Orange trees originally hail from China, but they’ve been making themselves at home in cooler climates for decades now. Believe it or not, with the right spot and a little TLC, you can actually grow your own orange trees and harvest homegrown fruit right in your own backyard!
The Roots of the Orange Tree
History shows us that orange trees were first bred and cultivated in China. Most experts believe the orange is actually a natural hybrid between a mandarin and a pomelo. As global trade picked up over the centuries, these vibrant trees eventually made their way across the sea to Europe.
A History of Orangeries
Back in the 15th and 16th centuries, European royalty and gardeners used special “orangeries” (basically fancy early greenhouses) to grow citrus. However, the sweet orange varieties we know and love today didn’t really become popular in more northern regions until around the 18th century.
Growing Oranges in Your Garden
Technically, you can plant orange trees in the ground in many regions. Our summer temperatures and sunlight levels are often just right for a healthy growing season.
However, there’s a big catch: orange trees are not cold-hardy. If you plant them directly in the garden soil, you’ll have to dig them up every single winter to overwinter them properly indoors. While it’s possible, it’s definitely the “hard mode” of citrus gardening!
The Way to Go: Container Gardening
If you want to keep things simple, I highly recommend growing your orange trees in pots or large planters. This makes them much more manageable as houseplants, or you can keep them in a sunroom or greenhouse.
Because they stay a bit more compact, certain dwarf varieties are perfect for life in a pot. Look for:
- Chinotto
- Bouquet de Fleurs
Giving Your Trees a Summer Vacation
Most orange varieties love spending their summer outdoors once the weather warms up. The best spot? Somewhere near a south- or west-facing wall where they can soak up the reflected heat. Just keep a close eye on those nighttime lows. If the thermometer starts dipping toward 50°F (10°C), it’s time to bring your tree back inside to a protected spot.
Greenhouse and Sunroom Growing
If you have a greenhouse or a glass-enclosed sunroom, your orange trees will likely thrive and put out even more new growth thanks to the consistent warmth. And here’s the best part: since orange trees are self-pollinating, you don’t need bees to get a harvest. You can successfully grow delicious fruit even in a fully enclosed indoor space!
