What Maximum Tall Does a Dwarf Orange Tree Grow

If you want to grow oranges but only have a small yard, the dwarf orange tree might suit you well. Dwarf trees provide the delicate blossoms, fresh fragrance and juicy fruit of an orange tree, just in a smaller package.

  -  Function                                                           

Dwarf fruit trees seem designer-made these days. Most varieties are composed of two parts: a scion (or trunk and leaves) of one tree grafted onto the rootstock of a different tree. The scion choice dictates the type of oranges the tree will produce, while the rootstock determines the height of the tree.

  -  Significance                                                     

Dwarfing rootstocks are not all alike. Arborists have developed rootstocks that limit the tree's growth to three-quarters, one-half and even a third of the size of a regular orange tree. To know the mature height of a dwarf orange, ask your nursery about the specifications of the rootstock used.

  -  Considerations                                                 

You might expect that all parts of a dwarf orange tree will be small, but this is not true. The leaves and fruit of a dwarf orange tree will be the same as a full-size tree. Only the height will be different. According to the National Gardening Association, standard orange trees grow 18 to 22 feet tall, while dwarf varieties stay between 8 and 12 feet.

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Overwinter a Dwarf Orange Tree

The dwarf orange tree is any orange tree that does not reach mature heights higher than 10 feet. Other than the size, there are few differences between the dwarf orange tree and any standard sized orange tree. The process of overwintering a dwarf orange tree is the same process as any standard size orange tree, though the dwarf tree often encounters additional overwintering options because of its smaller size. The dwarf orange tree’s variety will determine how much overwintering it requires to survive the dormancy period.

  -  Instructions                                                             

1
Harvest the dwarf orange tree daily in the fall until all the oranges have been removed from the tree. Complete this harvesting process to reduce the potential for fungal and bacterial diseases during the following growing season.

2
Prune your dwarf orange tree to prepare it for its dormancy. Cut away any dead, broken or damaged branches and stems with sharp, sterile pruning shears. Remove any water sprouts from the dwarf tree’s canopy. Identify water sprouts as any branches that grow in directions that are unnatural to the canopy’s overall growth, such as branches that cross or grow straight up.

3
Thin out the tree’s dense canopy to increase the air circulation and light penetration throughout the tree. Remove and trim back selected exterior canopy branches that limit the flow of air and light throughout the tree. Trim the canopy lightly as needed to develop the tree’s shape.

4
Remove all defoliation and debris from around the tree’s planting area. Pull any weeds or competitive growth from the area. Be sure to remove weeds from the root to prevent regrowth. Line a thick, 4- to 5-inch layer of mulch over the dwarf orange tree’s planting area to protect the roots from the harsh winter elements. Keep the mulch at least a foot away from the base of the tree to prevent potential root rot.

5
Move your dwarf orange tree indoors if it is a container-bound tree. Place the tree in a cool, dry location that has good air circulation. Keep the indoor temperature between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the tree dormant during the winter months but do not allow the temperatures to fall below freezing, as freezing temperatures can injure, if not kill, the dwarf orange tree. Place the container-bound dwarf orange tree outdoors after the final frost.

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