Sweet Orange

Sweet Orange, Citrus sinensis, is a rounded evergreen tree with glossy, aromatic leaves and clusters of sweetly fragrant white spring flowers, followed by round orange fruit 2.5 to 3.75 inches across. An ancient hybrid of mandarin and pomelo from southern China, it is the classic backyard citrus, grown for fresh fruit and juice. Grow in full sun in deep, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, in USDA zones 9 to 11; heavy, waterlogged ground is a common cause of failure. Established trees tolerate moderate drought, but fruit quality is best with steady moisture. Trees reach 8 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide. Fruit is damaged between 30 and 26 degrees F, so north Florida trees need cold protection. 'Hamlin' and navel oranges ripen October into January and 'Valencia' March into June, so pairing early, midseason, and late cultivars spreads harvest from November to July.