Description
Murcott is a medium sized orange. The rind is a redish-orange in colour and in warmer areas the may become yellow-orange. The rind is thin and smooth thin, and is fairly easy to peel. In some fruits may have seeds but most are almost seedless.
The fruit is not used for juicing because it contains Limonin, a bitter, crystalline compound known for its health benefits, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, it makes juicing the Murcott fruit unpleasant.
Position
The Murcott is a cold-hardy orange tree, but it cannot withstand freezing conditions.
Choose a sunny spot for your Murcott Orange Tree. It requires 6-8 hours of full sun during the summer and winter months.
Excellent for container growing as well. The larger the container the better, start off with a pot at least 50cm by 50cm and repot into a larger pot if the tree stops fruiting or looks unhappy.
Size
As with all citrus fruit trees, the Murcott Orange Tree can grow to 3-6 metres in height. The trees grow upright but often have branches bent or broken by heavy fruiting at the ends. Prone to alternate bearing.
Soil
Citrus trees require well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 is rich in organic matter. We recommend mixing a bag of acidic compost into the soil.
If the soil is poor, add a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust to the soil mixture. Also, our Superfrass is a fantastic fertiliser that protects roots from insect damage.
Planting
Dig a hole about 60 x 60 cms and enrich it with a bag of Volcanic rock dust sufficient to create an optimal environment. This deep soil prep is necessary for good root growth and to ensure the soil drains well.
Water
Water your plant well every 2 to 3 days in hot weather, rather than a little, daily. Water deeply to ensure the roots are well watered but not waterlogged.
Pruning
Best done in spring by removing unproductive wood. Thin out the plant to prevent overcrowding and overlapping, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Fertilising
Apply fertiliser sparingly during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release, nitrogen-rich Berry/All-purpose Fertiliser. The plant roots will absorb what they need.
Mulching
Keep the soil mulched with Pine Bark Mulch to retain moisture, protect the plant’s roots from UV damage, and keep weeds at bay.
Never let mulch touch the stems of trees.
Pests and Diseases
Fruit and leaves are susceptible to citrus scab and the alternaria fungus. The fruit grows on the end of the branches with the blossom end directed upward, and this may result in sunburn or sunscald to exposed portions of the fruit.
Harvesting
Late winter to early spring is when the Murcott Oranges reach maturity.
