How to Grow Penny Orange
Wikimedia Commons
Penny Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Penny'
treePenny Orange is a compact, dwarf citrus tree producing small, sweet orange fruits. It is ideal for container growing and small spaces, reaching only 4-6 feet tall at maturity. The tree offers ornamental appeal with fragrant white blossoms and abundant fruit production.
When should you plant Penny Orange in your zone?
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Example Penny Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Penny Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Penny Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Penny Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones and brought indoors
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Get my Penny Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung tree developing root system and establishing branching structure
Water regularly, protect from strong winds, stake if needed. Delay heavy pruning. Remove flower buds first year to direct energy to growth.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsTree develops foliage and canopy structure with multiple shoots and leaves
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Light pruning to shape. Begin monthly fertilizing during growing season (spring/summer).
Flowering
2-4 weeksFragrant white and pink blossoms appear on branch tips, typically in spring
Ensure consistent moisture and adequate phosphorus fertilizer. Do not prune during flowering. Avoid moving container-grown trees during bloom.
Fruit Development
3-4 monthsFlowers set fruit that gradually enlarges from small green orbs to full-sized oranges
Thin excessive fruit (keep 4-6 inches apart) to ensure larger fruit. Maintain regular watering and feeding every 2-3 weeks with citrus fertilizer.
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest as needed over several monthsFruit reaches full size, develops color (orange), and achieves sweetness
Monitor ripeness by taste and color. Maintain watering through harvest. Do not pick fruit too early as citrus does not continue ripening after harvest.
Common Pests
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Prune affected leaves, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators, avoid over-fertilizing
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Spray with water to dislodge, apply neem oil, increase humidity, maintain plant vigor
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap, apply horticultural oil
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Scrape off by hand, apply horticultural oil in dormant season, use neem oil
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryPenny Orange produces small, sweet oranges perfect for eating fresh or juicing. The thin skin makes them particularly convenient for snacking and processing. [source]
Zest and garnish
CulinaryThe flavorful zest can be used in baking, cooking, and beverages. The thin, oily skin provides excellent aromatic zest for culinary applications. [source]
Container gardening and landscaping
OrnamentalThe compact size and attractive flowering make Penny Orange ideal for patios, decks, and small gardens. The fragrant blossoms and glossy foliage provide year-round visual interest. [source]
Vitamin C and immune support
MedicinalOranges are renowned for their high vitamin C content, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. Regular consumption contributes to overall health. [source]
Natural cleaner and deodorizer
HouseholdOrange peel can be used to make natural cleaning solutions and deodorizers due to its citric acid and limonene content. The fragrant oil is useful in DIY household products. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Oranges typically ripen in winter (November-February in Northern Hemisphere). Harvest when fruit is fully colored and feels slightly soft when squeezed. Cut fruit from tree with pruning shears rather than pulling to avoid branch damage. Fruits will not continue ripening after picking, so ensure full ripeness before harvest. One mature Penny Orange tree can produce 50-100 fruits annually.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Penny Orange trees are self-fertile and don't require a pollinator, though bees visiting the fragrant flowers increase fruit set
- 🌱 The name 'Penny' likely refers to the small, coin-sized fruits produced abundantly on the compact tree
- 🌱 Orange blossoms have been used in perfumery and traditional ceremonies for centuries, and Penny Orange provides these fragrant flowers in abundance
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