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Orange is from the family of citrus just like lemons, limes, tangerines, pomelos, kumquats, and grape fruits. However, we are focusing on the orange tree in this article.
Companion planting is very important to you if you want the best out of your garden and plantations. There are numerous benefits that come with companion planting. Pairing orange trees with other plants will help it to thrive better, but what are the best orange companion plants?
Let’s quickly take a look at the different plants that can be paired with orange trees and why you should plant them together!
Best Orange Companion Plants
Some of the best beneficial and companion plants to pair with orange include marigolds, mint,parsley, mint, chervil, dill, rosemary, basil, asters, thyme, yarrow, borage, petunias, lavenders, peas , Lupins, oregano and other citrus plants.
Let’s learn about them!
1. Citrus Trees
Other citrus trees can serve as a good companion plant to orange trees. Such as lemon, lime, grape fruits and other citrus.
However, they should be planted some reasonable distance away from each other. This is because the leaves of the orange plant can shade others from direct sunlight.
Also, poor spacing would lead to the plants competing for space and other nutrients. Hence, achieving the opposite of companion planting.
2. Parsley
Parsley is a good companion plant to orange trees. This is because parsley has the ability to attract pollinators and other insects that are beneficial to the orange tree.
3. Yarrow
The Yarrow plant is another beneficial companion plant. Most importantly, this yarrow plant are attracted to hoverflies. These flies are great enemies to mealy bugs.
If you are very observant, you will notice that these mealy bugs often attack the orange plant. This way, the hoverflies which find pleasure around the yarrow plant then act as predators to those bugs.
4. Thyme
Thyme is another great plant you can pair with an orange plant. It is a good herb.
If not for anything, the fact that it attracts insects which are beneficial to orange trees in terms of pollination stands out.
Also, thyme acts like a cover crop by helping to control weeds.
5. Oregano
Just like thyme, this plant also helps to deter weeds and is one of the best companion plants for orange.
6. Basil
Aside from thyme another herb that will perform well when paired with an orange tree is basil plant.
It has the ability to chase away pests and insects that attack orange trees. An example of such pests is aphids. Again, it adds to the health of your citrus.
7. Dill
Dill attracts predators that prey on pests that attack orange trees. Predators like wasps and other pollinators.
8. Chervil
Chervil plant also is a good companion plant for orange. It attracts beneficial insects to orange trees.
Ladybugs and lacewings are prominent insects attracted to chervil plants which in turn benefits orange trees.
9. Asters
If you are looking for plants to pair with orange trees to help enhance pollination, asters should be in your top list.
They help attract potential pollinators to your citrus plants.
10. Mint
Mint is a wonderful orange tree companion plant. However, it can be invasive most times thereby competing for nutrients.
That notwithstanding, it is still a good companion plant to orange trees.
11. Rosemary
Generally, citrus plants and rosemary plants bloom in the same conditions. Hence, rosemary is ideal for companion planting for orange.
It aids immensely in plant pollen.
12. Petunias
Petunias are capable of repelling insects that attack citrus. An example of such insects is aphids.
Aside from chasing away insects and pests, this flower also aid in pollination by attracting pollinators.
13. Borage
So far orange companion planting is concerning, borage plants should not be lacking in any orange garden.
This is because it can be paired with different plants. Following that, it is a good companion plant to orange trees as it attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.
14. Marigold
Marigolds are great companion plants for orange. Apart from aiding in pollination by attracting bees and other pollinators, they are enemies to some nematodes like eelworms.
This worm attacks and damages the roots, stems and leaves of trees. And in most cases destroy the whole tree.
15. Peas and Lupins
Peas and lupin plants have nitrogen at their root noodles. Hence, fix nitrogen to the solid, which in turn nourishes the orange plant.
16. Lavender
Lavender is another good orange companion plant. Their root systems are not invasive this way they won’t compete with your orange plant for nutrients.
They chase away pests and insects and attract beneficial and potential pollinators to your plant.
17. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are amazing plants and are beneficial to your orange plant if paired together. They are one of the best orange companion plants you can think of.
They attract pollinators with their sweet fragrance, repel attacking insects and help deter the growth of weeds around your orange plant.
Caution
Do not plant these companion plants too close to your orange plant. You may be wondering why you shouldn’t do that?
Check the following reasons for clarification
- Spacing your plants will help avoid the two plants competing for nutrients and space
- The branches and leaves of your citrus may share the companion plant from receiving enough sunlight
- The root of your citrus won’t affect that of the companion plant
What Not To Plant with an Orange Trees
There are numerous factors to consider before planting any plant beside your orange plant. Firstly, you need to understand that the roots of orange trees are not shallow. Yes, they are deep; so, it won’t be advisable to pair orange trees with plants whose roots are deep.
Secondly, orange trees need enough space and nutrients to bloom, it won’t be good if you pair two equal plants together.
So what plants should not be paired with an orange plant?
Do not plant orange together with root crops such as carrots, cassava, onions, beetroots, leeks, parsnips, and citrus plants.
Conclusion
Having explained the different orange companion plants and their benefits, it is time to swing into action by leveraging companion planting with the knowledge we shared with you.
Make your garden green, healthy and beautiful with companion planting. Again, do not forget to space your plants and avoid pairing root crops with citrus plants.