Growli

Pruning guide

How to prune seville orange

Best time
Late winter to early spring, before the growing season; avoid pruning in cold spells
How often
Annually for framework pruning; sucker removal as needed year-round
Technique
Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches. Shorten the previous year's extension growth by up to one-third to encourage lateral branching. Cut to an outward-facing bud. Remove basal suckers cleanly at the base. Wear gloves — the species is thorny.

More seville orange care

Pruning seville orange — FAQ

When should I prune seville orange?

Late winter to early spring, before the growing season; avoid pruning in cold spells. Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches. Shorten the previous year's extension growth by up to one-third to encourage lateral branching. Cut to an outward-facing bud. Remove basal suckers cleanly at the base. Wear gloves — the species is thorny.

How often does seville orange need pruning?

Annually for framework pruning; sucker removal as needed year-round. Seville orange benefits from annual formative pruning to build an open, airy canopy and from routine removal of suckers and dead wood. Heavy pruning is not needed once the framework is established. Fruit is borne on previous season's wood, so avoid excessive cutting of mature branches. Grown as a patio tree, keep to a manageable height by shortening leaders.

How do you prune seville orange?

Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches. Shorten the previous year's extension growth by up to one-third to encourage lateral branching. Cut to an outward-facing bud. Remove basal suckers cleanly at the base. Wear gloves — the species is thorny.