Orange Blossoms Harvest in Florence 2025

Delicate, white, and fragrant orange blossoms are harvested from both sweet and bitter orange trees in Italy. The blossoms of bitter orange produce neroli oil, a warm, sweet, and slightly sharper essential oil highly valued in perfumery.

Blooming Season

The harvest of orange blossoms in Florence occurs from late April to early May when the trees are in full bloom. During this period, the fragrant blossoms are carefully collected for use in perfumery and essential oil production in Italy.

Best Locations

Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region are home to several notable citrus gardens, offering visitors a chance to explore the fragrant world of blooming orange trees. Among the most famous are the Boboli Gardens, a 16th-century park behind the Pitti Palace, where citrus trees are part of the ornamental layout and may bloom in spring. The Bardini Garden, also in Florence, features beautiful terraces with citrus trees that may display blossoms in the warmer months.

For those seeking a more historic experience, the Hesperidarium Garden of Citrus in Castellare di Pescia, Tuscany, is a must-see. This garden boasts over 200 varieties of ornamental citrus, including some that date back to the 16th century and were cultivated for the Medici family. Similarly, the Villa Medicea di Castello in Florence is home to the Medici citrus collection, showcasing the family's appreciation for exotic plants.

In addition, La Limonaia di San Giovanni, a greenhouse in Florence, houses a collection of lemon and orange trees, while the Giardino dell'Orticoltura is a botanical garden with a notable citrus collection. For those willing to travel beyond Florence, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) in Rome, located on Aventine Hill, offers a peaceful setting for enjoying blooming citrus trees. Many private villas and historic estates in Tuscany also cultivate citrus trees, often in traditional terracotta pots, offering a unique glimpse into Italy’s citrus heritage.

The Essence of Bitter Orange Blossoms

Italians gather orange blossoms, including those from bitter orange trees, to produce essential oils and extracts used in perfumery. The essential oil from bitter orange blossoms, known as neroli oil, is valued for its warm, sweet, and slightly sharper floral aroma. The name “neroli” originated in the 17th century when Princess Anna Marie Orsini of Nerola popularized its use by scenting her gloves and baths. In addition to its use in perfumes, neroli oil is known for its calming effects, making it a remedy for anxiety and aiding with physical concerns such as stretch marks.