Blood Orange Tree
Citrus Sinesis 'Moro'The Orange ‘Blood’ (Citrus sinensis ‘Blood’) is a vibrant and flavorful citrus tree prized for its unique appearance and rich taste. Its striking deep red flesh—caused by anthocyanin pigments—offers a sweet-tart flavor with notes of raspberry, making it ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and gourmet recipes. The skin is typically orange with a reddish blush, and the fruit is medium-sized, juicy, and low in seeds.
Blood orange trees are evergreen and highly ornamental, with fragrant white blossoms in spring followed by fruit that ripens from late winter into early spring. Most blood orange varieties, such as ‘Moro’, ‘Tarocco’, or ‘Sanguinelli’, grow best in warm climates but can also be grown in large containers and overwintered indoors in cooler zones. These trees typically reach 8–12 feet tall but can be pruned to stay smaller.
Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11, the blood orange tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s self-pollinating and relatively low-maintenance, offering beautiful foliage, aromatic blooms, and striking fruit—all in one compact tree.
Care Instructions
Planting:
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose a sheltered spot protected from frost. For containers, use a 15+ gallon pot with drainage holes.
Watering:
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Reduce frequency in winter.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter or after harvest to shape and remove dead wood. Maintain open canopy for light and airflow.
Pest Control:
Watch for aphids, scale, citrus leaf miners. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keep foliage clean and well-ventilated.
Soil Tips:
Prefers slightly acidic, loamy soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Enrich with compost annually and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
