How To Grow Orange In Your Backyard

Before growing oranges in your backyard, selecting the correct variety is crucial. This decision will impact your harvest, maintenance routine, and overall experience with your orange tree.

Valencia Oranges

It is a large, elongated fruit with a sweet and juicy taste. Valencia oranges are ideal for juicing and are used in the production of orange juice. Warm climates with high temperatures are necessary for these oranges to ripen. They thrive in regions like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California.

Typically matures in January or February, but can be retained on the tree for several months after ripening.

Navel Oranges

These oranges are seedless, medium-sized fruit with a sweet taste. Navel oranges are consumed mainly as fresh fruit and are not suitable for juicing.

Navel oranges are versatile to various climates and can flourish in warm and temperate regions. The fruit ripens from fall into winter and remains on the tree for 3 to 4 months.

Blood Oranges 

Blood oranges have red-colored flesh and a unique flavor. They are often used in cooking and are prized for their distinctive color. They require a warm climate with plenty of sunlight and protection from frost.

Available from early spring to late spring.

Bitter Oranges

This is a fruit with a sour taste that is often used for making marmalade. Bitter oranges are less common for fresh consumption but are valuable for their unique flavor.

These oranges are adaptable to a wide range of climates and can thrive in warm and temperate regions. Fruit is available throughout the year, depending on the specific variety.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Orange Variety:

• Climate and Region:

You should ensure the chosen variety is appropriate for your local climate and region.

• Purpose:

Determine whether you want to grow oranges for juicing, fresh consumption, or both.

• Disease Resistance: 

Select a variety that is resistant to common diseases in your region.

• Harvest and Maintenance:

Consider the harvest season and maintenance requirements for the chosen variety.

To grow an orange tree from a seed, you will need to follow these steps:

• Collect seeds from a fresh orange. Make sure they are free from any pulp or juice.
• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to help them germinate.
• Fill a pot with potting soil and mix in some peat moss and sand to provide good drainage and a slightly acidic pH.
• Plant each seed about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Water the soil gently.
• Place the pot in a spot that gets bright, direct sunlight.
• Water the soil once a week and fertilize the seedlings with a mild fertilizer like compost tea every 2 weeks.
• Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, transplant them into larger pots with a mix of peat moss and sand.

Tips and Variations:

• Seed Coating: Remove any seed coating to help the seed germinate.

• Temperature: Keep the soil warm, around 75°F (24°C), to promote germination.

• Patience: Growing an orange tree from seed can take several years, so be patient and enjoy the process.

Therefore, you have the option to either buy an orange tree from a nursery or start growing oranges from seeds. Each method has its own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and gardening experience.

The following provides a more detailed look into how to plant orange seeds and what are the things to consider:

Preparing The Soil

After selecting the proper variety to plant and deciding whether to grow it from seeds or buy it from a nursery, it is vital to prepare the soil for optimal growth and fruit production.

Soil Preparation Techniques:

• Loosening the soil: Mix dehydrated cow manure, garden compost, or peat moss into your pile of topsoil to loosen the soil and improve its structure. This activity encourages roots to spread out and grow more efficiently.
• Adding organic materials: Incorporate organic materials like compost, garden mix, well-rotted manures, and topsoil into the soil to enrich it. This helps retain moisture and nutrients and improves drainage.
• Removing grass and weeds: Remove any grass or weeds from the area before planting to prevent competition for water and nutrients.

Soil Quality and pH Balance:

Oranges prefer soil rich in organic matter, which helps retain moisture and provides essential nutrients. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility.

The ideal pH for orange trees is between 6.0 and 8.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, adjust the pH with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH). It is a good idea to test your soil's pH before making any adjustments.

Drainage

Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root diseases. If your soil doesn't drain well, consider planting the tree on a slight mound to improve drainage. It ensures that the roots have access to oxygen and water without becoming waterlogged.

Common Soil Modifications

• Compost: Improves soil structure and fertility.
• Sand: Adds bulk and improves drainage.
• Manure: Provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure.
• Lime: Adjust pH to raise it.
• Sulfur: Adjusts pH to lower it.
• Peat Moss: Improves soil structure and drainage.

Soil Types and Adjustments:

• Clay soils: Add gypsum to improve drainage.
• Sandy soils: You can add organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients.
• Alkaline soils: Add sulfur to reduce pH and make iron more available.
• Low organic matter soils: Add mature compost to improve soil structure and fertility. 

Once you have the soil and seed ready for planting, the following guide will help you in your gardening journey:

Timing

Springtime, after the last frost, is ideal for planting orange trees. It allows the tree to establish itself before winter and gives it a full growing season to thrive.

Planting Depth and Width

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Planting too deep can cause stem rot. So, ensure the soil level in the pot is the same as the surrounding soil level to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.

Root Ball Care

Gently loosen the roots if they are bound. It encourages them to spread out into the surrounding soil by promoting healthy growth.

Watering After Planting

Once planted, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This initial watering is crucial for establishing a healthy root system.

Additional Tips:

• Positioning: Ensure the tree is planted in a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. Likewise, orange trees will not tolerate poor drainage.
• Mulching: You can add mulch to the base of the tree to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
• Fertilization: Use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure because it will nourish the soil and promote healthy growth. Similarly, it is necessary to avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for natural alternatives.

After successfully planting your orange tree in your backyard, pruning and training is also very important because it ensures long-term health and productivity.

Pruning Young Orange Trees

When your orange tree is young, the goal of pruning is to establish a strong, well-shaped structure. Follow these steps:

• Retain 3-4 main branches:

First, identify the 3-4 strongest, well-spaced branches and remove any competing leaders to establish a central leader.

