Overwintering guide
How to overwinter sweet orange
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills sweet orange in winter
Bringing sweet orange into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More sweet orange care
Overwintering sweet orange — FAQ
Does sweet orange need to come indoors for winter?
Sweet orange is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Sweet orange will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move sweet orange for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water sweet orange in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills sweet orange over winter?
Bringing sweet orange into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.