Pruning guide
How to prune seville orange
More seville orange care
Pruning seville orange — FAQ
When should I prune seville orange?
Late winter to early spring after the risk of hard frost, before new growth. Remove crossing and inward-facing branches to open the crown. For trained or container specimens, cut long extension growth back by one-third to a healthy lateral. Remove all rootstock suckers immediately at the base.
How often does seville orange need pruning?
Annually; harder renovation every three to five years if the tree becomes too large. Seville orange is a robust, somewhat thorny tree grown primarily for marmalade. It tolerates harder pruning than sweet oranges. Prune to maintain an open canopy, control height, and remove dead or crossing wood. In the UK, where it is sometimes grown under glass, hard cutting back after flowering keeps it to a manageable size.
How do you prune seville orange?
Remove crossing and inward-facing branches to open the crown. For trained or container specimens, cut long extension growth back by one-third to a healthy lateral. Remove all rootstock suckers immediately at the base.