Sanguinelli Semi-Dwarf Blood Orange Tree

1. Planting: Choose a location that receives at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. A semi-dwarf tree typically needs an 8 to 10-foot diameter space. If you want a citrus hedge or multi-variety bush, you can plant citrus trees closer together. Remember, citrus trees are sensitive to freezing temperatures and require protection. If outdoor protection isn’t possible, grow them indoors by a sunny window, being careful of heat vents that can damage roots.

For container growing, select a 10-14 inch pot or one with a capacity of 3-5 gallons and ensure it has good drainage. For ground planting, pick a well-drained site and prepare loose soil to help young roots grow. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, backfill carefully to keep the tree straight, and fill in around the crown of the roots without burying it. Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.

2. Watering: Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Citrus trees prefer deep, infrequent watering over frequent, shallow applications. Create a watering basin around the tree’s drip line, expanding it as the tree grows to match the branch spread. This promotes deeper root growth and strengthens the tree. Watering once a week is usually effective for both in-ground and container plantings.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize the tree monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing months (spring, summer, and early fall), following the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Pruning: In early spring, prune the tree to shape it and remove dead or diseased branches. A semi-dwarf citrus tree can reach 10 to 15 feet in height but can be kept smaller with careful pruning. Identify the graft union, visible as a scar 4 to 8 inches above the soil, and remove any growth below it. Additionally, eliminate suckers as soon as they appear.