How to Grow Maltaise
Wikimedia Commons
Maltaise
Citrus × sinensis 'Maltaise'
fruitMaltaise, also known as Malta or Maltese blood orange, is a cultivar of sweet orange prized for its deep red flesh and distinctively sweet, slightly tart flavor. This subtropical evergreen tree produces medium to large fruits with excellent juice content and aromatic quality. It's particularly valued in Mediterranean regions and is considered one of the finest blood orange varieties.
When should you plant Maltaise in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Maltaise timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Maltaise
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Maltaise
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Maltaise dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in zone 8 with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Maltaise grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Maltaise timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and basic branch structure. Minimal flowering; tree may reach 3-4 feet.
Keep soil consistently moist. Prune to establish strong central leader. Remove any flowers or small fruits. Protect from frost and wind.
Development (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree grows to 8-12 feet and develops fuller canopy. Light flowering may occur but fruits should be thinned or removed.
Continue pruning to shape. Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced citrus fertilizer. Thin any developing fruits.
Early Fruiting (Years 4-5)
24 monthsTree produces first significant crop. Small to medium fruits develop; tree reaches mature shape.
Thin fruits to one every 6 inches of branch for quality. Apply citrus-specific fertilizer monthly. Monitor for pests and disease.
Flowering & Fruiting (Year 5+)
6-7 monthsFragrant white blossoms appear in spring (February-April). Small green fruits develop and gradually enlarge over 4-5 months.
Thin fruits early for larger, sweeter development. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly through September. Water deeply during fruit development.
Harvest & Dormancy (Year 5+)
4-6 monthsFruits mature to characteristic deep red-orange color (November-April in Northern Hemisphere). Tree enters semi-dormant state in winter.
Harvest when fruits are slightly soft and fragrant. Reduce watering in winter. Light pruning to remove dead wood and improve air circulation.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves, apply horticultural oil spray, encourage beneficial insects, maintain tree vigor
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in dormant season, prune heavily infested branches, encourage natural predators
-
Increase humidity by watering foliage, spray with miticide or neem oil, remove heavily affected leaves
-
Remove infected leaves and branches, avoid wetting foliage, apply copper fungicide, quarantine affected trees
-
Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, monitor for yellow dragon disease, remove affected shoots, encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Fresh juice and table fruit
CulinaryMaltaise oranges are prized for fresh-squeezed juice due to their high juice content and superior sweetness. The distinctive deep red color makes them attractive for fresh eating, fruit salads, and garnishes. [source]
Specialty beverages and syrups
CulinaryThe unique flavor and color make Maltaise excellent for creating cocktails, liqueurs, and specialty syrups. The fruit is a classic ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalMaltaise oranges contain high levels of vitamin C and anthocyanins (the compound giving red color), supporting immune function and providing antioxidant benefits. Traditionally used in Mediterranean folk medicine. [source]
Decorative and aromatic uses
CraftThe striking red flesh and fragrant white blossoms make Maltaise excellent for ornamental purposes. Peels can be used for zest in cooking or dried for crafts and potpourri. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe fragrant spring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Fruit provides food for birds and wildlife when allowed to drop naturally. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Maltaise oranges are typically ready to harvest November through April in Mediterranean climates. Fruit should be slightly soft when gently squeezed and have a fragrant aroma. Color is the least reliable indicator as skin may remain orange-yellow even when fruit is ripe; the interior flesh will be deep red when mature. Gently twist and pull fruits from the branch, or use pruning shears to avoid tearing branches. Fruits can remain on tree for several weeks after reaching maturity without quality loss. Best flavor develops when left on tree as long as possible before harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Maltaise' is derived from Malta, where this blood orange cultivar was historically cultivated and refined, though the exact origins are debated among citrus historians.
- 🌱 The deep red pigmentation in Maltaise flesh develops only under specific temperature conditions—cool nights combined with warm days trigger anthocyanin production, which is why the color intensity varies by season and growing region.
- 🌱 Maltaise trees can live 50+ years and produce fruit reliably for 30-40 years, with some historic trees in Mediterranean groves still producing after 75 years.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Maltaise planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Maltaise seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Maltaise timeline →