Position – Plant your orange tree in a spot that enjoys full sun and adequate protection from the wind. In order to allow the tree to grow unhindered, plant it 4.5 to 6.5 metres apart from another tree.
Size – An average, healthy orange tree will reach a height and canopy spread of about 9 metres. However, these oranges can also be grown in a pot (55 litres at least). Orange trees do not like their roots to be disturbed. So, don’t plant other trees, bushes, or flowers too close to them.
Soil Type – Orange trees need healthy well-drained soil. Add compost to the hole that you dig for your tree so that it is in prime condition to nourish the roots. If you opt for a pot, use quality potting soil and a pot with drainage.
Mulch – These trees thrive with mulch, which protects the roots and retains moisture. Leave a space of 50cm around the tree trunk, and add mulch to the roots. Mulch on the bark will rot the tree.
Watering – Orange trees need to be well-watered regularly; those in pots even more so. Generally, your orange tree should get 2.5 to 4 litres of water weekly.
Fertilising – Give your orange trees the best chance by fertilising them well. Give each tree about 500 grams to 1 kilogram of fertiliser per year. The product you use should contain potassium and phosphorous, as well as other micro-nutrients. Nitrogen increases the oil content of the skin. You could also spray the leaves with a fertiliser once a year.
Pruning – Your orange tree will only need pruning to remove dead or diseased limbs or those too close to the ground (around 30 centimetres or less).
Harvesting – These fruits will ripen from spring to summer and usually continue to bear fruit for decades. The orange should be reasonably easy to pluck from the tree if you gently twist it from the branch.
Pests & Disease – Citrus trees are suseptible to aphids, red spider, and milldew. We recommend Effective Microorganisms to prevent the spread of these pests and diseases. This product is available from Just Berry Plants. It is organic and more affordable than most other products.
