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Boasting edible fruit and large thorns, trifoliate orange is a hardy citrus for cold regions.
The fruit ripens in fall and can be juiced for use in beverages.
The pulp can beused for jam.
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Trifoliate orange is a four-season plant.
Trifoliate orange can reseed prolifically and invade woodlands, forest edges, fence rows, and urban green spaces.
Trifoliate orange is an identified aggressive species in many nearby states.
It wasplanted in hedgerows as a living fencefor livestock.
Avoid planting it where small children or pets may play or near busy walkways.
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Plant trifoliate orange in spring or early fall.
Dig a planting hole just large enough to accommodate the root system.
Water your newly planted trifoliate orange regularly for the first year after planting.
After the plant is established, it will rarely require supplemental watering.
Plants will grow in part shade, but they will produce fewer fruit.
Soil and Water
Trifoliate orange, like most citrus plants,thrives in well-drained soil.
It doesnt tolerate heavy clay or soggy soil.
Avoid planting it near areas where water stands after a big rain or places with heavy, hard soil.
The best soil for growing trifoliate orange is lightweight, loose, and has a sandy texture.
Trifoliate orange generally gets all the water it needs from natural precipitation.
It is somewhat drought tolerant and only requires supplement watering during periods of extreme drought.
The building or trees will protect the plant from cold, drying north winds.
Fertilizer
Trifoliate orange does not require fertilization.
It grows, flowers, and fruits well in native soil if the soil is well-drained.
Pests and Problems
Trifoliate orange has no notable pests or problems.
Pruning Trifoliate Orange
Trifoliate orange grows quickly and benefits from annual pruning.
Remove dead, broken, and crossing branches.
The fuzzy fruit has a thick rind and is extremely sour.
Dispose of fallen fruit to prevent rampant reseeding.
Grow the cuttings in a protected location for several weeks until a strong root system is established.
After the root system is established, transplant cuttings into the landscape and water them well.
Trifoliate orange can also bestarted from seed.
Plant seeds in moist potting soil and transplant into the garden when they are 6 inches tall.
Types of Trifoliate Orange
Flying Dragon is a small cultivar compared to the species.
It has a shrub-like growth habit and stands 6 feet or so tall and wide.
The curling, contorted stems and dense habit make it an excellent barrier plant or hedge.
Flying Dragon has good fruit production.
Dont be fooled by its name, though; it is not sweet and juicy like a navel orange.
Another common name, bitter orange, better describes its flavor.
While it is hardy in chilly Zone 5, it doesnt produce sweet oranges.
Yes, trifoliate orange can grow indoors.
It grows well when planted in a large pot filled with potting soil.
Move the pot outside to a sunny porch or patio in summer andbring it inside for the winter months.
Keep in mind that trifoliate orange is deciduousit loses its leaves in fall.
“Trifoliate Orange.”
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
“Citrus trifoliata.”
