How Oranges Are Grown

Trees

Oranges grow on trees, and orange trees are the most popular fruit tree in the world. Although grown in many countries with subtropical climates throughout the world, the United States has the most orange tree orchards. Florida alone produces 200 million boxes of oranges per year. Oranges come in many varieties, including seedless varieties, but all orange trees require the same care, although some are hardier than others.

Orange trees can only be grown in subtropical areas. They can be planted by seed but are usually grafted to save time. This means that most people purchase young orange trees that are already established. Those who wish to grow an orange tree from a seed must be prepared to wait a few years before the tree starts producing fruit. Depending on the variety, it can take an orange tree 2 to 15 years to begin bearing fruit.

Each young orange tree is planted in a large hole as deep as the root container and about 3 feet wide. The soil must be well draining. The tree is then is planted with the root crown above the surface of the soil.

Young orange trees must be weeded frequently for the first 3 years of life, as weeds can quickly kill a young citrus tree. Also, the soil should be tested and monitored to make sure it has the correct balance of nutrients. In general, 1 lb. of nitrogen per tree per year is sufficient to stimulate fruit production. The fertilizer is applied three times per year: as the tree begins to bloom, as it begins to fruit and after harvest.

Orange trees, especially the seedless varieties, are susceptible to cold weather. One hard frost can kill an orange tree or prevent it from bearing fruit for that season. Rot and fungi are also common problems in orange trees. In the fall, the bottoms of the trees are covered with mulch to protect from cold weather, and sometimes heaters are used in orchards if there is a danger of frost. Trees are also occasionally chemically treated for fungi or for pests if the problem is severe.

Oranges are left on the tree until they are ripe, as they do not ripen off the tree. The time of harvest varies depending on the variety. In fact, there is such a wide range of varieties that oranges are being harvested during every month of the year, including December.

The large majority of oranges are picked by hand. They used to be placed in bags and carried down ladders, but now in Florida the oranges can be thrown onto the ground, which speeds harvesting. Some orchards use tree shakers to shake the oranges out of the tree and onto the ground.