Orange tree
Citrus sinensis · Rutaceae
📷 Luis Fernández García · CC BY-SA 2.5 es
⚠️ 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 orange tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to May
- Adult size
- 6 to 8 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (temperatures > 0 °C)
- Origin
- China and Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Water deeply but infrequently: orange trees prefer temporary dryness to constant moisture. Well-draining soil is essential. Fertilize with balanced formula in spring and midsummer (with added potassium in summer for fruiting).
The common mistake
Daily watering or growing in compacted soil: most orange trees die from root suffocation, not drought. This also causes fruit drop before ripening.
The pro's trick
If your orange tree sheds flowers or young fruit, it's often due to irregular watering or thermal shock: apply 5-8 cm of mulch and water sparingly but regularly during flowering and fruit set.
Seasonal watch
Winter in cold zones: protect foliage from drying winds that scorch leaves. In containers, move to an unheated greenhouse. Below -5°C, even hardy varieties struggle; avoid sudden frosts.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. Use lime-free water if possible, as the orange tree prefers rather acidic soils.
Light Exposure
Place your orange tree in direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day to ensure good flowering and fruiting. A south or west-facing location is ideal. Indoors in a pot, position it as close as possible to windows.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape and remove crossed or weak branches. Avoid severe pruning which reduces fruiting. Also remove underdeveloped fruits to encourage the production of the finest fruits.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer from spring to autumn, every 15 to 20 days. Reduce feeding in winter. Choose a fertilizer designed for citrus or fruit trees to cover all micronutrient needs.
Soil Preparation
Use a light and permeable substrate, a mix of quality potting soil and sand or perlite. The orange tree dislikes heavy soils and stagnant excess moisture. Good drainage is essential, especially in pots with a drainage hole.
Pests and Diseases
Watch out for scale insects, red spider mites and aphids in enclosed or dry environments. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly. Ensure good air circulation and maintain moderate humidity to prevent attacks. In case of root rot, reduce watering and repot if necessary.
Did you know?
The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is a natural hybrid, probably resulting from a cross between the mandarin and the pomelo. Originating in China, it traveled via Arab and Portuguese trade routes until reaching Europe around the 15th century, where it became firmly established in the Mediterranean region. Its white flowers, called orange blossoms, long symbolized innocence and purity in European weddings.
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.