Citrus Sinensis (Orange tree)

Citrus Sinensis (Orange tree)

The tree has twisting branches with treacherous thorns. Orange trees are evergreen. Citrus Sinensis is self-pollinating. So you don’t need to purchase more than one tree as your tree will bear fruit anyway. It will certainly stimulate your sense of smell in a delightful way. That’s because the white blossom fragrance is wonderful. The blossom appears in spring from late May/early June. The oranges then appear after the blossom. The plant can stand outside in the summer months, but when it’s really cold you should move your Citrus Sinensis indoors. It cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

Growing Citrus Sinensis

Orange trees are grown in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.

Why choose the Citrus Sinensis?

• Orange trees are beautiful plants.
• With its exotic look, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in far off climes.
• The plant produces blossom that is both stunning and wonderfully fragrant.
• You can eat the oranges, which are extremely nutritious.

When should you plant your orange tree?

It’s best to plant your Citrus Sinensis in a pot, tub, or container. This means you can plant it at any time of year. However, please be aware that the plant cannot withstand freezing temperatures. If you buy an orange tree just before or during winter, you’ll need to place it indoors immediately or at least in a sheltered spot where temperatures don’t fall below zero.

What’s the best way to plant your Citrus Sinensis?

You can plant your orange tree in the ground but it’s easier to plant it in a pot, especially as the plant is unable to withstand freezing temperatures. Why? Well, if you need to place your Citrus Sinensis in a sheltered and sunny spot for the winter months, if it’s in a pot you can easily move it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After purchasing your Citrus sinensis it’s best to plant it in an attractive pot or container, perhaps made from terracotta. The pot should be around 20% larger than the plastic pot in which you purchased it. First place bubble wrap around the inside of the pot or container for insulation. Make some holes in the bottom of the pot, tub, or container so that excess water can drain away. This prevents rotting roots. Remove the root ball from the pot. Place a layer of hydrograins in the ornamental pot. Then fill up with special Mediterranean potting compost.

Tips

Your orange tree needs a lot of sunlight throughout the year.
When can your Citrus Sinensis stand outside? From mid to late April until October/November. You should move the plant to a sheltered and sunny spot from October/November to mid/late April.
It is very important to ensure that the temperature differences are not too great when you’re moving the plant from indoors to outdoors or vice versa. The plant needs to be able to get used to colder or warmer temperatures gradually.

Positioning
The ideal location for your Citrus Sinensis is outdoors, but you can also move it indoors. However, we do then recommend placing a tray beneath the pot, tub, or container. The excess water needs to be able to drain away.

Advice and Care

Water
Orange trees cannot cope with having wet feet. That’s why you should only water your Citrus Sinensis if the top of the potting compost feels dry. Give your tree plenty of water at least two or three times a week between April and October. And water it every now and then in the winter to prevent the potting compost from drying out.

Fertilizer
An orange tree needs a lot of energy to grow oranges. That’s why you should give extra feed in the growing season, from around March to September. You can purchase special citrus tree fertilizer for this.
Do not feed the plant in winter, as that is its rest period.

Pruning
Preferably prune Citrus Sinensis in spring, just before new shoots appear. Then the plant can then use all its energy for the remaining branches during the growing season.

Treating common problems
If the leaves are discoloured, the plant is very likely to be getting too much water. So water it less. And make sure that the plant can lose the excess water it doesn’t need through the base of the pot by making one or more holes in it.
Spider mite, brown scale, scale insects, mealybugs, or aphids are common in pot-grown plants, so these can also appear on your orange tree. Most problems are easy to treat.                                                         You could combat these pests with special products that are available from garden centres or DIY stores.

Advantages and disadvantages of orange trees

Advantages

• The tree has a stunning tropical and cheerful appearance.
• Citrus Sinensis produces nutritious fruits.
• In the spring the tree produces beautiful and wonderfully fragrant blossom.

Disadvantages

• The plant is unable to withstand freezing temperatures, so in the cold months you’ll need to move it to a frost-free spot with a lot of sunlight. It’s also important here that you take into account the various temperature differences when moving your tree from indoors to outdoors.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a colourful, distinctive tree for your garden, terrace, or balcony, a Citrus Sinensis is a fantastic option. A beautiful orange tree always gets approving looks.
So don’t hesitate; order your Citrus Sinensis today. If you have any questions or you would like more information about this plant, please contact our customer services.