Blood Orange (Citrus × sinensis)
⚠ Citrus ships to Florida only ⚠
Blood Oranges are as intimidating as your elderly neighbor’s tea cup poodle. This citrus is named for its fruit with crimson-colored flesh, which is delicious, not malicious. For what it’s worth, people who do not typically like the acidity of citrus fruit might actually enjoy eating blood oranges, which have 10 percent less acid content than other citrus fruits. For gardeners who would rather not explain this phenomenon to non-gardeners, we welcome you to the dark side with open arms. Blood Orange trees will bloom in the early spring, and like most citrus, depend on excellent establishment and care within the first year to produce fruit. The most ideal spot to plant a Blood Orange tree is in a sunny, dry spot reminiscent of its Southern Mediterranean origin.Planting, cultural care, pruning, and harvesting are similar for all citrus plants, with a few slight variations. Generally, they are best planted in filtered sun with well-drained soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. Citrus trees a particularly high demand for nitrogen. If you’re fantasizing about long afternoons of picking fresh fruit from your personal citrus grove, keep this in mind: The key to growing citrus is setting it up for success from the start.
Plant Type:
Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Main citrus fruit production will take place in late winter through spring, but may produce throughout the year
Mature Size:
7-30 ft
Mature size varies by citrus tree type. Overall, citrus varieties can be grown in containers and maintained at smaller sizes.
Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, high fertility and good moisture-holding capacity; High nitrogen demands. Regular watering throughout the first year and throughout flowering and fruiting season.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Overall, citrus prefers slightly shady areas and has better fruit production in part shade lighting conditions.
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Although their fruit provides a distinctly tropical twist to any drink or dish, Citrus trees trees are actually very cold hardy fruit trees, taking temperatures down to the low 20's!
Propagation:
Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1 year.
See More:
Sow Exotic offers many different unique varieties of Citrus trees. Shop the Citrus Collection!
