Does the orlah count continue from the nursery if I keep my tree in a pot on the brick porch?
Question
Hi, We bought a limequat tree grafted onto another type of citrus tree. It is in a pot with holes in the bottom, on a brick porch. Do we have to wait 3 years before we use the fruit? Thank you, B’sorot tovot,
Answer
Rabbi Moshe Bloom
Technically, since the tree most likely was on a surface that was detached from the ground in the nursery, you can count its years in the nursery for the orlah count now that you are continuing to grow the tree on a detached surface (the count would restart, however, if in the future you plant it in the ground).
If possible, try to find out from the nursery how old the tree is; that information would be very helpful. If you’re unable to obtain it, please send us a photo of the tree, and our agronomist can estimate its age; you might be able to save a year or two!