As the weather cools in fall and the citrus fruit on my trees start turning from green to yellow, they catch my eye. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten a tangerine or a navel orange. I can’t wait until this new crop is ripe.
And I look at the amount of fruit on the trees and the amount of new growth, and I ask myself if I’ve been watering enough. Or have I been watering too much? How much have I been watering to get the results I’ve got?
I keep records of my irrigations and I use drip emitters so it is easy to do the calculations. So I did them.
After doing them, I compared the numbers to those in a table by UC Riverside researchers (for the Riverside area). Wow! I water way less than they recommend. I don’t know how they came up with their numbers, but I know that I would be wasting a lot of water if I used their table, and I might be causing problems in my trees as well.
Here are my numbers. This is about how many gallons my citrus trees get in order to perform the way they do:
Over the years, I have gotten good performance from my trees while watering them anywhere from daily to every two weeks (in summer). Last summer, I watered most of my citrus two times per week (on drip). Citrus trees are comfortable getting water in a broad range of frequencies.
When choosing my frequencies, I keep a few things in mind. Young trees need water more often than old trees. And if you use drip irrigation, you need to water more often compared to sprinklers or bubblers.
(I currently use drip irrigation on all of my citrus trees, but in the past I used mini-sprinklers. Both methods work great, as do many other methods, including bubblers, a hose with a spot sprinkler, etc.)
How can this table be of use to you? First, you have to compare your location to mine. I am in Ramona, San Diego County, which is within Zone 9 of this evapotranspiration map. Other cities in this zone are Valley Center, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, and Simi Valley. If your citrus trees are in a cooler or hotter spot, then adjust accordingly.
Use this spreadsheet made by Yard Posts Supporter, Robert M., which can instantly adjust my watering table for different zones in California.
Also note that rain is not accounted for. Any time we get rain of at least 0.5 inches, the irrigation the citrus trees need is reduced. In practice, I only occasionally find the need to give my citrus trees any irrigation from December through March. My Gold Nugget mandarin tree on a rainy day this past January.
Pay attention to the plants surrounding your citrus tree. Sometimes there are bushes or other trees that drink some of the water you give your citrus tree, thereby requiring that you add more.
Judge your watering by the look of the trees. Are they growing? Is the fruit getting to the expected size?
It’s my observation that most citrus trees in Southern California are watered too much rather than not enough. Overwatering citrus seems to be the most common inclination.
That said, if your citrus tree is not getting enough water it will display its thirst by folding its leaves more than normal. Citrus leaves folding, showing thirst.
What I’d love to see more people do is find the water needs of their citrus trees by backing off the water until the trees show leaf fold. Find that lower limit. Fruit and the health of the trees will not be sacrificed by testing this, as long as you irrigate soon after the tree shows its thirst.
Citrus trees are tough, especially as they age. I have deliberately backed off on the water to many of my citrus trees in order to test this and found no lasting damage while reaping the benefits of knowing how much water my trees really need.
Orange trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape. With their glossy green leaves and abundant sunshine-colored fruit, they provide year-round interest. However keeping oranges trees properly watered especially during the hot summer months, is essential for the health and productivity of your tree. Learning the optimal frequency for watering orange trees in summer will ensure your tree stays happy and hydrated when temperatures climb.
Overview of Orange Tree Water Needs
Orange trees are classified as citrus trees All citrus varieties prefer infrequent, deep watering that thoroughly saturates the soil. This encourages deep root growth. Frequent shallow watering results in short, surface roots that dry out faster, requiring more watering.
In their native tropical and subtropical climates, citrus trees experience distinct rainy and dry seasons. They are adapted to withstand temporary drought conditions. Too much moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Proper irrigation is about finding the right balance.
How Often to Water an Orange Tree in Summer
During the hot summer months orange trees need a little extra attention when it comes to watering. Here are some general guidelines for optimal summer watering frequency based on tree age
- Young trees under 3 years old: 2-3 times per week
- Mature trees over 3 years old: 1-2 times per week
Watering frequency depends on soil type, temperature, and humidity. Sandy soils require more frequent watering than clay soils. Extreme heat and low humidity cause faster moisture evaporation from the soil. Adjust watering as needed to accommodate environmental factors.
