Pixie Orange Farming : Cost of Growing, Market Prices & Profit Guide (2025)
- BeyondForest
- May 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 4
2.)Pixie Seedlings for Sale price list
3.)Pixie Orange Farming
4.)Pixie Orange Farming Groups
5.)Pixie Oranges Vs Tangerine
6.)Pixie Orange Price List
7.)Pixie Oranges In Makueni
8.)FAQ About Pixie Orange
About Pixie Oranges
Pixies are part of the mandarin orange family and are often classified as mandarins or tangerines, though they are technically a hybrid.
Pixie oranges are a specialty citrus fruit prized for their sweet flavor, easy-to-peel skin, and seedless nature. Smaller than most oranges, Pixies are especially popular as a snack fruit, particularly among children and health-conscious consumers. Their unique combination of taste, convenience, and long shelf life has made them a premium product in grocery stores and farmers' markets.
Their success grew as part of a broader trend toward convenient and naturally sweet fruits
Pixie oranges were developed in the United States by researchers at the University of California Riverside Citrus Research Center in the mid-20th century.
Image of Dancy Mandarins by swissboy_gardener
Specifically, the Pixie is the result of a hybrid cross between King and Dancy mandarins, with research beginning in 1927.Pixie oranges are easily recognizable due to their Small size about 2–3 inches in diameter Thin, bumpy skin and easy to peel, especially by hand
Because they are small and seedless, Pixies are ideal for children's lunches, quick snacks, or healthy desserts.
Image of Pixie Oranges by courtneyeguerra
Their Bright orange color – visually appealing when ripe Seedlessness – typically contains no seeds, though rare exceptions may occur Juicy and sweet flesh – low acidity with a mild flavor
One of the most celebrated features of Pixie oranges is their rich, sweet flavor. Pixies have low acidity, making them especially appealing to people who prefer a milder citrus taste.
Pixie Seedlings for Sale price list
Small Size Pixie Sapling | 150Ksh |
Medium Size Pixie Sapling | 250Ksh |
Big Size Pixie Sapling | 500Ksh |
In urban retail outlets, prices are higher; for instance, Zucchini Food Market and Carrefour Kenya list Pixie oranges at KSh 199 per kg . These price variations reflect factors such as quality, seasonality, and supply chain dynamics.
Pixie Orange Farming
pixie oranges are relatively drought-tolerant once mature.
Pixie Orange Farming is a lucrative and increasingly popular agricultural venture, especially in Kenya’s highland regions such as Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kiambu.
Image of Pixie farm by Farmers Trend LimitedFarmers Trend Limited
Pixie oranges start yielding fruit after 2.5–3 years, with peak production around the 5th year.
They are highly marketable due to their high sugar content, long shelf life, and strong local and export demand.Pixie orange farming begins with the selection of certified seedlings, preferably from reputable nurseries to avoid grafted or diseased plants. The ideal climate for pixie oranges is warm and temperate, with altitudes between 1,200 to 2,100 meters above sea level. The crop thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Proper land preparation, including deep plowing and incorporation of organic matter, is essential for healthy root development.
An acre can be occupied by 200 pixie trees with a spacing of 4m by 5m.To plant the seedlings, holes size of 2ft by 2ft by 2ft should be dug and manure of about 20kg mixed with topsoil put in each of the holes.-Kimani
Image of Pixie farm by Farmers Trend LimitedFarmers Trend Limited
Spacing is typically 3–4 meters between trees, allowing for air circulation and ease of management. Irrigation is important, especially during dry spells
Farmers can boost profitability by using value addition methods such as juicing, drying, or jam making, turning a simple fruit into a diverse agribusiness opportunity.
Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning and pest control are crucial for shaping the trees and preventing diseases such as citrus canker and pests like aphids and whiteflies. A well-managed tree can produce up to 100–150 kilograms of fruit per season. Harvesting typically occurs between July and September, depending on the location.
