When to Plant Orange in Brisbane — Subtropical 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 Subtropical Australia
When to Plant
Plant September-November.
- 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
Subtropical Growing Tips for Orange
Recommended Varieties
- Washington Navel
- Lane Late Navel (late season)
- Valencia
- Cara Cara (pink navel, excellent)
- Blood orange (needs cool nights for colour)
Key Challenges
- Citrus gall wasp
- Fruit fly
- Blood oranges need colder winters than SEQ usually provides for full colour
Pro Tips
- Good orange zone. Navels ripen June-August, Valencia September-November.
- Lane Late extends harvest to October.
- Cara Cara is outstanding - pink flesh, low acid, sweet.
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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