How to Care for a Blood Orange Tree
Blood orange trees grow best in warm climates but can be grown in containers in cooler regions so that they can be moved indoors. The fruit produced by a blood orange tree ranges from orange to red in color and has a sweeter flavor than traditional oranges. Most varieties of blood orange are easy to peel and have few seeds, making them easier to eat. The trees grow best in USDA zones 9 and 10. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant a blood orange tree in late March when there is no longer any danger of frost. Choose a location that receives full sun for most, if not all, of the day. Bury only the roots of the tree, being careful to leave all of the trunk above the soil line.
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Water the tree well right after planting and continue to add enough water to keep the soil moist every two to three days until it is well established and is producing new growth. Water once a week after the tree is established. Skip watering during rainy periods.
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Feed an established tree three to four times a year with an organic fertilizer. Sprinkle the fertilizer onto the soil around the tree and water well to help it absorb and prevent it burning the tree.
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Check the area around the tree for weed growth weekly. Pull weeds right away to prevent them from robbing the soil of nutrients the tree needs.
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Move the tree indoors if possible during cold temperatures. Wrapping the trunk with blankets or plastic, as well as placing a thick layer of mulch around the tree, will help protect it from low temperatures.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the soil you plant the tree in drains easily so that the roots are not left sitting in water. Add equal amounts of peat moss or other organic compost to the soil to aid in draining.
Some varieties of blood orange have sharp spines on the branches. Use caution when handling.
References
- Photo Credit half of a blood orange on a red background image by David Smith from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I have a blood orange tree that bear fruit last year I notice the tree leaves is much smaller and looking kind of yellow. please tell me what to do I afraid I wll lose it, if nothing is done soon.
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Reading about how to care for our new blood orange tree. Can't wait to have blood orange mimosas from my own backyard.
