Why are my oranges splitting open?
Samuel Coleman
Published May 28, 2026
Why are my oranges splitting open?
Fruit splitting is a long-standing problem in most areas where navel oranges are grown. The amount of water in a citrus tree changes due to weather conditions and this causes the fruit to shrink and swell as water is lost or gained. If the water content changes too much or too rapidly the rind may split.
How do I keep oranges from splitting on my tree?
When a citrus tree has deficiencies in potassium or calcium, the rind tends to be thinner or weaker, making it more prone to splitting. Providing a citrus tree with adequate potassium and calcium when fertilizing will therefore minimize the splitting of fruit.
Why do oranges split and fall off trees?
Splits probably occur when water and sugars are transported from the roots of the tree to the ripening fruit, and the rind is unable to expand quickly enough to accommodate the added volume. The rind bursts open under the pressure.
Why does citrus split on the tree?
When a citrus tree becomes droughted, it responds by pulling water from the fruits in order to spare the leaves. Then, when water is applied, the tree moves water and nutrients back to the fruits, but it may be more than the fruit is capable of holding, making a split likely.
Why do baby oranges fall off tree?
Changes in weather can stress your citrus tree and cause fruit to drop. If your tree is in a pot, this may mean watering it every day. Droughted trees can be another cause of fruit drop and, if the lack of water is severe enough or occurs frequently, may also cause leaves to yellow and fall off the tree.
Why is my lemon splitting?
Severe swings in temperatures can cause the fruit on lemon trees to split. If the soil is dry and the temperature shifts 30 degrees F or more during the day, your fruit will be more likely to split, according to the University of California Gardenweb. Maintain adequate soil moisture to protect your lemons.
What causes oranges on orange trees to split?
Nonetheless, they are an exciting addition to the home orchard and provide vitamin-rich fruits. Cracked citrus rinds are another issue, and in oranges, can split open, making the citrus fruit inedible. Providing the correct cultural and nutrient conditions will prevent this fruit damage. What Causes Oranges to Split?
What to do with split oranges in Garden?
Provide adequate fertilization and even watering, particularly if the weather is unseasonably hot during the fall season. Immediately remove or discard any split oranges from the tree and the ground. Split fruit breaks down rapidly. Decaying fruit will only attract disease, bacteria and unwanted pests.
What kind of oranges split the rind open?
Orange rinds split open, as well as mandarins and tangelos, but never grapefruit. Navel oranges are the most prone to the problem. So what causes oranges to split?
Why are the rinds on my naval Orange splitting?
Naval orange rinds split open more, likely because of the thickness of the rind and the large stylar, or navel. The green fruit is usually the splitting citrus fruit. Oranges splitting, or any other citrus fruit, are a result of cultural activities. Irrigation problems may contribute where the tree gets too much water.
Nonetheless, they are an exciting addition to the home orchard and provide vitamin-rich fruits. Cracked citrus rinds are another issue, and in oranges, can split open, making the citrus fruit inedible. Providing the correct cultural and nutrient conditions will prevent this fruit damage. What Causes Oranges to Split?
Orange rinds split open, as well as mandarins and tangelos, but never grapefruit. Navel oranges are the most prone to the problem. So what causes oranges to split?
Provide adequate fertilization and even watering, particularly if the weather is unseasonably hot during the fall season. Immediately remove or discard any split oranges from the tree and the ground. Split fruit breaks down rapidly. Decaying fruit will only attract disease, bacteria and unwanted pests.
Naval orange rinds split open more, likely because of the thickness of the rind and the large stylar, or navel. The green fruit is usually the splitting citrus fruit. Oranges splitting, or any other citrus fruit, are a result of cultural activities. Irrigation problems may contribute where the tree gets too much water.