How to Grow Blood Orange Ruby Tarocco

Blood Orange Ruby Tarocco

Citrus × sinensis 'Tarocco'

tree

Ruby Tarocco is a premium blood orange cultivar prized for its deep crimson-red flesh, rich flavor, and low seed count. This Mediterranean variety produces medium-sized fruits with distinctive red pigmentation that develops in cooler climates. It's an excellent choice for home growers seeking ornamental appeal combined with exceptional fruit quality.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; essential for red pigment development and fruit quality

💧

Water: Regular watering during growing season (spring-summer), maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. Reduce frequency in winter. Mature trees require 1-1.5 inches weekly; young trees need more frequent, shallow watering. Drought-tolerant once established but fruit quality suffers without adequate water.

📏

Spacing: 240 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 1080-1460 (3-4 years from planting to first substantial harvest; peak production year 4-5)

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; graft union should be 4-6 inches above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with sandy component

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Citrus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients (zinc, magnesium, iron) Compost or aged manure for organic matter Sulfur if pH exceeds 7.2 Mulch (3-4 inches) to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9-10; marginal in zone 8b with winter protection

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree focuses on root development and branch structure. Minimal fruiting expected.

Stake for wind protection. Remove competing branches to establish strong scaffold. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly. Apply slow-release citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season.

Development (Years 2-3)

24 months

Tree grows to mature size, begins flowering and light fruiting. Branch framework becomes established.

Thin excess fruit to redirect energy to tree growth. Continue training form. Prune lightly after harvest. Monitor for pests. Maintain consistent watering.

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Fragrant white blossoms appear in spring (February-April in Northern Hemisphere). Flowers emerge on branch terminals.

Avoid heavy pruning during flowering. Ensure adequate water availability. Hand-thin flowers if over-abundant to maximize remaining fruit size. Do not fertilize during bloom.

Fruit Development

5-7 months

Small green fruits develop, reaching full size by summer. Red pigmentation develops gradually from September-December in cooler regions, requiring cool nights (50-60°F) for optimal color.

Thin fruit to 6-8 inches apart for best size and quality. Maintain consistent watering without flood cycles. Apply zinc/magnesium if deficiency symptoms appear. Ensure adequate sunlight exposure.

Harvest Maturity

3-4 weeks

Fruits reach full color, flavor development completes. Flesh becomes deeply pigmented, oil content peaks. Ready to harvest November-March in most regions.

Test flavor before harvesting (should be sweet with slight tartness). Harvest by clipping with pruners, leaving stem attached. Store at room temperature or refrigerate. Do not pick prematurely as citrus doesn't ripen off-tree.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Nasturtium Marigold Lavender Borage Cover crops (vetch, clover) Citrus trees of different varieties

Avoid planting near:

Walnuts (black walnut toxicity) Fennel Cabbage family (if possible) Other trees competing for water and nutrients (stay 15+ feet away)

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves; spray horticultural oil during new growth periods; reflective mulch to confuse adults. Severe infestations may warrant insecticidal soap or neem oil on young trees.
Monitor for stippled yellow leaves and sooty mold. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Critical: manage host plants (citrus weeds). Remove severely infected leaves. Consult local extension for quarantine updates.
Prune heavily infested branches. Spray horticultural oil during dormant season. For active infestation, use insecticidal soap. Introduce parasitic wasps (Metaphycus species) for biological control.
Increase humidity; spray forcefully with water. Apply sulfur dust (not when temps exceed 85°F) or horticultural oil. Predatory mites as biocontrol option.
Yellow sticky traps; reflective mulch. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Encourage natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings).
Remove fallen fruit and debris immediately. Use protein bait spray (spinosad-based). Yellow or red sphere traps. In endemic areas, bagging fruit or exclusion netting may be required.

Uses

🍳

Fresh juice, cocktails & beverages

Culinary

Blood orange juice is prized for its deep crimson color and complex flavor profile—sweet with subtle raspberry and berry notes. Perfect for fresh-squeezed juice, signature cocktails, smoothies, and Italian aperitivos like Campari-based drinks. [source]

🍳

Desserts, sauces & preserves

Culinary

The unique color and flavor enhance glazes for duck or pork, marmalades, sorbets, tarts, and chocolate-orange pairings. The juice and zest add visual appeal and distinctive taste to pastries and confections. [source]

💊

Vitamin C and antioxidant source

Medicinal

Blood oranges are exceptionally high in vitamin C and anthocyanins (the pigments responsible for red coloration), offering immune support and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traditional Mediterranean and Italian medicine values them for winter wellness. [source]

🏠

Zest for flavoring and aromatics

Household

The fragrant peel can be zested into dishes, used to infuse oils and vinegars, or dried for tea blends. The essential oils in the peel provide natural aromatics for household use. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat

Wildlife

The fragrant spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and birds, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Blood Oranges are winter-harvest citrus. Fruits mature December-March in most climates; pigmentation requires cool nights. Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to squeeze (indicating juice content). Clip with pruners rather than pulling to avoid branch damage. Mature tree yields 100-200 pounds annually once established. Flavor is optimal when harvested ripe; citrus does not ripen after picking.

Fun Facts

🌱 Blood oranges owe their crimson-red flesh to anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blueberries and red wine. These pigments develop only in cooler climates (temperatures between 50-60°F at night), which is why Tarocco blood oranges from Sicily and Italy are prized as the world's finest.
🌱 The Tarocco variety originates from Sicily and is protected as a Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) product in Europe, similar to Champagne—authentic Sicilian Tarocco blood oranges command premium prices at farmers' markets.
🌱 Blood orange trees are relatively long-lived, with productive trees remaining fruitful for 50+ years. A single mature tree can produce enough fruit for 100+ glasses of fresh juice annually.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free