Life cycle of an orange tree

In our orange grove different insects and plants live together in perfect harmony and make it possible that year after year the life cycle of our fruit trees is repeated.

Today we would like to explain in more detail the different growth phases of an orange tree.

Once the orange tree reaches its youth, between 5 and 7 years, its reproductive life begins. After the first flowers, the first fruits appear until maturity, when it reaches its maximum flowering and fruiting. This phase can last up to 30 or more years if the tree is well cared for. After that, fruit production gradually decreases.

The orange blossom

At the beginning of spring the orange trees begin to bloom, their scent invades nature and their beauty pleases the eye of passers-by. Lucky is the one who can contemplate this beautiful image.

But only a small part of the blossoms become orangesMost of the orange blossoms fall to the ground after opening. Of those that remain on the tree, only a few develop into an orange.

If you want to know more about the anatomy of an orange, we recommend you to read this article.

Orange fruit set stage

Fruit set means that the flower turns into fruit. Especially in navel varieties, parthenocarpy is used, a form of sterile development that allows seedless fruit to be obtained. Natural pollination, however, is important for a good crop. Bees are responsible for inducing the development of oranges and also for pollinating the rest of the plants. This achieves a natural balance of the ecosystem in the orchards.

Orange fattening

Now it is necessary to wait for the fruit to grow healthily and to be of good quality. Different factors play an important role in this process.

The most important of these is the climate. We are totally dependent on temperature, wind, sun, water and humidity. From the climate depends not only the size of the fruit, but also the acidity and sweetness, if it is more juicy or less, if it ripens earlier or later ....

For oranges to acquire their characteristic color, they need cool nights, and only if the temperature drops below 13 degrees Celsius during the ripening stage will the color change occur. As in recent years it has been hot until well into November, the season is getting shorter and shorter.

Orange harvesting

In order to obtain quality fruit, it is important to harvest them at their optimum ripening time. If the oranges remain too long on the tree, the tree suffers, the oranges fall naturally and spoil. In our case, we pick each fruit at the optimum time and then ship them the same day to our customers without any further chemical treatment.

When the spring temperatures rise and it is warmer than usual, the season comes to an abrupt end because the fruit no longer stays on the tree.

ORANGES = JOY + HEALTH

This plaque from our great-grandfather attests to our family's long dedication to growing oranges, our life and our great passion.

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