The pips of Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits or Tangerines are best planted in spring. Put three pips of one kind in each 3-inch pot of damp compost, about 4 inch down, or plant in fruit skin halves.

As with Avocado stones, darkness and warmth are needed, and regular checks on the dampness of the compost. When shoots appear a month or two later, gradually bring the plant nearer full light and when it is 4 inches tall transfer it to a bigger pot of compost. An advantage of growing pips in fruit skins is that the skin too can be planted, thus avoiding any disturbance of the roots: they will grow through the skin. A few months later, there should be the beginnings of a small, glossy-leaved tree which in years to come might even produce flowers and fruit.

Care for it like a Peach tree. Citrus pips can be used to grow a forest in a dish. Collect dozens of pips, soak overnight, press down all over damp compost and sprinkle a little more of it on top. Keep damp, adding a little liquid fertilizer to the water, and in a few weeks a glossy-leaved, miniature forest will fill the dish.