Madam Vinous Sweet Orange Tree

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun and well-draining soil. Keep the root flare and graft union above the soil line. In colder regions, use a large container that can be moved indoors before freezing weather.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. Once established, water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid constantly soggy soil, and water container-grown trees more often during hot weather.

3. Pruning: Prune lightly after harvest or in late winter once the risk of frost has passed. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or inward-growing branches, along with shoots emerging from below the graft. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce fruit production.

4. Fertilizing: Feed with a fertilizer formulated for citrus in early spring and repeat as directed through the growing season. Choose a formula containing micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and manganese. Stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall so tender new growth does not develop before cold weather.