Tips for successful pixie orange farming for you comrades

1. Choose the Right Location:

• Pixie oranges thrive in warm, semi-arid climates with well-drained soil.
• Areas like Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and parts of the coastal region are ideal.
• Consider factors like sunlight exposure, water availability, and soil fertility.

2. Select Quality Seedlings:

• Purchase healthy, disease-free seedlings from reputable nurseries.
• Grafted seedlings are preferred for faster growth and better fruit quality.
• Ensure the seedlings are well-rooted and have a strong stem.

3. Prepare the Land:

• Clear the land of weeds and debris.
• Dig planting holes that are 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide.
• Mix well-decomposed manure or compost with the topsoil to improve soil fertility.

4. Proper Planting:

• Plant the seedlings during the rainy season for better establishment.
• Maintain a spacing of 4 meters between rows and 5 meters between plants within a row.
• Backfill the planting holes with the soil-manure mixture and water thoroughly.

5. Irrigation:

• Pixie oranges require regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Use drip irrigation to conserve water and minimize water loss.
• Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

6. Fertilization:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as NPK 15-15-15, at planting.
• Topdress with organic manure or compost annually to improve soil fertility.
• Consider soil testing to determine specific nutrient deficiencies and apply targeted fertilizers.

7. Pest and Disease Management:

• Monitor your orchard regularly for pests and diseases.
• Control pests like citrus aphids, mites, and fruit flies using recommended insecticides.
• Manage diseases like citrus canker and citrus greening using fungicides and cultural practices.
• Practice good sanitation practices, such as removing infected fruits and pruning diseased branches.

8. Pruning:

• Prune young trees to encourage branching and shape the tree.
• Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches.
• Thinning out excess fruit can improve fruit quality and size.

9. Harvesting:

• Pixie oranges are typically harvested between June and August.
• Harvest the fruits when they are fully ripe and have reached their optimal color and sweetness.
• Handle the fruits carefully to avoid bruising and damage.

10. Marketing:

• Identify potential markets, such as supermarkets, local markets, and exporters.
• Package the fruits in attractive and sturdy containers.
• Consider branding your products to differentiate them in the market. So meshers/comrades who would like to venture into farming here is a deal 😉