Quick facts
| Arabic name | البرتقال |
|---|---|
| English name | Orange |
| Scientific name | Citrus sinensis |
| Family | Citrus family (Rutaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 5 to 8 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April
Harvest time
November to March
A winter fruit; trees start bearing after 3 to 4 yearsJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A round dense top, shiny leaves, white fragrant flowers, and juicy orange fruits.
Where it grows
Citrus is grown widely in Najran.
Soil
Well-drained sandy loam. Sensitive to high salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering without standing water.
Climate and light
Warm with full sun. Frost harms it.
Propagation
Grafted on suitable rootstocks.
Benefits and uses
- Fruit eaten and juiced
- Fragrant oils from the peel
- Flowers attract bees
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water
- Sensitive to salt and frost
- Pests like citrus leaf miner and aphids
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Citrus sinensis
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Citrus sinensis
- Wikipedia: Orange (fruit)
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)