Orange tree
Citrus sinensis
Botanical family: Rutaceae
Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus aurantium (bigaradier, bitter orange), subtropical Rutaceae born of ancient crosses in Asia between pomelo and mandarin, brought around the Mediterranean from the Middle Ages onwards. Grown outdoors on the Mediterranean coast, in a pot elsewhere. Sources: Curk F., Luro F., Minuto G., Nieddu G. (2022), “Les agrumes du Nord de la Méditerranée”, Alain Piazzola and INRAE; Plants For A Future, “Citrus sinensis” and “Citrus aurantium”.
Full sun, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, light, rather acid to neutral; dreads chalk
Regular in season, reduced in winter; drainage essential
Frost-tender (~-3 to -5 °C), open ground in the South of France, otherwise in a tub overwintered away from frost (orangery, veranda)
Frost-tender in your zone
Self-fertile: one tree is enough; navel oranges even set fruit without pollination
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
The emblematic tree of orangeries, with evergreen foliage and intensely fragrant, nectar-bearing flowering (orange blossom); it fruits in winter. In a cold climate, grown in a frost-free overwintered pot.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Suppress some soil nematodes (dense planting, before the crop)
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Aromatic: scent said to confuse pests
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Oranges: a winter harvest, from December to March. A citrus of mild climates, grown in a tub and brought in for winter elsewhere.
Available: January, February, March, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Curk, F., Luro, F., Minuto, G., Nieddu, G. (2022), « Les agrumes du Nord de la Méditerranée », Alain Piazzola et INRAE (inrae.fr/sites/default/files/agrumesnordmediterranee.pdf)
- University of California, Riverside, « Parent Washington navel orange (CRC 1241A) » (citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/washington.html)
- RHS, « How to Grow Citrus fruit » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/citrus/grow-your-own)
- Plants For A Future, « Citrus sinensis » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+sinensis)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
No notable particularity; the juice remains acid and sweet.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, light, rather acid to neutral; dreads chalk.
- • Classic companion: Basil.