Think about it it this way....host plants (like your citrus) are attractive to GST because of the foliage only. Many butterfly and moth species are HOST specific, in that they seek out certain plants upon which to lay their eggs. Their larvae are genetically programmed to feed upon those host plants and none other. The adult insects will find their host plants without any attraction to flowers or fruit.

Remember, the caterpillars that will hatch from those little eggs are leaf eating machines. Not fruit or flower eating machines.

I've grown many a grocery store seedling for the sole purpose of being part of the GST life cycle.

Lots of pollinators (of all kinds) are interested in citrus flowers as a source of nectar and pollen, but will never lay eggs on the foliage.

AWESOME. I kinda figured it wouldn't need to be fruit or flower bearing. I was just making sure. Do they tend to grow large enough to feed GST cats quickly or will I be growing the plant for a long time before I can actually feed the cats?

In my own experience, seedlings are slow to get started but grow very quickly once they get their act together. I pay careful attention to the type of potting mix I use (I make my own), insuring that it's very coarse textured and drains rapidly. That kind of medium will encourage a very healthy root system. Vigorous, healthy roots = lots of nice, green growth.

I assume you meant grow seedlings in a container to stay there, not plant them out, but if you want to try planting citrus outside, I can attest to the fact that Louisiana Sweet is not only extremely vigorous, but it has slightly more cold hardiness than even the Owari satsuma. It has gotten down to around 23 or 24 degrees at least once every winter since I've had mine, and no damage has been done except to the very tenderest new growth on the end of the branches. The tree is so vigorous, it more than makes up for the loss the next spring - mine is nearly as big as those you see growing commercially in Florida. It's also full of oranges now - 'can't wait 'til they ripen!
Sherry

Hey Sherry

I haven't been able to find a Louisiana Sweet. Have you had yours for a while? Just wondering!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll def hopefully have some oranges to sit outside during the summer so GST's will start coming around. I'm so excited for next year!!!!

Yes, Nancy, I've had mine several years now. I got mine at Home Depot, where they were selling citrus that I think they'd gotten from Becnel's in Plaquemines Parish, the usual supplier. I haven't seen it for sale since then, I guess because the oranges aren't as big as navels, and they have seeds - the vigor and cold hardiness of the tree is documented, so you'd think that would count for something, especially for those of us in marginal citrus areas, and the fruit is just as sweet and good tasting as other oranges.
I think I saw it for sale on the internet several months ago. It's worth looking for, because I've tried growing other citrus with no success. I haven't tried the Owari satsuma, though, so I'll be getting one as soon as they start selling citrus at the stores again.
Sherry

Thanks Sherry!

Ha, I thought the old trees growing around here were the only ones left with seeds in the fruit! Seems like you hardly find anything but seedless any more.

My old tree has lots of seeds in the oranges, but it's great 'cause I've been out digging up tiny seedlings to put in with some baby GST cats. Very handy!! They each get their own tree.