🍊 Bitter Orange Tree: Growing Guide
Bitter Orange Tree (Citrus aurantium) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −5 to 40 °C (23–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Citrus aurantium |
|---|---|
| Category | Citrus |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 40 °C (23–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 300–600 cm (118–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Oceanic | Harvest | |||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Harvest: Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering.
Growing tips
Bitter — used for marmalade, liqueurs and perfume (neroli). Cold hardy.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Bitter Orange Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Harvest: Jun. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Bitter Orange Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering.
Bitter Orange Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Bitter Orange Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Bitter Orange Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Lavender, Rose.
Bitter Orange Tree: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Scab, Whitefly.
Plan your garden
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