Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

An evergreen citrus tree believed to have originated in Southeast Asia/southern China, widely grown across Kenya's mid-altitude zones for fresh fruit and juice.

Family: Rutaceae
Tree type: fruit
Mature height (m): 5-10
Growth rate: medium
Lifespan (years): 50-80
Native region: Southeast Asia/Southern China

Environment

Growing Conditions

Climate requirements: Subtropical to tropical climate, 15-30C, 1000-1500mm rainfall or irrigation, altitude 0-1800m; sensitive to frost and prolonged waterlogging.
Soil types: Deep, well-drained sandy loam soils, pH 5.5-7.5.
Water requirements: Moderate to high with consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development; irrigation beneficial in drier zones.

Cultivation

Planting & Care

Planting guide: Space 5-7m apart; propagate by budding/grafting onto disease-resistant rootstock; plant at the start of rains.
Care guide: Formative pruning for shape and light penetration; fertilize with NPK plus micronutrients; watch for citrus greening (huanglongbing), citrus canker, fruit flies, and aphids.

Phenology

Flowering & Fruiting

Flowering season: Aug-Oct
Fruiting season: Main harvest Dec-Mar, minor crop Jun-Aug

Value

Uses & Economic Importance

Uses: Fresh consumption and juice processing; peel used for essential oils.
Economic importance: A widely grown citrus fruit in Kenya (Meru, Kisii, Machakos, coastal counties), primarily for domestic fresh and juice markets and an important smallholder income crop, though export volumes remain modest relative to avocado or macadamia.

Trade

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