When to Plant Orange in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Classic backyard citrus. Sweet oranges need more heat than lemons for sweetness development - coastal Melbourne oranges are noticeably more tart than those from Mildura or the Riverland. Navel oranges (seedless, eating) and Valencia oranges (juicing, summer fruit) are the main types. Trees are medium-sized, attractive, and productive for decades. Grafted onto appropriate rootstock.
How to Grow Orange in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Marginal. Pot culture safer.
- Soil
- Well-drained, slightly acidic. Same requirements as other citrus.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours. More heat = sweeter fruit.
Companion plants: Nasturtium, Comfrey, Marigold
Avoid planting near: Grass right to trunk
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Orange
Recommended Varieties
- Washington Navel in warmest microclimate only
Key Challenges
- Frost damage
- Insufficient heat for sweet fruit
Pro Tips
- Very marginal for oranges. Blood orange in a pot is the best option for colour development from cold nights.
Harvesting Orange
When ready: Full orange colour (some green at stem end is normal). Taste test - sweetness develops with time on tree. Navel oranges ripen faster than Valencia.
How to harvest: Cut with secateurs or twist-pull.
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