When to Plant Orange in Sydney — Warm 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 Warm Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Plant October-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
Warm Temperate Growing Tips for Orange
Recommended Varieties
- Washington Navel
- Lane Late
- Valencia
- Cara Cara
- Blood Orange (Moro, Tarocco, Sanguinelli)
Key Challenges
- Gall wasp
- Fruit may lack sweetness in cooler coastal areas
Pro Tips
- Western Sydney and Hunter Valley produce sweet oranges. Coastal Sydney less so.
- Blood oranges develop best colour with cold winter nights (western suburbs better than coastal).
- Full sun, north-facing position for sweetest fruit.
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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