Orange
Citrus × sinensis · Rutaceae
- Plant out1–4 weeks after the last frostApr 17 – May 14
- Space4–6 m (13–20 ft) apart
- HarvestAfter 2–5 years
Description
The orange is a citrus fruit that is well known for its juicy, sweet flavor and vibrant orange color. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges grow on evergreen trees that can reach heights of up to 30 feet and have glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers.
Growing Conditions
3–8 m (10–26 ft) tall, 3–7 m (10–23 ft) wide
- Smallest
- Largest
Full sun, 6+ hours
Tolerates part sun
Moderate
Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
Ideal 18–32 °C (64–90 °F)
Survives down to −5 °C (23 °F).
pH 6–7.5 · acidic to neutral
Where it Grows
Planting
When to Plant
Oranges should be planted in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
How to Plant
- Choose a well-drained, sunny location.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Place the tree in the hole and fill with soil, gently pressing down.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Growth Timeline
- Establishing 2 years
- First harvest possible years 2–5
Planting Calendar
- Plant outdoors: 1–4 weeks after the last frost
- Plant out: Apr 17 – May 14
Care
Care Calendar
- Feed · Apr 10 – Aug 6
Apply a citrus fertilizer from spring through early summer, following the label rates. - Prune · Apr 10 – May 28
After frost danger passes, remove dead or crossing branches and avoid heavy pruning. - Mulch · Apr 10 – May 14
Spread mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk. - Protect · Oct 11 – Nov 28
Move potted trees under cover before freezes, or cover outdoor trees on freezing nights.
Watering
- Water young trees once a week, gradually reducing frequency as they mature.
- Mature trees require watering during dry spells, approximately every 10-14 days.
Weeding
- Regularly remove weeds around the base of the tree to reduce competition for nutrients.
Mulching
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing
- Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for citrus trees twice a year, in spring and late summer.
Thinning
- Thin fruit to one per flower cluster to promote larger fruits and better quality.
Pest Management
- Monitor for common pests such as aphids, scale, and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
Harvesting
- Oranges are typically ready for harvest 7-12 months after flowering. Harvest by twisting the fruit to detach it from the tree.
Growing in Containers
Grows well in a pot of at least 40 litres (11 US gallons), with drainage holes. Can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
Propagation
From seed
- Remove seeds from a ripe orange and rinse off the pulp.
- Sow fresh seeds about 1 cm deep in moist seed-starting mix.
- Keep the mix warm and evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
- Pot up seedlings once they have several leaves; allow for years before fruiting.
By grafting
- Obtain a healthy citrus rootstock and a bud from the orange variety you want to grow.
- When the rootstock bark slips easily, make a T-shaped cut in it.
- Insert the bud beneath the bark and wrap the union, leaving the bud exposed.
- After the bud takes, cut the rootstock back above it and remove shoots from below the graft.
By layering
- Select a healthy, pencil-thick branch for air layering.
- Remove a narrow ring of bark below a leaf node.
- Wrap the exposed area with damp sphagnum moss and seal it in plastic.
- Once roots develop in the moss, cut below the rooted section and pot it up.
Companion Plants
Good neighbors
- Sweet alyssum: Its flowers attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects that prey on citrus pests.
Common Problems
- Yellowing leaves
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Black sooty coating
- Curled or cupped leaves
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by piercing plants and drawing out sap. The group includes many…
- Wilting
- Leaves dropping
- Stunted growth
- Soft or rotting stems
Canker is a general name for a localized area of dead bark and underlying tissue on a woody stem or branch, not a…
- Winding tunnels in leaves
- Spots on leaves
- Leaves dropping
Leaf miners are the larvae of several kinds of flies, moths, beetles, and sawflies, rather than a single species with…
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting
- Stunted growth
- Leaves dropping
Root rot is a general name for the decay of plant roots, not a single disease with one scientific name. It can result…
- Yellowing leaves
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Black sooty coating
- Stunted growth
Scale insects are small, sap-feeding insects that settle on garden and houseplants. Adults often look like bumps on…
- Citrus Greening Disease: A bacterial infection that affects tree health and fruit quality.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that can weaken trees if not managed.
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them beneficial for immune health, digestion, and skin health.
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 47 kcal |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 9.4 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin C | 53.2 mg |
| Folate | 30 µg |
| Potassium | 181 mg |
Varieties
A classic sweet orange for fresh eating.
- seedless
- easy to peel
Its pink-fleshed fruit has a sweet, mild flavor.
- pink flesh
- seedless
A popular orange for juice that typically ripens later than navels.
- juicy
- late season
It produces sweet, pale-fleshed fruit early in the orange season.
- early season
- juicy
Cool nights help its flesh develop a deep red color.
- red flesh
- distinctive flavor
Its sweet fruit develops variable red pigmentation.
- sweet
- few seeds
More about varieties
- Navel Orange
- Valencia Orange
- Blood Orange
- Moro Orange
- Mandarin Orange
Health Benefits
- Boosts immune system function due to high vitamin C content.
- Supports heart health through fiber and potassium.
- Aids in digestion with dietary fiber.
- May reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Fun Facts
- The orange tree is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia.
- Eating an orange is not only refreshing but also an excellent way to hydrate, as they are composed of about 86% water.
- Oranges are actually a type of berry!
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