Blood Orange (Navel – Tarocco)

Navel – Tarocco

Citrus × sinensis ‘Tarocco’ | Sweet, richly flavoured blood orange with striking rind and flesh colour

The Tarocco Blood Orange is a premium citrus variety celebrated for its exceptional sweetness, juicy texture and subtle red pigmentation. The rind is smooth and orange with a faint blush, while the flesh develops beautiful crimson tones under the right growing conditions. Valued for both fresh eating and juicing, Tarocco combines rich, aromatic flavour with vibrant visual appeal.

Plant Care

Sun: Full sun — essential for vigorous growth and sweet, well-coloured fruit
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained; enrich sandy soils with compost or organic matter
Water: Moderate — keep evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit formation
Fertilizer: Balanced citrus feed in early spring and again midsummer; supplement with trace elements if leaves pale
Pruning: Light pruning after harvest to maintain shape and airflow; remove crossing or dead branches
Top tip: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature; protect roots and young trees from frost where needed

Specifications

Botanical name: Citrus × sinensis ‘Tarocco’
Common name: Tarocco Blood Orange
Growth habit: Upright to spreading small tree
Size: ±2.5–4 m H × ±2–3 m W (smaller in containers or when pruned)
Fruit: Medium to large round fruit with smooth orange rind, often showing a red blush
Flesh: Juicy, sweet and aromatic with light to deep red pigmentation depending on conditions
Harvest: Late winter to early spring
Uses: Fresh eating, juicing, zesting, desserts, and ornamental planting

Quick Facts

• Exceptionally sweet, juicy fruit — one of the finest blood oranges
• Attractive red-blushed rind and richly coloured flesh
• Ideal for full-sun gardens and citrus enthusiasts