About
Citrus x aurantium (Sour Orange Group) 'Seville' is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of approximately 8 meters. It features glossy leaves that vary from mid- to dark green. In optimal conditions, this tree can produce fragrant white blossoms throughout the year, though the primary flowering period typically occurs from late spring to early summer. The fruits, which are ready for harvest about eight months after flowering, are bright orange with thick, bumpy skins and possess a sour, bitter flavor. These fruits are often utilized in marmalade production.
About the genus
Citrus consists mainly of evergreen shrubs and trees, which are often armed with spines. They feature simple, leathery leaves that release a pleasing fragrance, typically borne on winged petioles. The plants produce aromatic flowers that are usually white or have a hint of pink, which are succeeded by sizable, juicy fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Conservatory Greenhouse, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen (lemon and lime-bearing Citrus only). Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free