Blood Oranges Not Best Citrus Choice for Las Vegas

Q. Blood oranges. Why are they not growing? They grow to golf size balls and that is it. Why?

A. I don't know which variety you have and how or where in your landscape you planted it. Blood oranges, in my opinion, are a bit more sensitive to our desert climate than some other citrus. Citrus is one of the fruits that doesn't really respond to thinning very well. Very little difference in fruit size is seen in citrus if it is thinned like you would apples or peaches. So thinning will not make the fruit larger.

            I think you will have to focus on better tree management. Put them in an area that is not quite so hot and has some shade from late afternoon heat. I would try mulching under the tree with wood mulch and make sure you're irrigation is adequate. Keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent trunk rot. Have at least two drip emitters irrigating this tree about a foot from the trunk.

Another sign of a problem in water management can be fruit splitting.

           
















 Myers lemon and grapefruit would be a better choice. Even Satsuma orange would probably be a better choice than a blood orange. Blood oranges will freeze back in our climate so you will have to protect them from freezing during the winter. Locate them near a warm wall and protected from winter wind.

            If you are going to try a blood orange see if you can find a variety called 'Tarocco'. If not, a second choice might be 'Moro' but if you are not willing to protect it from freeze damage, then don't plant it.