Orange Tree
Citrus sinensis
The sweet orange is an evergreen citrus tree grown worldwide for its bright fruit and fragrant white blossoms. It is the most widely cultivated fruit tree on Earth.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Deep watering; let topsoil dry
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Citrus sinensis is a small to medium evergreen tree in the rue family (Rutaceae), grown for its bright fruit and intensely fragrant flowers. It is a hybrid of ancient origin (pomelo × mandarin) and the world's most-grown citrus.
Glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and bright orange fruit make it both productive and ornamental. Dwarf varieties grow well in containers and can be moved indoors in cold climates.
How to identify it
- Dense, rounded evergreen canopy with glossy, deep-green oval leaves that smell of citrus when crushed
- Fragrant, waxy white five-petaled flowers (orange blossom)
- Round orange fruit (a hesperidium) with a pebbly rind and segmented pulp
- Often slightly thorny young branches
- Small tree, typically 15-30 ft in the ground, much smaller when dwarfed
Care & growing
Light: Full sun—at least 8 hours for good fruiting.
Water: Water deeply, then let the top few inches dry; citrus dislike soggy roots.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic loam (pH 6.0-7.0).
Temperature: Frost-sensitive; thrives in USDA zones 9-11. Protect below ~30°F.
Feeding: Hungry for nitrogen and micronutrients—use a dedicated citrus fertilizer; watch for iron/zinc deficiency (yellowing leaves).
Propagation: Commercially grafted onto rootstock; seed-grown trees are slow and variable.
Habitat & origin
The sweet orange originated in southern China and Southeast Asia and spread along trade routes to the Mediterranean and the Americas. It does not occur truly wild, having long been cultivated.
Major commercial production today is in Brazil, the United States (Florida, California), Spain, and China. It grows in any frost-free subtropical to Mediterranean climate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow an orange tree indoors?
Yes—dwarf varieties do well in large pots near a sunny window or under grow lights, and can summer outdoors.
Why are my orange tree's leaves turning yellow?
Usually a nutrient deficiency (nitrogen, iron, or zinc) or overwatering. Feed with citrus fertilizer and check drainage.
How long until a new orange tree fruits?
Grafted nursery trees often fruit within 2-4 years; seed-grown trees can take 7-15 years and may not be true to type.
Do orange trees need another tree to pollinate?
No—sweet oranges are self-fertile and a single tree will set fruit on its own.
Orange Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Orange Tree.
