Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

Fruit Tree

About Sweet Orange

Sweet Orange is the most commercially important citrus tree worldwide, cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions. It produces the familiar, sweet, juicy fruit used for eating fresh, juicing, and flavoring. Florida and California are major production regions in the United States.

Quick Facts

Native Range

Southern China and Southeast Asia

Hardiness Zones

9-11

Mature Height

15-25 feet

Growth Rate

Moderate

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Soil Preference

Well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam

How to Identify Sweet Orange

Glossy, dark green, oval evergreen leaves with winged petioles
Fragrant, white, waxy flowers
Round, orange fruit with a pebbled rind
Dense, rounded canopy
Smooth gray bark on mature trunks; thorns may be present on branches

Care Guide

Water deeply and regularly; citrus is sensitive to both drought and waterlogging
Fertilize 3-4 times per year with citrus-specific fertilizer high in nitrogen
Protect from frost; even brief freezes can damage fruit and foliage
Prune minimally; remove water sprouts, dead wood, and low-hanging branches
Monitor for citrus greening (HLB), which is currently devastating citrus groves

Known Issues (1)

Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing / HLB)

CRITICAL

Disease

The most devastating disease of citrus worldwide, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. There is no cure. It has caused billions of dollars in losses to the Florida citrus industry and threatens production in Texas, California, and other citrus-growing states.

Affecting 9 regions

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Related Ailments

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