
blood orange
Citrus sinensis 'Moro'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
full sun
Fruits:
red,purple,orange Fruits Ready In Winter
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Tropical:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Blood oranges should be watered when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch and the plants should receive at least 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Check soil moisture about once a week and water when dry, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Be sure to really soak the soil to encourage deep roots. If rainfall is less than 1 inch during the week, supplement with irrigation. If rainfall is more than 1 inch during the week, reduce watering.
sunlight
Blood oranges require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day during the summer months and 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the winter months. Place the plants in a location that receives full sun, preferably a south- or east-facing window.
pruning
Blood orange (Citrus sinensis 'Moro') should be pruned in early winter to mid-winter, before the plant starts to actively grow and when it is dormant. Aim to take off only a quarter of the plant's growth in any 1 pruning session. Be sure to clean your tools between cuts to avoid spreading disease. Do not be afraid to be bold in pruning, as it promotes an open, airy canopy with good light penetration. Pay extra attention to weak, spindly, or crossing branches to keep the shape of the tree attractive. Also look out for dead or diseased branches that should be removed.