How to Grow Temple Orange
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Temple Orange
Citrus × temple
treeTemple orange is a hybrid citrus tree that produces medium-sized, deeply flavored oranges with a distinctive mandarin-like taste and loose, easy-to-peel skin. It's a popular choice for home growers and commercial orchards due to its excellent flavor, attractive growth habit, and reliable production. The tree is moderately cold-hardy compared to other citrus varieties.
When should you plant Temple Orange in your zone?
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Example Temple Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Temple 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 Temple Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Temple Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-10; can be grown in zone 8b with winter protection
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Get my Temple Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and branching framework with vigorous upright growth and glossy green foliage
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Prune lightly to shape structure. Avoid heavy fertilization; use diluted citrus fertilizer monthly.
Juvenile Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree develops dense canopy and branch structure; may produce some flowers but fruit typically aborts or is removed to encourage root/branch development
Continue regular watering and mulching. Apply balanced citrus fertilizer 3-4 times yearly. Prune to maintain open center structure for light penetration and air circulation. Remove any fruit that sets.
Flowering & Fruiting (Year 4+)
6-8 months per cycleFragrant white blossoms appear in spring, followed by marble-sized fruit that develops and ripens over 6-8 months into full-sized oranges
Maintain consistent watering during bloom and fruit development. Apply bloom-booster fertilizer (higher phosphorus) in early spring. Thin fruit if excessively heavy to promote larger, higher-quality oranges. Monitor for pests.
Mature Production (Year 5+)
Ongoing, typically 30-40 year productive lifespanEstablished tree produces abundant crops of full-sized, deeply colored oranges with excellent flavor; reaches full height of 12-16 feet
Fertilize 3-4 times yearly with balanced citrus blend. Maintain deep watering schedule. Prune selectively to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Thin excessive fruit (6-8 inches apart) for premium-sized oranges.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly for small insects and yellowing leaves; use sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil; manage ant populations that protect aphids; remove infected branches
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Increase humidity with overhead watering; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide or horticultural oil in severe cases; introduce predatory mites
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Prune heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil during dormant season; hand-remove if accessible; apply insecticidal soap in growing season
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Monitor young foliage for serpentine leaf tunnels; prune affected leaves; apply neem oil or insecticide during flush growth; encourage natural predators
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; wipe affected areas with alcohol-soaked cloth; introduce beneficial insects; manage ant populations
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Improve air circulation through pruning; avoid overhead watering on foliage; apply copper fungicide if necessary; ensure well-draining soil; remove infected fruit and leaves
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryTemple oranges are prized for eating fresh due to their easy-to-peel skin, seedless or few-seeded flesh, and rich, complex flavor with mandarin and bitter orange undertones. They also make excellent fresh-squeezed juice with superior taste compared to standard navel oranges. [source]
Marmalade and preserves
CulinaryThe slightly bitter pith and complex flavor profile make Temple oranges ideal for marmalade production, creating a sophisticated, less-sweet preserve with depth of flavor. [source]
Natural cleaning and deodorizer
HouseholdThe peel contains d-limonene, a natural solvent useful for removing grease and cleaning surfaces. Dried peel can freshen rooms and closets naturally. [source]
Vitamin C and immune support
MedicinalTemple oranges are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. Fresh fruit and juice provide easily absorbed nutrition. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe fragrant spring blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The tree provides shelter and food sources for various beneficial insects and birds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Temple oranges mature from December through February in most regions (harvest 6-8 months after flowering). Fruit changes from green to deep orange when ripe. Pick when fully colored and slightly soft to touch; do not harvest if fruit is still very firm. Oranges do not continue ripening after harvest. Hold fruit gently and twist upward with a slight rotating motion, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. Harvest in early morning for best flavor. Fruit can hang on tree for several weeks after full ripeness without quality loss.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Temple oranges are a natural hybrid (presumed cross between Citrus sinensis and Citrus nobilis) that originated in Morocco or Algeria, making them a spontaneous creation of nature rather than deliberate breeding
- 🌱 The name 'Temple' comes from William T. Temple, a plant collector who brought the variety to Florida in the early 1900s, where it became widely cultivated
- 🌱 Temple oranges are notably cold-tolerant for a hybrid citrus, surviving brief dips to 20°F (-7°C) without severe damage, making them suitable for transitional zones between true tropical and subtropical regions
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