• Tip prune young shoots:

Regularly tip prune the young shoots to keep the tree compact and encourage sideways branching.

• Maintain the desired shape:

Prune to maintain an upright, tapering cone shape. It maximizes light penetration and fruit production.

Pruning Mature Orange Trees

As your orange tree matures, the pruning focus shifts to maintaining its shape and productivity:

• Removed dead, damaged, or diseased woos:

For this, it is necessary to identify and remove branches that are dead, damaged, or diseased to prevent the spread of problems.

• Thin the canopy:

Thin out the inside of the tree by removing branches that are crossing, crowded, or growing inward. It improves air circulation and light penetration.

• Regulate the shoot terminals:

Prune back the tips of branches to control the number of shoot terminals, which directly impacts fruit production.

• Maintain compact size:

Regularly prune the tree to keep its height and width manageable, typically no more than 2-3 meters.

Training Techniques

Orange trees can be trained into various shapes, such as espaliers or hedges, through careful pruning:

• Espalier training: Prune the tree into a flat, two-dimensional shape along a trellis or wire system. This maximizes fruit production in limited spaces.

• Hedge training: Cut back the tree into a dense, hedge-like shape using hedge clippers. This creates a compact, productive plant.

Timing and Techniques

• Prune in late winter or early spring, just before or after fruit set.
• Use sharp, fixed pruning tools to make clean cuts and prevent disease spread.
• Avoid heavy pruning during the summer, as it can stimulate excessive growth and leave the tree vulnerable to pests and diseases.

If you're planting your orange tree from seed, the young plants are often prone to certain pests and diseases. So, it's important to understand the common issues associated with this plant and the management strategies.

Common Pests

Red Spider Mites

These tiny, red mites feed on liquid, causing bronzing of leaves. You can control them with Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap, Monterey Horticultural Oil, or a strong stream of water.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on sap, which causes curled or shriveled leaves. So, control them with Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap, Monterey Horticultural Oil, or traps.

Scale

These small, armored insects feed on sap, causing weak trees. Handle them with Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Monterey Horticultural Oil, or Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap.

Mealybug

These small, white insects feed on sap, causing contamination of the fruit. Manage them with Monterey Horticultural Oil, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, or Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap.

Whitefly

Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on fluid, which causes sooty mold growth. You can control them with safer brand insect-killing soap, Monterey horticultural oil, or traps. 

Common Diseases

Citrus Scab

This fungal disease causes raised, pink, or brown scabs on fruit and leaves. Control it with Copper.

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC)

This bacterial disease causes yellowing of leaves and lesions on the underside. You can manage it by pruning infected areas and using fungicides.

Citrus Rust Mite

This mite damages twigs, leaves, and fruit. You can control it with 435 oil or insecticides like Vendex or Nexter. 

Citrus Red Mite

This mite punctures leaf cells, reducing photosynthesis. Handle it with 435 oil or insecticides like Portal or Envidor.

Citrus Leafminer

This moth lays eggs or leaves, which causes tunnels. You can control it with insecticides like Provado and Agri-Mek. 

Management Strategies

In order to protect your plant from these pests, you can implement the following strategies:

• Regularly inspect your tree for signs of pests and diseases to catch infestations early.
• Prune your tree regularly to remove infected areas and promote healthy growth.
• Maintain good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and sunlight exposure to promote tree health.
• Quarantine your tree to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases from other areas.

After all the hard work and dedication, it's time to reap the rewards and enjoy the fruits of your orange tree.

Harvesting

Oranges are typically ready to harvest between 9-12 months after flowering, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Check for the distinct orange color and sweet, citrusy scent to determine if the oranges are ripe.

Gently twist or cut the oranges from the tree to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree.

Tips and Variations of Harvesting

• Variety-Specific Harvesting - Different orange varieties may have different harvesting times and methods. It is necessary to do proper research for specific varieties for specific instructions.

• Hand-Picking - This can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have a small tree.

• Mechanical Harvesting - For larger trees or commercial operations, mechanical harvesting can be more efficient and cost-effective.

Storing

Store oranges in a cool, dry place to prolong their shelf life. Direct sunlight can cause oranges to spoil quickly so keep them away from the sun once harvested.

To monitor spoilage, you have to check regularly for signs of mold or soft spots.

Enjoying your Oranges

1. As we know, fresh fruits taste differently tasty. So, you can enjoy your oranges fresh, either own or as part of a fruit salad.
2. Use your oranges to make fresh juice.
3. Surprisingly, you can utilize oranges in several recipes, for instance, marmalades, sauces, and baked goods.
4. Preserve your oranges by freezing, canning, or dehydrating them for later use. 

Oranges are a nutrient-rich fruit that offers numerous health benefits due to their high content of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of the key benefits and nutritious facts of oranges:

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C in oranges helps to boost the immune system, which protects against infections and diseases. It also acts as an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that can cause cell damage and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, which helps to maintain healthy skin, bones, and connective tissue.

Fiber

The fiber in oranges helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body.

It can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in blood sugar, which can be helpful for people with diabetes.

Calcium

Calcium in oranges is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It helps to regulate muscle contractions and relaxations, ensuring proper muscle function.

Potassium

Potassium in oranges helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium and reducing the risk of hypertension.

It also helps to maintain healthy heart function by regulating heart rhythm and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants in oranges, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases. These antioxidants have also been shown to have anti-cancer properties, which help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Other Nutrients

• Folate

Oranges are a rich source of folate, an essential B vitamin that helps to prevent birth defects and support overall health.

• Natural Sugar

This fruit contains natural sugars that are lower in calories and higher in nutritional value compared to processed sugars.