Growth

• During the first year following the planting of an orange tree, the growth of the tree itself will be minimal. If the tree is obtaining adequate nutrients and moisture, the ideal time for growth will be between years two and four after being planted. The rate of growth for an orange tree can be variable based on several factors, including cultural practices, climate and spacing of the trees, scion and the quality of the rootstock.
  
  

Flowering

• Flowering will usually begin to occur in the second year following planting. Regular flowering begins approximately four years following planting. The seasonal flowering of an orange tree will occur after the winter months, when trees experience a period of quiescence. The return of warm temperatures following a period of more than 300 hours of temperature below 68 degrees Fahrenheit will typically induce flowering. Trees in tropical conditions can undergo multiple periods of blooming every year.
  
  

Fruit

• Only a small percentage of orange flowers will produce fruits, as many of the flowers will drop after they open. Large numbers of fruits will drop between 10 and 12 weeks following pollination. It takes approximately seven to 14 months for fruit to adequately mature.
  
  

Factors Affecting Growth

• One of the primary factors affecting the growth of an orange tree is climate. Other factors that play a role in determining the growth rate of the orange tree include planting practices, spacing of the trees, rootstock and scion. Scion is a short stem length that is taken from one orange tree and grafted onto another tree's rootstock.
  
  

Achieving Desired Tree Size

• The desired size for the tree is typically achieved at between 10 and 14 years following planting. The fruiting ability of the tree will then generally decline from its peak, which is achieved at around 20 to 25 years. Some orange trees have been known to bear fruit for as many as 250 years, surviving beyond their expected life span.