Sweet Orange

What you'll need:

Sweet orange seeds or a young sweet orange tree (available at nurseries)

A large pot (at least 20 inches wide and deep) or a sunny spot in your garden

Well-draining soil (you can mix regular soil with some sand or perlite to help it drain better)

Citrus-specific fertilizer (this will give the orange tree what it needs to grow strong)

When to start:

Sweet oranges love warm weather, so if you're planting outdoors, make sure there's no danger of frost. If you live in a colder climate, you can start indoors and move the plant outside once it warms up. Spring is usually the best time to plant.

Finding a good spot:

Sweet orange trees absolutely adore sunlight—aim for a place where they'll get at least 6–8 hours of direct sun every day. If you’re growing in a pot, choose a sunny balcony, patio, or even a bright windowsill.

Tip: If you’re using seeds, keep in mind that growing from seed can take longer to produce fruit, so starting with a young tree might be easier for beginners.

If using seeds:

1. Take a fresh seed from an orange (wash it thoroughly to remove any pulp).
2. Fill a small pot with moist potting soil and push the seed about 1/2 inch deep into the soil.
3. Cover lightly with soil and water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot (a sunny windowsill works well).
5. In about 2–3 weeks, you should see sprouts coming up. Once they're a few inches tall, you can transplant them into a larger pot.

If using a young tree:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the tree.
2. Gently place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
3. Backfill the hole with soil and press down lightly to remove air pockets.
4. Water the tree immediately after planting to help it settle in.

Spacing tip: If you're planting more than one tree, space them about 8–10 feet apart to give their roots plenty of room to grow.

Pro Tip: Whether you're planting a seedling or tree, make sure the soil drains well. Orange trees don’t like sitting in soggy soil!

Watering:

• Water regularly, especially when the tree is young. You want the soil to be moist but never waterlogged.
• Check the soil by sticking your finger about 1–2 inches deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• During hot summer months, water every 2–3 days. In cooler months, reduce watering to once a week or whenever the soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

• Feed your sweet orange tree with citrus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, but remember: less is more. Over-fertilizing can harm your tree.

Sunlight:

• Your sweet orange tree loves sunshine! It needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re growing indoors, a south-facing window is ideal.
• If the tree isn't getting enough light, consider using a grow light to supplement.

Pruning:

• Prune your tree lightly in early spring to remove dead or overcrowded branches. This helps the tree focus its energy on producing healthy leaves and fruit.
• Be careful not to over-prune; just trim what’s necessary.

Pest Control:

• Watch out for pests like aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. If you notice any, spray the tree with a mix of water and mild soap or use an organic insecticide.
• Healthy trees are less likely to attract pests, so proper watering and feeding go a long way!

Winter Care:

• If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring potted trees indoors or cover outdoor trees with a frost cloth to protect them from the cold.

When to harvest:

• Sweet oranges typically take 7–12 months to mature after flowering. You’ll know they’re ready to pick when:
  • The fruit has turned a deep orange color.
  • The skin is smooth and shiny.
  • The fruit feels firm but gives slightly when squeezed.

How to harvest:

• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the tree, leaving a small piece of the stem attached. Avoid pulling the fruit off as this can damage the tree.
• Taste-test the first few oranges to ensure they’re sweet enough before harvesting the rest.

Storage tips:

• Freshly picked oranges can last for 1–2 weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the fridge.
• If you have too many oranges, consider juicing them and freezing the juice for later use.

Fun fact: Even after being picked, sweet oranges won’t continue to ripen, so make sure they’re fully ripe before harvesting!

Q: Why are my orange tree's leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure the soil isn’t too wet and feed the tree with citrus fertilizer if it’s been a while since its last feeding.

Q: My tree has flowers but no fruit. What's wrong?

A: This could be due to insufficient pollination. You can gently shake the tree or use a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Also, make sure your tree is getting enough sunlight and warmth.

Q: How do I prevent fruit from dropping before it's ripe?

A: Premature fruit drop can happen due to inconsistent watering, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Keep a regular watering schedule, fertilize appropriately, and check for pests.

Q: Can I grow a sweet orange tree indoors?

A: Yes! Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight (a south-facing window is ideal) and use a large pot with good drainage. You may also need to hand-pollinate the flowers indoors.

Q: Should I repot my orange tree?

A: Yes, every 2–3 years, repot your tree into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil to give the roots more room to grow and to refresh the nutrients in the soil.