Orange Tree Plant Information

Plant History

The orange tree grows best in tropical and subtropical locations. It originated in the Southern China region, Northeast India, and Myanmar. The earliest documentation of this plant was in Chinese literature in 314 BC.

Today, Florida is known as the capital of orange agriculture. It’s said that Ponce de Leon planted the first orange tree in the USA during the 14^th century near St. Augustine, Florida. Since then, orange trees have been thriving in the Florida climate.

Botanical Information

The citrus family consists of 60 different varieties of fruit. The orange is scientifically known as Citrus x sinensis, and it’s a member of the Rutaceae family.

Orange trees have a lifespan of up to 100 years, with 50-60 years of peak fruit production. Mature trees grow to be 16-50 feet tall, although they also come in dwarf varieties that grow up to 12 feet. Both varieties are often appreciated for their beauty, fragrant flowers, and of course, fruit.

This tree has a strong trunk and branches that grow vibrant, glossy green leaves and white, fragrant flowers. They grow spherical if pruned properly and bloom their flowers in the Spring. A mature tree blooms 250,000 flowers per season, but only 1% will grow mature fruit.

Growing Information

As mentioned, orange trees thrive in warm climates (60-90F) and need full sun exposure (10 hours daily). They should be planted in loamy, well-drained, Neutral pH-level soil.

The tree blooms in the Summer. When planted in warmer climates, they can be planted any time of year; however, if they’re planted in cooler climates, like Canada, they should be planted in the Spring or Summer. Orange trees should be sheltered if high winds are a risk as they’re susceptible to wind damage and thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. Orange trees are toxic to pets, so if you’re planting them in your backyard, or planting dwarf trees indoors, it’s important to keep that in mind.

To plant an orange tree, dig a hole double the root ball’s size, and place the root ball in the hole so the top of the root ball sits flush with the soil line. Dwarf trees can be grown in a pot either inside or outside. All orange trees need consistent water but don’t tolerate soggy soil, while established trees need 1 inch of water/week.

When grown in cooler climates, the plant should be fertilized every month or two. In warmer climates, fertilizing year-round encourages continual growth.

Parts Used

The most used parts of the orange tree are the fruit. The fruit is enjoyed as a citrus snack, and the peel can be used for culinary zest, beverages or cold pressed for oil production.

Orange Essential Oil Information

Extraction Method For Orange Essential Oil

The best extraction method for orange and other citrus oils is cold pressing. Cold pressing yields the best citrus oils because cold pressing extracts the oil without heat or solvents.

Through cold pressing, oil is expressed from the peel and captured in water. Although other extractors can be used, Brown or JBT extractors are generally used to express the oil from the fruit or peel. Cold pressing ensures the oil is pure, potent and most importantly, solvent-free.

Active Ingredients Found in Orange Essential Oil

The main active constituents in Orange essential oil are monoterpenes (limonene, a-pinene, sabinene, ß-myrcene). Oxygenated alcohol compounds are also found in orange oil (linalool, a-terpineol), and aldehydes (citral, citral-E, citronellal).

Orange Oil Applications

Orange essential oil offers many benefits from skincare to mood enhancement. It can also be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few different ways to enjoy this oil while helping your well-being.

Mood Enhancement

Due to its zesty aroma, Orange essential oil is known to help uplift your mood and spirits. It's a great oil to use in the morning or to perk up during the afternoon or Winter time.

• Add 3-5 drops of orange oil in a diffuser and let the aroma take over your home
• Add a few drops on a washcloth and hang it in the shower so the steam can ignite its aroma
• Mix 2 drops of orange oil with your favourite body lotion and rub on the skin

Energizing Benefits of Orange Essential Oil

Due to the compounds found in orange essential oil, it is an energizing oil that will put some pep in your step. It's a great oil to use in the morning to start your day.

• Add 3-5 drops of orange oil in a diffuser and turn on in the morning
• Add a few drops of orange oil to your body wash and energize your morning shower
• Mix 3 drops of orange oil with grapeseed oil in a rollerball and use on wrists

Skincare

Orange essential oil is great for brightening your skin and lightening discolouration, naturally.

• Add 2 drops of orange oil to your nighttime face cream
• Add 3 drops of orange oil to 30ml of grapeseed oil and use on your body to lock in moisture and brighten the skin

Acne Control

Orange and other citrus oils help diminish acne breakouts due to their antibacterial properties and can help lighten acne scarring.

• Add 1 drop of orange oil to 10ml of tamanu oil to use as a spot treatment
• Add two drops of orange oil to your face cream with salicylic acid

Shopping Tips For Buying Quality Orange Oil

When shopping for orange essential oils, buy ones that are cold-pressed, fragrant and organic when possible. These high quality oils will ensure purity, and potency and will be solvent-free.