Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Citrus x sinensis or Sweet Orange

The genus Citrus, family Rutaceae, includes shrubs and trees native to Asia, Melanesia and Australia. Some species and hybrids are: Citrus x sinensis, Citrus x paradisi, Citrus x limon, Citrus x aurantium, Citrus maxima, Citrus reticulata, Citrus medica, Citrus micrantha, Citrus glauca.

Common name: Sweet Orange. It's a hybridization between Citrus maxima and Citrus reticulata species.

They are perennial fruit trees with a compact crown that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. The leaves are glossy dark green, alternately arranged and oval in shape. The scented white flowers appear in axillary racemes; they can bloom from late fall to mid spring. The fruits are the well-known oranges.

Sweet Orange is used as isolated specimens or in small groups and also in pots for patios (they can be kept if the winter is very cold).

Citrus x sinensis prefers full sun exposure and warm climates with mild winters. It does not resist frost. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

The soil should have a medium consistency with a certain ability to retain moisture.

Citrus x sinensis needs medium watering in summer, waiting for the surface part of the substrate to have dried. The rest of the year the soil must have a certain degree of humidity.

Fertilize in fall with compost or manure and in winter with slow-release mineral fertilizer.

Prune lightly in late winter to keep a more compact crown and remove dry branches.

In summer Sweet Orange can be attacked by mites, mealybugs and whiteflies.

Citrus x sinensis propagates by seeds or by grafting but they are not simple or fast processes; it's recommended to acquire new specimens in garden centers, nurseries or plant stores.

Images of the tree Citrus x sinensis or Sweet Orange