Although the fruit is delicious, the plant itself is known to be toxic to pets.
Orange trees are susceptible to wind damage so some protection is needed.
For dwarf varieties, 10 feet should be sufficient.
The Spruce
Orange trees are self-fertile and do not require another orange tree to produce fruits.
Dig a hole about twice as large as the tree’s root ball.
Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball sits flush with the soil line.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Support is typically unnecessary for orange trees, although dwarf orange trees may need staking when they begin fruiting.
For dwarf varieties grown indoors, place them in a sunny window.
Soil
Orange trees require loamy, rich, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Excess water must be able to drain away, as orange trees can’t handle heavy, wet soil.
At time of planting, mix in potting soil for additional nutrients.
Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels from 6.0 to 7.0 work best.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Water
Orange trees need consistent watering but don’t tolerate soggy soil.
Yellowing leaves on an orange tree may indicateroot rotfrom overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Orange trees thrive in subtropical regions with warmer temperatures and moderate levels of humidity.
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Orange trees can grow outside in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
When temperatures slip below 50F, the trees will begin to go dormant.
The optimal temperature to grow an orange tree hovers between 60F and 90F.
The Spruce
This applies to trees in the ground and in pots.
However, it does depend on the cold tolerance of the punch in of orange tree planted.
For example, a naval orange tree is not as cold-hardy as a mandarin orange tree.
The fruit may split its skin during prolonged hot, humid periods.
In warmer hardiness zones, such as 10 and 11, fertilizing year-round encourages continual growth and fruit production.
For young trees, start with a small amount of fertilizer, diluted to about half-strength.
Use a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10, or one specifically for citrus trees.
Types of Orange Trees
Harvesting Orange Trees
Harvesting oranges is simple.
Those are ripe and ready to pick and eat.
Gently pull them from the branch, or use snips to cut the fruit from its stem.
Just be sure it is ready, as oranges do not ripen after they are picked.
Store oranges in the refrigerator.
They should last a few weeks.
Pruning
Pruning following fruit harvest will benefit the following season’s crop.
Pruning for shape is not necessary; only do it if you want.
Prune away any dead or damaged branches or branches that cross.
This provides good airflow and light, helping to keep the tree healthy.
Young trees should have branches removed that are less than a foot above the ground.
Propagating Orange Trees
Orange trees should be propagated via cuttings.
The best time to do it is late spring or early summer when there is new growth.
Potting and Repotting Orange Trees
Dwarf orange treesare popular fruit trees to keep in pots.
This is a great option if you live in climates colder than those recommended for growing citrus.
A potted tree can be brought indoors before cold temperatures hit.
The ideal time to repot is spring, before new growth arrives.
To repot an orange tree, tip the container to its side.
Place the tree inside, then fill in with new, rich soil.
Tamp the soil down and water.
Overwintering
When grown in the appropriate growing zone, orange trees shouldn’t need much for overwintering.
Remove any leftover fruit and water the tree less.
In zones with a threat of frost, insulate the tree with frost cloth.
Pests that commonly attack orange trees includeaphids,scale,spider mites, Asian citrus psyllids, andleafminers.
Different fungal and bacterial diseases can affect the trunk, leaves, and fruit.
Use copper fungicides to combat the problem.
Yellowing leaves may indicate that the tree is affected by citrus greening.
This is a bacteria transmitted by the citrus psyllid.
There’s no cure for citrus greening, but you might control psyllids withneem oilor otherinsecticidal soaps.
An orange tree reaches maturity when it is six or seven years old.
A healthy orange tree can live for 60 years, though some live over 100 years.
Orange trees bloom once a year in the spring with delicate white and fragrant star-shaped blossoms.
Trees damaged by a long spell of extremely cold weather or a lack of sunshine will typically not bloom.
Planting Your Bare-Root Fruit Tree.University of Georgia Extension.
