Geographical origins: South East Asia.
Adult size: Height up to 10 m, spread up to 6 m.
Foliage: Evergreen.
Type of soil: free draining, neutral to acid.
Climate: Hardy to -4°C.
Site: Partial shade to full sun.
Characteristics and uses:
The Sweet Orange tree is a beautiful shrub with a fragrant, white blossom at the end of spring. It produces sweet oranges which have a juicy, sweet flesh and become ripe at the end of autumn and in winter. They only turn orange with the arrival of the cold.
The Sweet Orange tree has to be protected from cold in winter (pot and foliage), as it can start losing its leaves as soon as temperatures fall below -4°C. However, this protection is only necessary if the temperature does not go up during the day.
In the coldest areas, it is recommended to shelter your Sweet Orange tree in a conservatory, or a non-heated room during winter.
Plant them now: the shortest way to your plate is through your garden!
Looking after advice:
Watering: As Citruses do not like dryness it is important to water them regularly, but not abundantly. In summer, water every day if necessary, in winter water once or twice a week.
Fertilizer: From March to October, give it a suitable citrus fertilizer once a month.
Pruning: Prune regularly in the spring and in summer to encourage ramification and keep it in the wished-for shape.