Pixie oranges thrives well arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya such as Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and parts of coastal regions such as Voi. The crop can also perform well in areas such as Nyeri, Murang’a, and parts of Western Kenya.
Pixie Orange Farming Groups
Pixie Oranges Vs Tangerine
While they belong to the same citrus family and share similar features, they differ in various key aspects
Feature | Pixie Oranges | Tangerines |
Scientific Background | Hybrid mandarin variety (often Clementine × unknown) | Subgroup of mandarins (Citrus reticulata) |
Size | Small to medium-sized, round | Small, often flatter in shape |
Taste | Very sweet, less acidic | Sweet but tangier and more acidic |
Seeds | Usually seedless or very few seeds | Typically contains more seeds |
Tree Characteristics | Compact tree, good for small farms | Larger tree, requires more space |
Shelf Life | Longer shelf life; retains freshness longer | Shorter shelf life; more prone to drying out |
Market Value | Higher due to sweetness, rarity, and demand | Common, usually less expensive |
Pixie oranges are prized for their extreme sweetness, seedlessness, and long shelf life, making them ideal for fresh consumption and commercial sales.
Pixie Orange Challenges and Disadvantages
My pixie Orange has zero juice what could be the problem
According to fellow farmers pixie farmers this condition is known as musele or musenga and occurs mostly if the Pixie stays too long on the tree thus causing it to over ripe then it starts returning water to the tree .
If it gets ripe then you fail to harvest this is what happens .In some instances using lots of manure and also Sulphur chemicals cause the problem
I planted my Pixie Oranges in August 2023 its barely 1 year 7 months and it has not started flowering what should I add
According to various pixie farmers the best solution is giving the Pixie orange sometime while the main challenge might be posed by asking the question whether if that is a pixie orange or a Washington Navel tree. While in Kenya best you can do is In Spray Optimizer fertilizer and Plantone on October
When purchasing seedlings, it's advisable to consider factors such as the supplier's reputation, the quality of grafting, and any additional services offered for instance delivery and agronomic support.
In Kenya, the cost of Pixie orange seedlings varies depending on the supplier, location, and whether the seedlings are grafted. Prices typically range from 200Ksh to 549Ksh per seedling. 200Ksh –250Ksh is the most common price range offered by several suppliers
How do you differentiate a pixie orange from Washington neval ?
Pixie oranges and Washington Navel oranges differ in several key aspects. Pixie oranges are smaller, rounder, and typically seedless, with a very sweet taste and loose, easy-to-peel skin. They are a mandarin hybrid, ideal for fresh eating, especially by children. In contrast, Washington Navel oranges are larger, with a prominent navel at the blossom end, and have thicker skin that is slightly harder to peel. They are also seedless but have a milder, less sugary flavor compared to Pixies.
Pixie orange farming in Kenya is highly profitable. A mature Pixie tree can yield 100–150 kg of fruit per season, with one kilogram retailing between 100Ksh and 150Ksh, depending on market demand. With proper care, an acre can host 150–200 trees, generating 1.5 million Ksh to 3 million annually.
Pixie oranges typically take 2.5 to 3 years to start bearing fruit after planting, provided they are grafted seedlings from a certified source. During this period, the tree develops a strong root system and canopy under proper care, including watering, pruning, and pest control. Full maturity and peak production are usually achieved by the 5th year
How many pixie trees are in one acre?
An acre can accommodate 150 to 200 Pixie orange trees, depending on spacing. The recommended spacing is 4 meters by 4 meters, allowing proper sunlight, airflow, and ease of management.
Pixie Oranges Price In Kenya?
Image of Pixie Orange for sale by at Ongata Rongai for 90Ksh a Kilo by Jon Jones
How much is a pixie tree per kg in Kenya?
In Kenya, Pixie oranges are priced between 80Ksh and 150Ksh per kilogram, depending on the market and location. At the farm gate, prices typically range from 80Ksh to 120Ksh per kg, offering farmers a profitable return.
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