How to Grow Moro Oranges

Create a hole deep enough to plant the root ball of the Moro orange tree as deep as it grew in its container. Make the hole broad enough to hold the roots easily.

Use a garden hose to carefully rinse approximately 1 inch of soil from the root ball, which encourages the roots to grow more quickly.

Set the root ball into the planting hole and return the loose soil.

Make basin that is 3 to 4 inches tall around the tree, using soil from another location in the garden. Slowly fill the basin with water right after planting.

Fill the basin with water every two weeks during the first month after planting the Moro orange tree. Monitor the tree closely after the first month and water in the same manner whenever newly emerged leaves appear to wilt.

Feed annually with 1 cup of 21-0-0 fertilizer for each year of the tree's age. Divide the fertilizer between three separate applications. Make the applications in late winter, spring, and early fall. Spread the fertilizer under the tree, keeping it 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk, and water deeply after feeding.

Prune during early spring to eliminate branches damaged by cold weather. Snip off suckers that develop around the tree's base as often as necessary.

Pull weeds and sod from beneath the tree's canopy manually, as the use of mulch may lead to disease. Alternately, a systemic herbicide may be used, though this leads to a risk of damage to both the Moro orange tree and surrounding vegetation if extreme care isn't taken.

Consult your local extension agent if signs of disease or pest infestation occur, such as dropped foliage, leaf discoloration or problems with fruit development.