The Moro Blood Orange Tree
Moro blood oranges have the most consistent red flesh color and greatest fruit yield among blood oranges. While sufficient for juicing, the Sanguinello is the juiciest blood orange. It can be said that Moro blood oranges are the bloodiest of blood oranges.
These oranges need cooler weather in order for the blood color to appear. This is evident when comparing how they grow in Florida versus a hot season in Southern California. An orange may be completely ripe but show very little red color in Southern Cali because of the temperature.
Basic Information
| Common Name | Moro Blood Orange |
| Botanical Name | Citrus sinensis ‘Moro’ |
| Location of Origin | Siracusa, Sicily |
| USDA Zones | 9-11 |
| Can be grown in containers? | Yes |
Fruit Characteristics
| Fruit Size | Small |
| Fruit Shape | Round |
| Fruit Flavor | Sweet, not as sweet as other blood oranges |
| Rind Thickness | Average |
| Rind Texture | Smooth, slightly pitted |
| Rind Color | Reddish Orange |
| Flesh Color | Burgundy |
| Easy to Peel? | Average |
| Seeds | Low-seeded |
Tree Details
| Has Thorns? | Yes, fairly small |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Size | Large |
| Flower Color | White |
| Flower Size | Medium-large |
| Mature Tree Height in Ground | 8′ – 12′ |
| Fruit Bearing Age | 3 – 4 years old |
| Alternate Bearing? | No |
| Heat to Sweeten Fruit? | Yes |
Growing Conditions
| Temperature | Hardy to 32 ºF |
| Self-fertile? | Yes |
| Sunlight Required | Full Sun |
| Bloom Season in Minnesota | Summer |
| Harvest Season in Minnesota | Late Winter |
| Average Spring/Summer Watering | Once every 1-2 weeks, more often when hot |
| Average Fall/Winter Watering | Once every 3 weeks |
Guides for Growing in Containers
Images
