On August 14, 2006 Sister Mary Catharine, a Dominican Nun, sent me two seeds taken from a fruit on a cutting of the old Sour Orange tree planted by Saint Dominic. On September 2, 2006 the first of these two seeds germinated. This afternoon, while cleaning the tree, I noticed a half dozed blooms, and some small fruit that have set. It took 7 years and 6 months for the seedling to mature and become a productive tree. The mother Saint Dominic Sour Orange tree was planted by seed at the Convent of Saint Sabina in Rome in the year 1200. Over the years the old mother tree has died back to its roots from being frozen, but has always regenerated a new stem from its roots of great age. With special care I hope that as many blooms as possible develop and retain their fruit. Thank God that the tree's maturity finally came, it was a long wait. - Millet

Great history lesson. Good patience too.

That's fantastic Bob! Congrats and great job. I'm sure there's no worry about this, but no-matter the quality of the fruit, don't throw this one into the compost pile

Most seedlings of sour orange are nucellar, correct?

How do you clean a 7 1/2 year old tree ? Maybe an oil spray ? That sure helps clean up sooty mold and honey dew. Tom

Tom, I was not actually cleaning the tree. I was going through the tree checking to see if there was any mealy bug, scale or aphids. I did not find any, but I did find blooms, and some actual small baby fruit. But to answer your question, the only pesticide I ever use, or need to use, is Ultra Pure horticultural oil. BTW, if anyone is interested in learning more about the famous and anchient Saint Dominic Sour Orange tree, it can be found on pages 45 and 46 in the book "The Citrus Industry".- Millet

Thanks for the explanation ! I was scared of oil because daddy was scared of oil long ago. It is good stuff. Tom

There could have been good reason to be cautious of oils in your fathers time. The oils were not as pure as they now are, and also had a much slower evaporation rate. Today's oils are extremely pure and have a pacific evaporation rate, and essentially gone in a days time. I always purchase the Ultra-Pure brand. It comes in a 2-1/2 gal jug. - Millet

Last time I checked into hort oil I found out it is in the kerosene boiling range, around 450F boiling point. That is way lower than I would have guessed.

You forgot to mention my webpage about the St. Dominic tree in Rome!
I spent a long time researching this, so it would be nice if some more people took a look at
http://www.homecitrusgrowers.co.uk/citrusplaces/StDominicsOrange.html
Mike/Citrange

Just took a look Mike...thank you! Very nice job.

I apologize Mike, my over site was not intentional. I just at this minute spent a good while on the Saint Dominic tree site of your web site, and the links you provided, and the links from the links. - Millet

Congrats Millet! It's always great to fruit citrus from seed and this variety is very special.