Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange)


Botanical Information

FamilyRutaceae
GenusCitrus
Speciessinensis
SynonymsCitrus aurantium sinensis.
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginSouthern China.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Eaten fresh, used in juice and a variety of desserts.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10 - 10
Temperature (°F)14 - 50
Height7.5 - 15 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March, April, December

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMedium sized tree that grows the world’s most popular fruit.
PropagationBy seed.
CultivationGrows best in full sun with well-drained medium to soil. Let soil dry between waterings.
PestsMediterranean fruit flies, fungal leaf spots, blights, aphids, sooty mold, root rot, and viruses. Xylella a bacterial disease is a serious threat to many horticultures crops due to its virulence and wide range of species it can infect. It can infect more than 560 species with wide ranging symptoms including leaf scorch, yellowing and scorching, wilt, branch and twig dieback and plant death. These symptoms can be identical to other symptoms such as drought and weather stress. Infected plants show symptoms within a few years after planting.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf DescriptionShape ranges from oblong to oval. 6.5 - 15 cm long and 2.5 - 9.5 cm wide, often with narrow wings on the petioles.
Flower DescriptionFragrant, produced in clusters of up to 6, 5 cm wide, with 5 petals and 20 to 25 stamens.
Fruit DescriptionShape is globose to oval and is 6.5 - 9.5 cm wide. Skin contains numerous small oil glands. The flesh is typically juicy and sweet, divided into 10 - 14 segments.
Colour DescriptionFlowers are white with yellow stamens. Fruit skin ripens to orange or yellow. Fruit flesh can be yellow, orange, or red.
Texture DescriptionLeaves are leathery and glossy.

Photographs