How to Grow an Orange Tree in Los Angeles

Most varieties of orange trees thrive in USDA zones 9 through 11. The warm, sunny climate in Los Angeles, California, which is in zone 10, is well suited to growing these tropical fruit trees. Of course, oranges need more than just warm weather to survive and produce high yields of fruit. Orange trees require fairly specific soil conditions and lots of fertilizer throughout the year to stay healthy. With the right equipment and a little hard work, you'll be enjoying fresh oranges for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Soil pH testing kit
• Sulfur
• Lime
• Compost
• Manure
• Garden fork
• Young orange tree
• Spade
• Garden shears
• Citrus tree fertilizer

Instructions

1. Prepare the planting area. Choose a spot with well draining soil and faces south. The area should get at least 6 hours of full sunlight every day. Test the soil in the area with a soil pH testing kit. Orange trees typically prefer pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. Use sulfur to lower the pH level or lime to raise it. Follow the instructions on the packaging for specific amounts to use. Spread a 6-inch layer of compost or manure over the area, and blend it into the top 12 inches of soil with a garden fork.

2. Buy a young orange tree from your local nursery or garden center. Look for trees with healthy green foliage, smooth bark and fairly flexible limbs. Avoid trees with withering, discolored limbs and dry, scaly, brittle limbs.

3. Dig a hole that is as deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide. Tap the sides of the nursery container with your hands or a trowel to loosen the soil. Grasp the tree by the base of the trunk ,and lift it out of the container. Shake loose most of the soil. Unravel the roots and clip any broken or damaged ones. Untangle any roots that wrap around the root ball. If you can't untangle them, cut them with garden shears.

4. Place the tree in the hole and spread the roots out over the bottom. Fill the hole back in with soil. Work slowly and tamp the soil down over the roots as you go. Be careful not to compress the soil because this can prevent water from getting to the roots. Just tamp it down enough to get rid of air pockets.

5. Water the tree immediately after planting. Water the tree daily for the first two to three months after planting. Once the tree has established itself, water it once a week. Increase frequency to twice a week during particularly dry weather.

6. Feed your orange tree with a fertilizer formulated for citrus trees, 21-0-0 type, after you notice new growth and every three to four months thereafter. Follow the instructions on the packaging for specific amounts to use.

References

• University of California Davis: The California Backyard Orchard: Questions and Answers to Citrus Management
• Texas A&M University: Home Fruit Production - Oranges
• Sunkist: How Citrus Trees are Grown