How to Grow a Blood Orange Tree

The Blood Orange Tree is considered a unique variety of citrus tree that bears fruits with crimson red pulp and juice on the inside that is somewhat similar to the color of blood. This variety of tree can flourish anywhere in tropical or subtropical areas where there is little risk of freezing temperatures, particularly in hardiness zones 9, 10, and 11. This tree is sensitive to harsh conditions of summer and winter, so if your location is having mild winters or cooler summers then it is best suited for this tree. Before you start growing, it is important to know that the blood orange tree requires frequently fertilized soil as this is one of the heaviest feeders. Besides for these requirements, however, it is a fairly low maintenance crop.

To get started you need to prepare the right place where you want to plant the tree. Even though it is possible to grow blood oranges from seeds, the best option is to get your hands on the seedlings from any online store or nursery, as they are easily available. So, if you have about 3 foot of square plot then you need to mix around five cups of loam along with five cups of sand into it. Always ensure that this place receives full sunlight and is at least 12 feet away from any building structures. When planting this tree you should also be careful to place it away from electrical power lines.

In case you stay in a place with frequent freezes, then it is advisable to grow your blood orange trees in pots so you can move them indoors when it is too cold. You can mix sand and loam in a large pot to plant the tree. Once you have prepared the pot or the ground you can place the tree or seedling in it. When planting blood orange tree, always ensure that the roots are covered with soil completely. After watering, pack the soil around the tree base. The tree might require watering at least two times every week. You can also make use of nitrogen fruit fertilizers at least four times per year for best results.

It is generally considered better to use liquid fertilizers for growing blood orange trees, as these are believed to penetrate the soil much better as compared to powered fertilizers. You can also make the soil more acidic by trying to place a few pine spikes around the tree base. You have to ensure that you prune during the spring by cutting away any decay and dead leaves and branches. Ideally, most people try to prune the tree into an oval shape.

While the tree is growing always take care that a single vertical branch should grow from the base of the tree and other branches are expected to grow out from this central branch extending to the sides. In case you find any branch that is competing then you can simply cut this branch in half. Avoid disturbing the tree when it is bearing fruit or blooms. In case you are thinking of planting the seeds instead of seedlings then always try to plant them during the fall season so the tree can sprout by spring. Blood orange trees are known to survive in most soil conditions but it is important that the soil must be well drained.

How to Grow a Blood Orange Tree

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