Leaves are oval in shape. Orange tree is a citrus evergreen tree with a productive lifespan of 50-60 years. Oranges are one of the world's most popular fruits whether eaten whole or squeezed for their juice. More than 80 percent of the orange juice produced in the United States is made from Florida oranges. Trees typically begin producing fruit after three years. Orange trees can produce more than 60,000 sweet-smelling blossoms, but only about 1 percent of a tree's blossoms go on to produce fruit, according to Paramount Citrus. Valued for their fragrant white flowers in … Young trees also need regular fertilizing. Oranges are the most widely grown citrus fruit in the world, according to Dole. Some well-cared orange trees can live up to 100 years or more. Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. Interesting Orange Facts: Orange tree is evergreen plant that can reach 30 to 33 feet in height, with a crown that can reach 20 feet in diameter. Christopher Columbus introduced orange trees to the New World. Generally, fertilizing monthly in the spring and summer with a tablespoon of ammonium sulfate and thoroughly watering it in is sufficient for a young tree. Newly planted orange trees require watering every three to seven days to keep the root ball moist, but not water-logged. Name – Citrus reticulata Family – Rutaceae (Rue family) Type – fruit tree. Brazil is the largest producer of oranges, followed by the United States, Mexico, and China. Orange trees originated in China and were found in Europe before eventually being grown in North America in the late 1400s. University of California Cooperative Extension - County of San Diego: Citrus for the Home Garden, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Citrus, Harvest to Table: Orange Types: Sweet, Bitter, Mandarin, University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Selecting Fruit, Nut and Berry Crops for Home Gardens in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. Mandarin Orange Tree Care. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. Source: Wikipedia, image: flickr. They are loaded with vitamin C and are high in fiber and folate, which makes then a healthful choice for snacking and meals. In the United States, the two most commonly grown oranges are the Navel and the Valencia. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Orange trees can produce more than 60,000 sweet-smelling blossoms, but only about 1 percent of a tree's blossoms go on to produce fruit, according to Paramount Citrus. Did you know that orange tree is an evergreen tree? In cooler, coastal areas, a sunny, south-facing wall provides a warmer microclimate for the orange tree, giving it the extra warmth necessary for the ripening fruit. The evergreen leaves and ripe fruits also attract deer, rabbits, rats and other vermin. 9. Although the fruit is a popular choice in the produce section, many people do not really know much about oranges. Given enough sun, the right soil, adequate water, frost protection and the right fertilizer, orange trees (Citrus sinensis, USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11) are reasonably disease resistant.Even so, they remain susceptible to several diseases. Facts About Growing Orange Trees. Trees typically begin producing fruit after three years. Mandarin oranges, which are sweeter and have less of a citrus taste than other varieties, are also popular. They prefer a sandy soil, and they are sensitive to cold weather, which can damage the fruit. Oranges are the most widely grown citrus fruit in the world, according to Dole. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9a to 11, oranges are grown across the West, Southwest and in Florida. Oranges are one of the world's most popular fruits whether eaten whole or squeezed for their juice. The sweet juice of a ripe orange brings the golden days of summer into a cool, late winter day. In the United States, most oranges are grown in Florida and California. Orange trees and other citrus fruits grow well in a subtropical climate. As the roots grow into the surrounding soil, watering may be reduced to every seven to 14 days during the dry season. Flower of the orange tree is white in color and it blossoms in spring. It takes between five and 18 months for an orange to ripen on the tree. All Rights Reserved. Exactly when varies from year to year, depending on the local weather conditions. Orange trees can grow to a height of 22 to 30 feet. A strong spray of water dislodges many pests, but in severe infestations, spraying with horticultural oils, insecticides or fungicides may be necessary. Foliage – evergreen Flowering – November-December Harvest – November to February. Orange trees thrive in Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical climates around the globe. The fruits turn orange several months before completely ripening, so taste test for sweetness before harvesting. Following a few basic steps when taking care of an orange tree will keep your tree healthy and possibly increase fruit production. When it comes to orange tree disease, prevention is always the best cure. Harvesting the ripe fruits begins as early as January, depending on the variety of orange. Oranges, along with other citrus fruits, have been produced commercially in Florida since the mid-1800s. While citrus prefer a loam or sandy loam soil, an orange tree will also grow in well-draining clay soils. Go Orange! Orange trees can produce more than 60,000 sweet-smelling blossoms, but only about 1 percent of a tree's blossoms go on to produce fruit, according to Paramount Citrus. Care & Maintenance of an Orange Tree. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant. Removing fallen fruit and leaves from under the tree reduces the incidence of fungi and other pests that overwinter in the debris. Orange trees generally only need pruning to shape the tree, remove dead or crowded branches and eliminate suckers and watersprouts. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Firmly established in Brazil and the United States, which provide two thirds of the world's production, the sweet orange is grown in backyards across the western and southern states as well as commercially in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Orange trees can be heavily affected by insects (mainly aphids) and also by fungal, bacterial and virus diseases. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. Old leaves are replaced by new leaves which keep the plant green for always. So it’s critical that they bloom when conditions favor favorable fruit and seed formation. Oranges are perfect antioxidants, which aid in decreasing burns due to oxidation. Native to China and India, the orange (Citrus sinensis), also known as sweet orange or navel orange, traveled with explorers from Asia to the Mediterranean and Europe, then across the ocean to the Americas. 10. Height – 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 m) Exposure – full sun Soil – rich enough. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. Early Spanish explorers planted the first orange trees in Florida the mid-1500s. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Florida Department of Citrus: Citrus Facts, Texas Cooperative Extension: Texas Citrus and Subtropical Fruits.