Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh or processed for its juice or fragrant peel.
Orange trees originate in India, with some varieties being found in the southeast of the country and possibly the island of Ceylon, whilst other smaller varieties may have originated in forests of the northeast of Bangladesh. The varieties of the northeast were used as long ago as 7,000 years ago in traditional dishes and were known to the Aryan people who were responsible for the Vedic scripts of ancient India. Apart from desserts, orange peel and juice has also been used in Indian savory dishes for thousands of years, sometimes to flavor rice, or add an orange tang to certain vegetable dishes.
One orange provides a range of vitamins and minerals; a staggering 130 percent of your vitamin C needs for the day. According to the American Heart Association, eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women.
Citrus trees grown as ornamental container plants may take up to 2 to 3 years to produce fruit. Container-grown ornamental orange trees are usually the dwarf varieties that grow to a height of 4 to 10 feet. Limited root space has the effect of stunting tree growth even if it is a standard variety.
Citrus trees are damaged at frost temperature but can be grown in wintertime indoors.
Planting And Care
Care and maintenance of the tree to keep it pest-free will bring the rewards of fruit which ripens in the winter. They need pruning each year to maintain an attractive shape. Cut all deadwood and crossing branches. Prune ornamental citrus to open the crown foliage to let in light and air.
Orange Fruit Care
Sunlight | Provide direct sunlight for at least several hours daily. Move the plants outdoors for a few hours daily in the spring, increasing the time outdoors until the tree can stay outdoors for the summer. Bring the tree indoors in the fall. |
Watering | Water the tree as needed to keep the soil moist but not wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. |
Soil | A mixture of 1 part each potting soil, organic compost, and perlite or vermiculite. |
Temperature | Capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prefers warmer temperatures of at least 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Fertilizer | Fertilize your calamondin orange with a citrus formula or a slow-release formula specifically for acid-loving plants during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength during the winter months. |
Anil (verified owner) –
Purchased two Israel sweet orange plants, packaging was very well done and plants are big and healthy, showed great patience while answering questions, overall it was great experience.