PlantWhy

Orange tree

Citrus × sinensis · Tree/Shrub

An evergreen citrus with glossy leaves, intensely fragrant spring flowers and sweet fruit that takes many months to ripen. It needs warmth and steady care; in cooler climates dwarf varieties grow well in large pots.

Orange tree
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
💧WaterWhen top 2–3 in is dry (estimated)
☀️LightFull sun, 8 hours
🐾PetsLeaves and peel harmful

Care at a glance

Light
Full sun, 8 hours if possible
Water
Deeply when the top 2–3 in is dry
Soil
Well-drained, sandy loam or citrus mix; pH 6.0–7.0
Temperature
Best 70–90 °F; damaged below about 28 °F
Spacing
15–25 ft in the ground; dwarf types 8–12 ft
Container
15–25 gallons with good drainage
Harvest
Fruit ripens 7–12 months after flowering (estimated)
Lifespan
50+ years (estimated)

When?

Plant in spring when frost danger has passed. Move potted trees outdoors once nights stay above 50 °F and back inside before frost.

Step by step

  1. Buy a grafted tree on a rootstock suited to your soil and space.
  2. Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
  3. Keep a 2–3 ft circle around the trunk free of grass and mulch against the bark.
  4. Water deeply, then let the top 2–3 in dry; never leave roots standing in water.
  5. Feed with citrus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks from late winter to late summer.
  6. Remove shoots that appear below the graft union.
  7. Let fruit fully ripen on the tree; color alone is not a reliable guide, so taste one first.

Common problems

Yellowing between leaf veinsNutrient shortage, often iron or magnesium; use citrus feed and check pH.
Leaf curl and sticky residueAphids or scale; rinse and wipe leaves, encourage natural predators.
Dry, pithy fruitWater stress or over-ripe fruit left too long; water evenly and pick on time.
Leaf drop after moving indoorsChange in light and humidity; give the brightest spot and avoid heaters.

Pets

Leaves, peel and essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

Lemon TreeMandarinOlive Tree

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.