lots of tangerines and sweet (I.e. not Seville) oranges (in a cold greenhouse) but the fruit is only good for marmalade and garnishes.

[ameno]

Bear in mind that it is warmth and sunshine that creates sugars, so satsumas and the like may fruit well, but the fruit won't necessarily be edible out of hand. I get lots of tangerines and sweet (I.e. not Seville) oranges (in a cold greenhouse) but the fruit is only good for marmalade and garnishes.

My satsuma tree came with unripe fruit when it arrived last year, and they ripened on my patio. They were a little bland, but certainly not excessively sour. Satsumas have the lowest acid content of all citrus fruit, so that helps.
This year, I plan on putting it somewhere that will maximize its warmth and sunlight, as well as feeding it more.

[Bonjour]

I'm not too fussed about sweet oranges to be honest. My wife can't eat them because they kick off migraines and I'd rather have an apple any day, but I do love a decent marmalade. All types, orange, lime, lemon, even courgette, lemon and ginger!

[DannyK]

Outdoors? If so, that's pretty impressive.

Yes, outside. Branches full of fruit bending in wind. Wished I could have got photo.
There are loads of micro-climates in London. There was a loquat full of fruit near Raynes Park, sister in law brought carrier bag full down.