Orlando Tangelo Tree

*SHIPS 1-3 DAYS How we ship your plants

Need help selecting the perfect plant? Call our customer care team (833) 599-9920

Size
Regular price $168.00
1 YEAR GUARANTEE

all our plants and trees are now covered by our 1 year guarantee. Learn more

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Orlando Tangelo Tree produces juicy, easy-to-peel fruit with a sweet-tart flavor and few seeds. A hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit, it offers a refreshing citrus experience and beautiful evergreen foliage. Cold-hardy and productive, it’s a standout choice for home growers in warmer climates or for containers in cooler zones.

  • Botanical name: Citrus × tangelo ‘Orlando’
  • Bloom time: Spring
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sunlight

WATER:
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 5–7 days in warm months.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
The Orlando Tangelo Tree is easy to grow and maintain with basic citrus care.

PET-FRIENDLY?:
This plant is best kept out of reach of pets.

Note: The Orlando Tangelo Tree is more cold-tolerant than many citrus varieties and can handle short dips into the upper 20s°F once established. It’s also great for container gardening in cooler regions where it can be brought indoors during the winter.

We cannot guarantee the Orlando Tangelo Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the tree’s maturity at the time of shipment.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Orlando Tangelo Tree, scientifically known as Citrus × tangelo ‘Orlando’, is a juicy hybrid citrus tree prized for its easy-to-peel, sweet-tart fruit and cold-hardy nature. A cross between Dancy Tangerine and Duncan Grapefruit, this tree produces vibrant, slightly flattened oranges with a refreshing flavor and few seeds. Its attractive evergreen foliage and fragrant white blossoms make it both a productive fruit tree and a beautiful landscape accent.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; reaches 10–15 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide when mature.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Generally every 5–7 days in the growing season, less frequently in winter. The Orlando Tangelo Tree thrives in full sun and needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce flavorful fruit. Ample sunlight is essential for both flowering and fruit development.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Prune annually in early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light thinning helps increase airflow and fruit quality.

Fertilization: Feed with a balanced citrus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce feeding in fall and stop in winter.

Winter Protection: Container-grown trees in cooler zones should be moved indoors before frost. For in-ground trees, use frost cloths or mulch around the base during unexpected cold snaps.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant your Orlando Tangelo Tree in a sunny, well-drained location. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Position the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly after planting. Mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to retain moisture and discourage weeds. If planting in a container, use a pot with drainage holes and a citrus-specific or well-draining potting mix.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 8–11 outdoors; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.

The Orlando Tangelo Tree is well-suited to USDA Zones 8–11, where it can be planted directly in the ground and will thrive year-round. It is more cold-tolerant than many other citrus varieties and can handle brief temperature drops into the upper 20s °F. For gardeners in Zones 4–7, it grows well in large containers that can be moved indoors when temperatures fall. Its adaptability makes it a great citrus option for both southern and more temperate climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When mature and planted in the ground, Orlando Tangelo trees can reach:
• 10 to 15 feet tall
• 8 to 12 feet wide

In containers, they stay more compact—usually 6 to 8 feet tall—depending on pruning and pot size.

Orlando Tangelo trees have a moderate growth rate, typically adding 12–24 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Growth is fastest with:
• Full sun
• Regular watering
• Monthly fertilizing during spring and summer
• Protection from frost and wind

Choose a location that meets the following:
• Sunlight: Full sun—6 to 8 hours daily
• Soil: Well-draining, preferably sandy or loamy
• Shelter: Protect from strong winds and cold drafts
• Spacing: Allow 8–10 feet of space from other trees or structures
• Climate: Ideal for warm, frost-free zones; if you’re in a colder area, plant in a large container that can be moved indoors during winter

Yes, the Orlando Tangelo tree is self-pollinating, meaning it doesn’t require a second tree to produce fruit.
• For indoor trees or greenhouses, occasional manual pollination (using a soft brush) can improve yield
• Outdoor trees benefit naturally from bee activity and wind

Orlando Tangelo trees typically begin bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting.
• Trees bought at a more mature stage may fruit sooner
• Proper care—sunlight, watering, and fertilization—helps speed up fruiting
• Fruit ripens in late fall to early winter

Here’s what your Orlando Tangelo tree needs:
• Sunlight: 6–8 hours of full sun daily
• Soil: Well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Fertilizing: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer monthly from early spring through summer
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring to remove deadwood and shape the tree
• Cold protection: Shelter young or container trees during freezes; mature trees tolerate brief dips to 28°F

With proper care, your tree will thrive and produce flavorful fruit each year.

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
• In-ground trees: Deeply water about once a week, increasing frequency during hot or dry weather
• Container trees: Check soil more often—every few days—and water thoroughly when dry

Always ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot. Consistent moisture (not sogginess) supports healthy growth and fruiting.

Orlando Tangelo trees are moderately cold-tolerant and can usually handle temperatures down to around 28°F once established.
• Young trees are more sensitive and may suffer damage below 30°F
• For extra protection, cover in-ground trees during freezes and move container trees indoors or into a sheltered area when frost is expected

The Orlando Tangelo has a rich, sweet-tart flavor with notes of tangerine and mild grapefruit. It’s:
• Juicy and seedless or nearly seedless
• Easy to peel, like a mandarin
• Less acidic than grapefruit but brighter than an orange

The flavor is well-balanced and refreshing—ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or adding to salads and desserts.

Orlando Tangelo trees typically take 2 to 3 years to begin producing fruit after planting. If your tree isn’t fruiting yet, it may still be maturing.

Other common reasons include:
• Lack of sunlight: The tree needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily to flower and fruit.
• Overfertilization: Too much nitrogen encourages leaves instead of fruit. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer during the growing season.
• Improper watering: Inconsistent watering can stress the tree. Keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained.
• Pollination issues (indoors only): While self-pollinating, trees grown indoors may benefit from hand-pollination to help set fruit.

With time and proper care, your tree should start producing its juicy, sweet-tart fruit.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Simply Trees Nationwide Shipping

Sustainable shipping, quality care

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.