When to Plant Orange in Melbourne — Cool Temperate 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 Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Plant November. Warmest position.
- 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
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Orange
Recommended Varieties
- Washington Navel
- Lane Late
- Blood Orange (best colour in cool climates)
Key Challenges
- Tart fruit in cool years
- Frost risk
- Gall wasp
Pro Tips
- Oranges are marginal to good in Melbourne depending on position.
- Blood oranges develop their best colour here - cold nights drive anthocyanin production.
- North-facing wall, overhead protection from frost.
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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