Pixie Orange Farming in Kenya – What 1.5 Years Has Taught Us!

When we first brought home our 6 to 8-month-old grafted Pixie orange seedlings from Oxfarm Kenya, we had no idea what lay ahead. We planted them with hope, hard work, and faith—but farming always comes with surprises.

Our first watering session was far from ideal. A broken-down construction tank, a weak water flow, and a lot of patience. But soon, we got drip irrigation running, and despite the drought, some trees began to flower earlier than expected. That was our first sign of hope.

Fast forward 1.5 years later, and here we are—walking through an orchard that started as tiny seedlings. Some trees now stand tall with strong branches and healthy green leaves. Others have already started fruiting ahead of schedule, bringing the dream of fresh farm-to-table oranges even closer. But not all have had an easy journey.

Along the way, we’ve faced our share of challenges—dieback, nutrient deficiencies, and a struggle with soil quality. Some trees are still small, and others needed extra care after struggling in the heat. We mixed red soil into our black alluvial land, hoping to improve aeration and root growth. Some trees responded well, others still need time.

Then there are the surprises… Like trees branching out from the rootstock, threatening to turn part of our orchard into a lemon farm instead of Pixie oranges. And the unexpected sight of flies in the middle of their mating dance—should we let them be, hoping they’ll help with pollination?

Through it all, we’ve kept going—pruning, weeding, mulching, and giving each tree the best chance to grow. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and trusting the process. Farming isn’t just about planting and waiting; it’s about working with nature, tackling challenges, and celebrating every little win.

And now, we finally get to enjoy our first oranges, straight from the farm. This is just the beginning!

‪@FARMINGHorizons‬