How to Grow Temple Orange
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Temple Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Temple'
treeTemple Orange is a hybrid citrus tree that produces large, flavorful oranges with a distinctive deep orange color and excellent juice content. It's a semi-dwarf to standard-sized tree known for its rich, complex flavor that combines sweetness with a pleasant tartness. The variety is prized by home gardeners and commercial growers for its reliability and exceptional taste.
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 8b-11, with best production in zones 9-10
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Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development with minimal flowering. Foliage is vigorous and green.
Remove early flower buds to redirect energy to growth. Water consistently and stake if needed. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Monitor for pests.
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree develops strong branch structure and becomes bushier. Occasional light flowering may occur but few fruits set.
Continue to remove or thin flower buds if present. Prune to develop open canopy structure. Maintain consistent watering and nutrition. Watch for nutrient deficiencies.
Early Flowering & Fruiting (Year 3-4)
3-4 months (bloom to set)Tree produces noticeable flower clusters in spring (March-April in Northern Hemisphere). Small green fruitlets develop after pollination.
Allow some fruit to set but thin heavily to promote larger fruits and biennial cycle prevention. Provide consistent water and increase potassium/phosphorus fertilization. Protect from frost during bloom.
Fruit Development (Summer-Fall)
4-6 monthsFruits grow and mature, developing characteristic deep orange color. Fruit size reaches 3-4 inches diameter. Sugar content increases.
Maintain steady water supply to prevent splitting or drop. Continue nutritional support. Prune competing branches if needed. Monitor for pests and disease.
Harvest & Dormancy (Winter)
2-3 monthsFruits reach full maturity with optimal color and flavor. Tree prepares for dormancy as temperatures cool.
Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to touch. Reduce watering in winter but don't allow soil to dry completely. Minimal fertilization needed during dormancy. Prune dead or crossing branches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur or neem oil in early infestations. Maintain humidity around tree.
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Monitor for yellow spotted leaves; use neem oil or horticultural soap. Remove infected leaves. Control ants that protect aphids.
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Prune heavily infested branches. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season or neem oil during growing season.
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators.
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and
(fungal diseases)
Ensure good air circulation through pruning. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if disease appears. Remove affected leaves.
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Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove infected tree if severely affected. Fumigate soil if replanting.
Uses
Fresh juice and eating
CulinaryTemple Oranges are exceptional juice oranges with high juice content (approximately 50%) and complex flavor. The rich, slightly tart taste makes them ideal for fresh-squeezed juice, eating fresh, or using in salads and recipes. [source]
Marmalades and preserves
CulinaryThe thick peel and balanced acidity make Temple Oranges excellent for making marmalades, jams, and other preserves. The flavor develops beautifully in slow-cooked preparations. [source]
Natural cleaning products
HouseholdCitrus peels contain limonene, a natural solvent useful for making degreasers and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. The essential oil can be extracted through cold pressing. [source]
Vitamin C and immune support
MedicinalTemple Oranges are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. A single orange provides approximately 150% of daily vitamin C requirements. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe fragrant spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Mature trees provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects throughout the year. [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 ripen from December to March (Northern Hemisphere). Wait until fruit is fully colored (deep orange) and slightly soft to the touch—color is a better indicator than size. Twist and lift gently, or cut with pruners to avoid damaging branches. Fruit stores well on tree for several weeks. For best flavor, allow to ripen fully on tree before picking. One mature tree yields 100-200 pounds of fruit annually.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Temple Oranges were named after the Temple orange, which originated in Brazil and was brought to Florida in the early 20th century; the name refers to the small protruding button-like structure (temple) on the fruit's apex.
- 🌱 Unlike many citrus varieties, Temple Oranges tend toward alternate bearing (heavy crop one year, light the next), which can be minimized through consistent thinning and proper fertilization.
- 🌱 The Temple Orange tree is partially self-fertile but produces more fruit when cross-pollinated with other citrus varieties, making it a good addition to a mixed citrus garden.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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