Since orange trees originally hail from warm, tropical climates, they aren’t exactly fans of our chilly winters. If you want to keep your tree happy and ensure a big harvest next year, getting your winter care routine down is a must.
Orange Trees Aren’t Winter-Hardy
Because orange trees are native to the tropics, they just aren’t built for freezing temperatures. While you can definitely grow orange trees in cooler climates, they won’t survive outside on their own when the mercury drops. Proper overwintering is the secret to keeping them thriving year after year.
How to Grow Your Orange Tree
Technically, you can plant an orange tree directly in the ground, but it’s risky. These trees can suffer serious damage as soon as temperatures hit the low 40s (Fahrenheit). Digging them up every fall and replanting them in the spring is a huge chore, especially as the tree gets bigger. That’s why I always recommend growing them in containers instead.
The Perks of Container Gardening
The best way to grow an orange tree is in a large pot or planter. During the sunny summer months, it’ll look great on your patio or balcony. Then, once autumn rolls around, you can easily move the whole thing—pot and all—into a safe winter spot without disturbing the roots.
Finding the Perfect Winter Home
Your orange tree needs a spot that is cool but frost-free. Some great options include:
- Garages or basements (as long as they don’t freeze)
- Sunrooms or unheated greenhouses
- Chilly hallways or stairwells
One big “don’t”: Avoid keeping them in your heated living room! To go into its natural dormant state, an orange tree needs temperatures between 40°F and 50°F. Once it gets warmer than 55°F, the tree thinks it’s springtime and starts its growing season too early.
Keeping your tree too warm in the winter doesn’t just mess with its growth cycle—it also makes it a magnet for pests like spider mites and aphids.
Winter Care Tips
Even though it’s resting, don’t let your orange tree dry out completely. Give it a little water regularly, but be careful not to overdo it—you definitely want to avoid soggy roots (standing water is a no-go). You can skip the fertilizer during the winter months, but do keep an eye out for any hitchhiking pests.
Once the weather warms up in the spring, you can start acclimating your tree to the outdoors again. Just be sure to watch out for late frosts and keep an eye on those nighttime lows before leaving it outside for good!
