Pixie orange farming in Kenya is not a new thing, in recent times, it has taken root on most parts of Eastern Kenya, Western, Central region and some parts of coastal region. Pixie Orange are propagated from seedlings. Grafting a lemon rootstock to a pixie scion. There are various advantages advantages on why pixie is grafted from lemons that includes, tolerance to climate, diseases, reduced maturity period and high production.
On this article we highlight some common question and answers from willing farmers on pixie farming in Kenya.
1. How many pixie trees can you get per acre? What is the recommended plant population of pixie per acre?
An acre can accommodate around 200 pixie trees with recommended spacing of 4x5m. Pixie can also be planted to fit around 400plants on 3x4m spacing per acre. Production of fruits starts well at 2 years though profitability of the trees starts at around 4 years, with each plant producing more than 300 fruits.
2. How long does pixie fruit take to grow?
Grafted pixie oranges will start giving you fruits in the second year and mature after 3-5 years depending on how well they are taken care of. At first, each tree will give a few fruits; about 50 to 80 fruits. This production increases every year as the tree becomes big and branches grow wider.
3. Which is the best climate and soil type to grow pixie oranges in Kenya?
Ecological requirements. Pixie oranges thrives in a wide range of soils although they perform best in sandy loamy soils. Like oranges, they also survive in areas with low and moderate rainfall, that is why they perform well in arid and semi-arid areas. Ideal temperatures for pixie farming range from 10c-30c.
4. Where to buy grafted pixie oranges seedlings in Kenya?
Grafted pixie orange seedlings can be bought from various seedlings propagators in Kenya, however, we recommend Fruit Africa on 0752-452939 or Farmers Trend via 0724-559286 for a surebet on varieties
5. Is pixie fruit farming a worthy investment in Kenya?
Yes! demand for fruits will always be juicy, as a long term investment pixie orange will continue to be on demand, this is attributed to the many application of the fruit and recommendation by doctors.
