What Is the Best Time to Transplant a Miniature Orange Tree?

Description

• All citrus trees need full sun in a wind-protected area and nutrient-rich loamy soil to grow well. They are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 10. The calamondin miniature orange tree grows from 6 1/2 to 25 feet in height and can be grown in a container until it becomes root-bound. It is moderately drought-tolerant and prefers a temperature range of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There are usually four to five periods of new growth and fruit set each year. The oranges require one year to develop and ripen.

Time to Tansplant

• It is best to transplant the tree when the root system will endure the least weather shock, in the spring where temperatures are cold and in the fall where summers are very hot. Miniature oranges may be transplanted to either a larger container or directly into the ground. The tree should be handled gently to avoid damaging delicate roots. The new container or the planting hole should be twice as wide as the tree root ball. The tree should be planted so the upper surface of the root ball sits about 1 inch above the surrounding soil.

In The Ground

• Break up large clumps of dirt as the ground hole is dug and save it for back fill. Soil amendments, compost or fertilizer are not recommended unless the soil is extremely sandy or heavy clay, in which case you can add mature compost. Lower the tree into the hole while it is still in its old container. Slit one side of the container vertically with sharp garden shears. Add 6 to 8 inches of back fill to stabilize the tree and carefully remove the container. Fill the hole with the remaining back-fill soil, tamping gently.

In A Container

• Container-grown miniature orange trees may need to be transplanted every 12 to 16 months to ensure healthy growth. The calamondin orange tree grows at the rate of 1 foot per year and has a long taproot that easily outgrows the plant's container. Choose pots that allow several inches of growing space between the root ball and the sides of the container. Ground-planted trees and potted trees should be watered as needed when the soil surface is dry. Fertilize sparingly in winter and monthly during the growing season.