Orange trees need plenty of sun and warmth for them to grow healthy oranges. Seedless orange varieties that do well in Florida’s climate are the Washington Navel, which ripens during November to May, and the Valencia, a summer fruit that ripens February to October. The Valencia is smaller and juicier, but its thinner rind isn’t as easy to peel. With the right soil conditions and care, you can have fresh oranges ready to eat year-round.
Step Two
Select a sunny location that is protected from wind. Position the tree near a light-colored, south-facing wall so it will have good protection and benefit from radiated heat.
Step Three
Dig a hole as deep as the orange tree's container. Mix equal parts of organic matter into the soil if it's heavy or too sandy. Plant multiple orange trees 20 feet apart.
Step Four
Set the orange tree into the hole and tamp down the soil. Don't create a trough that holds moisture at the trunk, as this can make it more susceptible to fungus disease.
Step Five
Add a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the orange tree out to the drip line but not in contact with the trunk.
Step Six
Caring for Orange Trees in Florida - Irrigate Florida orange trees with about 1-½ inches of water once a week. Water more frequently if the soil depth is less than 4 feet, but only 1 inch of water at a time. Cease watering in the fall s
Step Seven
Limit pruning on young trees to branches that are within 1 foot of the ground. Mature orange trees have a natural round form, so prune only broken or diseased branches.
Step Eight
Fertilize orange trees in Florida with nitrogen just before they bloom or up to four times a year. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product.