Blood Orange
Citrus x sinensis 'Moro'
fruitBlood orange (Citrus x sinensis Moro) is an evergreen citrus tree bearing medium, round oranges whose flesh ranges from streaked to deep, solid wine-red, with a sweet flavor carrying hints of raspberry. The red pigment is anthocyanin, which develops most strongly when fruit matures through cool winter nights, so blood oranges color best in subtropical climates with a distinct cool season. Moro is the darkest and most dependable of the blood oranges, an early-to-midseason variety that crops well in Florida and other warm regions.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 7 days
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Harvest
~3 yrs
to first harvest
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
12-15 ft apart
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Planting Depth
Set at the same depth as the nursery container, keeping the graft union several inches above the soil line
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Sandy loam, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9 – 12
When to Fertilize
Feed in late winter, late spring, and summer during active growth
Fertilizer
Citrus fertilizer with micronutrients (including iron, zinc, and manganese)
🌱 Growing Guide
Plant blood orange in full sun in well-drained sandy loam, sheltered from cold wind, ideally on the warm side of a building in marginal areas. It is hardy roughly in zones 9 to 11 and is damaged by hard freezes; in colder areas grow it in a large container and move it to a bright, frost-free spot for winter. Water deeply and regularly while keeping the soil well drained, and feed as you would any citrus. The deepest red color requires cool nights during ripening, so flavor and color vary year to year with the winter.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 15
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Projected first harvest
Aug 3 · Year 4
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Year 1
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Comfrey — A nutrient accumulator that makes a mineral-rich mulch under the canopy
- Marigold — Helps suppress soil nematodes and draws beneficial insects
- Nasturtium — Acts as a trap crop that lures aphids away from new citrus growth
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Larvae mine serpentine trails in new leaves; protect tender flushes and avoid over-fertilizing that pushes soft growth
Cluster on new shoots; rinse off, conserve ladybugs, and control ants that farm them
Bumps on stems and leaves; treat with horticultural oil and conserve natural enemies
🌾 Harvest & storage
Blood oranges ripen from late winter into spring; let them hang on the tree until fully colored and sweet, as citrus does not ripen further once picked. Taste-test a fruit before a big harvest. They hold well on the tree for weeks, so pick as needed, clipping or gently twisting the fruit free.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Blood oranges are rich in vitamin C and in anthocyanins, the same antioxidant pigments found in berries, which give the red flesh. They are eaten fresh and juiced, prized for a sweet flavor with a berry-like note.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.