Citrus Growers Forum

crackerjackhoghead · Posted: Tue 12 Jan, 2010 4:28 am

I understand that citrus likes sun but I have an area in my yard that has room for another tree but is partially shaded. Is there a variety of orange that is better suited to such an area?

Skeeter · Posted: Tue 12 Jan, 2010 4:57 pm

To say that citrus like sun is not exactly correct--they do OK in full sun, but they actually reach their maximum photosynthetic rate at about 1/3 full sun. The size of the tree is an indication of it's natural environment, a second story tree that is used to partial shade.

They will do fine in partial shade, none of mine are in full sun.

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Skeet

crackerjackhoghead · Posted: Tue 12 Jan, 2010 6:05 pm

Skeet,
Thanks, that makes sense, I guess they shade each other pretty well in commercial groves.

TRI · Posted: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 11:41 pm

Citrus trees that are partially shaded may be damaged less in severe freezes. This is becuase the trees thaw more slowly when the sunlight is blocked.

John Bonzo · Posted: Sun 17 Jan, 2010 9:55 pm

TRI wrote:

Citrus trees that are partially shaded may be damaged less in severe freezes. This is because the trees thaw more slowly when the sunlight is blocked.

Plus, whatever is shading the citrus tree can help protect them by either catching some of the frost or by blocking a little of the earth's heat radiating back into the atmosphere.