The covers should be peeled back or removed immediately once the weather warms. After the tree has been in the ground a month, apply slow-release citrus fertilizer (4-0-8). This is a type of bitter orange tree, grown for its fruit, which is widely used to produce marmalade. View our Privacy Policy here. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. How to Care for an Orange Tree. Pruning branches as you harvest fruit keeps the tree shaped and gives it enough time to regenerate for the following fruiting season.Keeping a tree smaller and more compact not only reduces the amount of fertilizer and pesticide you'll need to use, but branches will also be stronger to hold more fruit. Oranges and other citrus generally have a "season" for producing fruit. Young trees are susceptible to sun damage until the foliage grows in enough to protect the trunk. Do not mulch. See the picture below for the ideal bare space. Native to China and India, oranges (Citrus sinensis) have been cultivated in the United States since the early 1700s. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. interfere with pollination necessary for fruit production. Young orange trees will need to be watered more regularly to sustain their developing roots. Orange trees grow best in California, Arizona and Florida. Spring and fall use a mixture of Liquid Copper (2 tsp. per gallon of water) and Avoid soil that has a lot of clay in it or is too heavy. This is the part of caring for citrus that most people fail to do - but it helps the tree produce more and better fruit and fights off pests. per gallon of water) in summer. per foot of branch spread (the overall diameter of the tree). As long as the basic factors are met, caring for a … There are many things that can be done with fresh oranges, from juice to extravagant recipes. Always water well before and after fertilizing. Dig a hole 1-1/2 times the size of the container. surface, fill in around the root ball and pack the dirt firmly. To care for a navel orange tree, plant the tree in a location that receives a lot of direct sunlight daily, and protect it from temperature fluctuations. the initial three to five days, water the tree once or twice a week Well-draining soil is essential whether you grow your orange tree in a pot or directly in the ground. Once the tree is mature, you can expect to water it once a twice a week throughout summer and less so in cooler months. Learn how to get instant curb appeal with fast growing plants and landscaping techniques! Chelated zinc or iron sprays applied directly to the foliage provide the missing minerals. Growing Dwarf Citrus Trees Indoors, Part 2. Valued for their fragrant white flowers in … Height – 16 to 32 feet (5 to 10 meters) Soil – well drained, sandy and rich Exposure – full sun. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Use 1/4 lb. Native to China and India, oranges have been cultivated in the United States since the early 1700s. Some gardeners prefer to cover their orange navel trees with blankets. Once the tree is established, fertilize three times a year - in spring, summer, and autumn. Does a Dwarf Nagami Kumquat Tree Have Thorns? Orange trees need light fertilizing with a high nitrogen fertilizer during the first year. Sweet orange trees are commonly grown for the sweet fruit they produce and are an important commercial fruit. manure to the hole. They bring brilliant colour and scent to your home, with the … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. It is easy to grow indoors and is a popular choice for a houseplant due to its maximum height of 4 feet and its thornless branches (University of Illinois Extension). Share this. If a tree is damaged by cold, don't trim the dead branches until spring. home improvement and repair website. My aunt lives in Florida and has three navel orange trees in her yard. suggestions. Before you buy your plant, make sure it's compatible with your growing area. Once mature, orange trees can tolerate temperatures up to 25° F, but temperatures in this range can harm or kill young orange trees. 23rd March 2018. Indoor orange trees need plenty of light, around six to eight hours each day, to be able to produce the energy to bear fruit. Share this. With proper orange tree care you'll have fruit year after year. Stems should start to root in 8 to 12 weeks. I have a friend in Florida who sends me navel oranges that he grows in his orange grove. Orange trees grown outdoors can be quite picky, and though they may grow well outside, they often fail to produce fruit in home gardens. Planting citrus 12 to 15 feet from the house and other trees is ideal. Orange trees need the following to thrive: 8-12 hours of bright sunlight per day, but should be shaded from excessive hot sun during the summer.