Ever wonder how much water to give your orange tree, or citrus tree,? This is a great question, especially for someone new to orange tree ownership. How much water should an orange tree need?

Young orange trees should be watered once per week, while mature trees can be watered up to twice per month. You should water your orange tree only when it is dry. You may not have to water your orange trees during the rainy season.

We need to first understand what an orange tree needs. Then, let’s talk about how we can care for it beyond watering. What are you waiting to do? Let’s get to it!

How Much Water Does An Orange Tree Need?

Citrus trees, also known as orange trees, are closely related to approximately 60 species in the genus. Although this type of tree is known to thrive in dry, tropical environments, what does it mean for the water you provide your tree?

Citrus trees don’t require as much water by nature as other deciduous trees.

While overwatering can be a concern, it is not a real problem in this instance.

It is important to keep a balance between how much and how often you water your citrus trees.

For example, a young orange tree will need less water than a mature, larger tree.

A young orange tree should only be watered once or twice per month, but a mature tree may need to be watered weekly to every other week.

It all depends on the type of soil and the temperature, as well as other environmental factors.

Basin irrigation, according to the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, is the most efficient way to water your lawn.

This is a very simple method that builds a basin around a tree that is less wide than the canopy.

You can extend the basin further, approximately a foot beyond the canopy, and you will have a greater chance of covering most of the roots.

You will then fill the basin with water as the orange tree requires. This will ensure that the orange tree receives the water it needs, rather than losing it to the soil.

What Else Do Orange Trees Need Besides Proper Watering?

You should be aware of several important factors when assessing the success of your orange trees. This will directly impact the quality of the oranges that you will see being made.

You’ll need to take a look at these factors if you want to grow great oranges.

Okay, let’s get to it!

1. Good soil

What does this actually mean? What soil type is best for orange trees?

An orange tree is a citrus tree so it will do well in soil that is slightly acidic. It can be anywhere between 5.0 and HTML6.5 on the pH scale.

To test the pH of soil that you have, you can use a product such as this Garden Tutor Soil Phal Test Kit.

Soil Sunrise Citrus Plant & Tree Soil is a great option if you want to add soil with the right pH and other properties. It comes in an 8-quart bag, and can be hand mixed.

This is why it is important to consider the location where an orange tree will be planted. Its ability to grow and thrive in that area will also matter.

2. Good Climate And Location

The success of your tree will depend on the location it is placed.

These USDA Hardiness Areas will change the way you tree-grow.

These are regions in the United States that have varying annual minimum winter temperatures.

It’s quite a statement, isn’t it? They are a simple way to distinguish the minimum temperatures within a region.

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, for example, refers to any area where the average winter temperature drops to 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Orange trees can thrive within USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This means that temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit are the minimum temperature that will not cause undue strain on the tree.

From Southern California to Florida in the United States, you can grow orange trees anywhere.

3. Limited Weeds

It might seem easy and obvious to keep weeds from your trees, but it’s surprising how often this step is forgotten.

Orange tree watering is less efficient because weeds need water and nutrients.

Take a moment to whack those weeds once in a while.

More information on tropical trees can be found in our article on palm trees 5 Reasons New Orleans has Palm Trees (Plus Growing Tips).

Promote Healthy Orange Tree Growth By Watering, Fertilizing And Trimming

You can also take a few simple steps to ensure your tree is well-maintained, and not just when it needs to be watered.

Here are some more ways to make your tree happy!

1. Monitor Your Orange Tree

General tree maintenance includes the simple act to be on the lookout for unusual things.

You can spot early signs of infestation, malnourishment and disease by checking your tree once in a while.

Preventive measures can also be very important.

2. Hydrate Your Orange Tree So It Can Create More Oranges

Preventative measures include watering the tree regularly, depending on its size and age. A young tree might need to be watered once a week, while a mature tree, which retains more water, may only require watering twice a month.

3. Promote Growth Of Your Orange Tree By Fertilizing

Fertilizing is, as you know, one of the best things you can do to your plants, especially if it’s something you love reading.

This is a crucial tactic if you want to encourage healthy and sustainable tree growth.

What kind of fertilizer is best for orange trees?

Great question!

You may have heard of the NPK value. It stands for Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium and is the sum of all three elements found in fertilizers.

Orange trees require a balanced fertilizer. NPK 6-6-6 is one example. It also contains other minerals like zinc, iron and copper.

This is the best fertilizer for citrus-oriented plants that won’t break the bank!

4. Prune The Branches Of Your Orange Tree

Pruning is an important technique to ensure your tree is in top shape. Pruning is another important tactic to ensure your tree is in tip-top shape.

For ease and confidence, you can buy a set of cheap but high quality shears such as these Gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Hears to make your job easier.

Orange You Glad You Stuck With Us?

We had to.

We appreciate you taking the time to read about how to care for an orange tree. We wish you all the best as you journey with your tree.

Your tree may produce the most delicious, juicy oranges possible while you are under the least amount of stress and work.

Until next time friends, see you soon.

Read more about tropical trees in our This is How Tall Coconut Trees Really Grow