How to Plant Orlando Tangelo in Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed with vast agricultural potential, and citrus farming is one of the areas where farmers can earn a good income due to the high demand for fruits locally and abroad.
Among the many citrus varieties, Orlando Tangelo has gained attention because of its sweet taste, juiciness, and adaptability to tropical climates.
With proper knowledge and management, Nigerian farmers can cultivate Orlando Tangelo successfully and profitably.
This guide explains in detail how to plant Orlando Tangelo in Nigeria, from land preparation to harvesting and pest control.
Description of the Orlando Tangelo Plant
The Orlando Tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit that was first developed in the United States.
It is a cross between a Duncan grapefruit and a Dancy tangerine.
The fruit has a unique sweet-tart flavour, is very juicy, and has an attractive deep orange colour.
The plant itself grows into a medium to large-sized tree with a rounded canopy.
Its leaves are glossy green, and it produces fragrant white flowers that later develop into the fruits.
Orlando Tangelo trees are productive and can yield heavily when well managed.
The fruits are slightly flattened in shape, easy to peel, and have fewer seeds compared to many other citrus varieties.
This makes them attractive to consumers, both for eating fresh and for juice production.
The Orlando Tangelo also tolerates warm climates and can adapt to various soils, making it suitable for cultivation in Nigeria.
Planting Season for Orlando Tangelo in Nigeria
The best time to plant Orlando Tangelo in Nigeria is during the rainy season, usually between April and June in southern Nigeria and between May and July in northern parts of the country.
Planting during this time ensures that the young plants have enough water to establish strong roots before the dry season sets in.
However, if irrigation facilities are available, Orlando Tangelo can be planted all year round.
For smallholder farmers depending on rainfall, sticking to the rainy season is the safest choice.
Planting the Orlando Tangelo
Planting Orlando Tangelo involves a series of important steps.
Each step must be carefully followed to ensure high survival and healthy growth of the plants.
Step 1: Choose a Location
Select a site with well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil.
Avoid waterlogged areas because citrus roots do not tolerate standing water.
The land should also receive full sunlight for at least 6–8 hours daily, as Orlando Tangelo requires sunlight to produce sweet and juicy fruits.
Choose land with a flat or gently sloping surface to reduce soil erosion.
Areas with access to water sources for irrigation during dry seasons are highly preferable.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the land by removing bushes, grasses, stumps, and debris.
Plough the soil to loosen it, and if possible, harrow it to make the soil fine for planting.
Proper land preparation allows roots to penetrate easily and reduces competition from weeds.
Mark out planting rows, ensuring a spacing of 6–7 meters between trees and 5–6 meters between rows.
This gives each tree enough room to grow and spread.
Step 3: Means of Propagation
Orlando Tangelo can be propagated in two main ways:
- Seed Propagation – Growing the plant directly from seeds. This method is simple but may take longer before the tree starts producing fruit (5–7 years).
- Grafting or Budding – This is the preferred method because it produces plants that fruit earlier (3–4 years) and ensures the characteristics of the parent plant are maintained.
Most farmers in Nigeria prefer grafted seedlings obtained from reputable nurseries.
With Floratalk Hub, our new platform, you can find plant Nurseries or Shops near you.
Step 4: How to Plant Orlando Tangelo from Seed
If you are planting from seed the following should be done:
- Select healthy, disease-free seeds from mature Orlando Tangelo fruits.
- Wash the seeds and dry them slightly.
- Plant the seeds in a nursery bed or polybags filled with sandy loam soil.
- Water regularly and protect the nursery from excessive sun or heavy rain.
- After 6–12 months, transplant the seedlings to the main field when they are about 20–30 cm tall.
When transplanting, dig holes measuring about 60 cm by 60 cm by 60 cm.
Mix the topsoil with organic manure (like compost or poultry droppings) and return it into the hole.
Place the seedling gently in the center and cover with soil, firming it around the roots.
Step 5: Watering
Orlando Tangelo requires regular watering, especially during the dry season or when rainfall is insufficient.
Newly planted seedlings should be watered 2–3 times per week until they establish strong roots.
Mature trees need deep watering at least once every 7–10 days in the dry season.
Mulching with dry grasses, straw, or leaves around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and reduces weed growth.
Step 6: Apply Manure
Organic manure such as poultry droppings, cow dung, or compost should be applied at planting and every year thereafter.
Inorganic fertilisers can also be applied to boost growth.
Additionally, micronutrients like zinc and magnesium may be sprayed on the leaves if deficiency symptoms appear.
Maturity and Harvest
Orlando Tangelo trees typically start producing fruit 3–4 years after planting if grafted seedlings are used, and about 5–7 years if grown from seeds.
The fruits mature in about 7–9 months after flowering.
In Nigeria, harvesting usually takes place between November and February, depending on the region.
Fruits are ready for harvest when they develop a deep orange colour and a slightly soft feel when pressed.
Harvest carefully by hand or with clippers to avoid damaging the tree or the fruit.
Properly harvested fruits can be stored for several weeks under cool conditions or sold immediately in the market.
Pests and Diseases of Orlando Tangelo Plant
Like other citrus crops, Orlando Tangelo is prone to several pests and diseases.
The major ones include:
- Citrus Aphids – Small insects that suck sap from young shoots, causing curling and stunted growth.
- Citrus Leaf Miner – Larvae that tunnel into leaves, leaving silvery trails and damaging young foliage.
- Citrus Psyllids – Pests that transmit the dangerous Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, also called citrus greening.
- Fruit Flies – They attack developing fruits, causing them to rot.
- Citrus Mealybugs and Scale Insects – They feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew that encourages fungal growth.
Diseases affecting this plant include:
- Citrus Canker – A bacterial disease that causes lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits.
- Root Rot (Phytophthora) – A fungal disease that thrives in poorly drained soils, leading to root decay.
- Greening Disease (HLB) – A viral-like disease spread by citrus psyllids that causes yellowing of leaves, misshapen fruits, and eventual death of the tree.
- Sooty Mould – A fungal disease that grows on honeydew secreted by insects.
Pest and Disease Control of Orlando Tangelo
To protect Orlando Tangelo trees from pests and diseases, farmers should adopt both preventive and control measures:
- Good Farm Sanitation – Remove diseased plants, weeds, and debris that can harbour pests.
- Use Resistant Varieties – Planting certified grafted seedlings helps reduce disease risk.
- Biological Control – Encourage natural enemies such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps that feed on aphids and scale insects.
- Chemical Control – Apply recommended insecticides and fungicides when pest infestation becomes severe.
- Proper Drainage – Ensure that waterlogging is avoided to prevent root rot.
- Regular Monitoring – Inspect trees regularly for early signs of pest or disease attack and take action immediately.
Orlando Tangelo farming in Nigeria holds great promise for farmers who are willing to invest time and effort into proper cultivation.
The fruit is not only nutritious and delicious but also has a strong market demand.
By following the right steps, choosing a good site, preparing the land, using quality planting materials, applying water and manure correctly, and protecting the plants from pests and diseases, farmers can enjoy high yields and profitable returns.
With Nigeria’s favourable climate and growing interest in citrus fruits, Orlando Tangelo farming can become a sustainable venture that contributes to food security, income generation, and export opportunities.
Hope this article was helpful.