Watering Young Orange Trees
Young citrus trees have less extensive root systems and require more frequent irrigation. Aim to water small trees every 2-3 days during the summer. Slowly pour 5-10 gallons of water on newly planted trees so it penetrates deeply into the soil.
Create a water basin around the trunk to help corral water. Monitor soil moisture by sticking your finger in the ground to ensure water is reaching a 12-18 inch depth.
Watering Mature Orange Trees
As a general rule, established orange trees over 3 years old only need weekly summer watering. Apply about 15-20 gallons of water directly under the tree canopy. Adjust volume as needed based on soil drainage.
Plan to water mature trees 1-2 times per week during periods of peak summer heat, low rainfall, or drought. Monitor soil moisture and leaf wilt to determine if more frequent irrigation is required.
Signs Your Tree Needs Watering
Keep an eye out for these cues that your orange tree urgently needs a drink:
- Dry, cracked soil
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Lackluster foliage and growth
- Smaller than normal fruit
- Premature fruit drop
- Dieback of twigs and branches
Tips for Watering Orange Trees Effectively
Take these steps to ensure your orange tree receives the deep, infrequent irrigation it requires during the summer season:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease.
- Cultivate soil before watering to encourage absorption.
- Create a water basin to prevent runoff.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for slow, targeted watering.
- Add mulch around the tree to help retain soil moisture.
- Suspend watering if rain is in the forecast.
Providing Other Summer Care
Along with proper watering, make sure to provide well-rounded care to keep your orange tree thriving through hot summer conditions:
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Fertilization – Fertilize citrus trees 3-4 times per year. Use a balanced 10-10-10 or citrus-specific fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes that can burn trees during summer.
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Pest Management – Monitor for pests like aphids, mites, and scale. Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control infestations.
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Weed Control – Remove weeds competing for water and nutrients. Apply mulch to suppress weeds.
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Pruning – Trim dead branches and shape tree in late summer after fruiting. Avoid major pruning that stresses trees during hot weather.
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Harvest – Pick oranges when fully ripe and colorful for peak flavor. Harvest summer fruits once they turn orange.
Enjoy the Rewards of a Well-Watered Orange Tree
Paying close attention to irrigation needs is crucial for growing robust, productive orange trees, especially as temperatures rise during the summer. Aim to give your trees a thorough weekly watering, adjusting as needed based on environmental factors. Properly watered citrus will reward you with an abundance of juicy, flavorful oranges to enjoy all season long.
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Im Greg. My goal is to help you grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. I write a new “Yard Post” every Friday.
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How Often to Water Citrus? Your Ultimate Citrus Care Guide
FAQ
How to make citrus trees happy during summer?
- Watering. In the heat of summer it is important that you do keep up with the watering. …
- Position. Consider moving your trees outside for the Summer as Citrus do love a summer holiday. …
- Summer Feed. Citrus benefit from a balanced Summer and Winter Citrus Feed. …
- Treat early for Pests.
How do you water an orange tree with a hose?
In general, deep watering once or twice per week is ideal. Avoid using spray heads that can wet the trunk, which can invite disease, and instead place the hose directly on the soil and allow water to soak in slowly.
How often should I water fruit trees in hot weather?
Fruit trees need water to develop their fruit properly. It is best to water deeply and infrequently rather than frequently and shallowly. Water trees in sandy soils every 1 to 2 weeks, providing enough water so that it sinks 2 feet into the soil. in clay soils, water every 2 to 3 weeks.
What is the best watering system for citrus trees?
How to irrigate citrus trees Netafim inline drip irrigation is the best way to water citrus and other trees. Inline drip has emitters embedded in the line. It doesn’t break. It doesn’t dislodge. It doesn’t clog either, and it gets water deep down to those roots.