Seville orange
Citrus aurantium · Rutaceae
📷 Zeynel Cebeci · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ La pulpe mûre est comestible. Feuilles, tiges, écorce et peau du fruit contiennent des huiles essentielles et psoralènes pouvant causer troubles digestifs ou irritation chez chiens et chats.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around seville orange and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Persistent, dark glossy green
- Blooming
- April to May, fragrant white flowers
- Fruits
- Bitter oranges (Seville oranges), mature October to December
- Adult size
- Up to 8 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, prefers Mediterranean or subtropical climate
- Origin
- Southeast Asia, widely cultivated in Mediterranean regions
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich, slightly acidic to neutral
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Citrus aurantium needs full sun and well-draining, rich soil: plant it in a pot in cold zones, in the ground in mild climates. Water regularly during growth, less in winter.
The common mistake
Exposing it to shade or north-facing positions: flowering and fruiting drop significantly.
The pro's trick
Harvest the fragrant flowers in the morning for infusions or homemade preparations.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist but well-draining. Reduce watering in winter. For potted plants, check substrate moisture before watering again to prevent root rot.
Light and Exposure
Place the Seville orange in full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily, for optimal flowering and fruiting. In cold climates, growing in a pot allows you to move it under shelter in winter.
Soil and Substrate
Use fertile, well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the substrate with mature compost or peat. Ensure good permeability to prevent root asphyxiation, especially in pots.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and potassium-rich fertilizer during fruiting (summer-fall). Reduce fertilization in winter. For potted plants, divide applications monthly during the growing season.
Pruning and Training
Prune lightly after harvest or in late winter to maintain a balanced shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid severe pruning, which reduces fruiting. Thin the crown center to promote air circulation.
Diseases and Pests
Seville orange can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and aphids: inspect foliage regularly. Watch for root rot if overwatered. Ensure good ventilation and optimal drainage to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The Seville orange tree is the quintessential symbol of bitter orange: its fruits, too acidic to eat fresh, have been the prime ingredient for marmalade and liqueurs for centuries. In Europe, the tree spread through Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, and its intensely fragrant white flowers became a staple of Mediterranean gardens, symbolizing purity and promise.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.