How to grow orange
Overview
Orange (Citrus x sinensis) is an evergreen tree grown for its fragrant white blossoms, glossy leaves, and sweet, juicy fruit. It thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil and regular feeding.
Varieties
- Valencia — Late-season, very juicy, excellent for juice. Reliable in most zones.
- Navel — Seedless, easy to peel, sweet. Best for fresh eating. Early to mid-season.
- Washington Navel — Classic navel, large fruit, good for home gardens. Needs warm summers.
- Lane Late — Late-harvest navel, holds well on tree. Good for extended picking.
- Seville — Bitter, used for marmalade. Very hardy, good for cooler areas.
Soil Preparation
Orange prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5) with good drainage. Before planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve fertility and structure. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites; if needed, plant on a mound or in a raised bed.
Growing Guide
Plant orange in a sunny, sheltered position with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Space standard trees 4–6 m apart; dwarf varieties suit 2–3 m spacing. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, backfill with compost and well-rotted manure, and water in deeply. For grafted trees, keep the graft union 10–15 cm above the soil line. Mulch with organic matter, but avoid contact with the trunk.
Sowing
Oranges are usually grown from grafted nursery trees, not seed. Seed-grown trees take 7–10 years to fruit and may not come true to type. If sowing, plant seeds 1–2 cm deep in a seed-raising mix, keep warm and moist, and expect germination in 2–4 weeks.
Care
Feed orange with a balanced citrus fertiliser in early spring and late summer. Prune lightly after harvest to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain an open shape. Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Plant lavender, rosemary, or marigolds nearby to repel aphids and other pests. Avoid planting near eucalyptus or other citrus to reduce disease spread. Nasturtiums can attract aphids away from the tree.
Common Pests & Risks
Citrus gall wasp causes swellings on stems; prune out and destroy affected branches in winter. Scale insects and leaf miner can be controlled with horticultural oil or neem oil. Fruit fly may require netting or baiting in warm months.
Harvesting
Harvest oranges when they are fully coloured and sweet, usually from late winter to spring. Fruit will not ripen further after picking, so taste-test a few before harvesting the whole crop. Use secateurs to cut the stem, leaving a short stub to avoid damaging the tree.
In the Kitchen
Oranges are best eaten fresh or juiced within a few days of picking. Store at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer. Use zest in baking, salads, and sauces; the juice is a classic base for marinades and dressings.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often due to nitrogen or iron deficiency; feed with citrus fertiliser and apply iron chelate. Brown leaf edges: may be salt burn from over-fertilising or dry conditions; flush soil with water and reduce feed. Fruit drop: caused by water stress or sudden temperature change; maintain consistent moisture. Sooty mould: indicates scale or aphid infestation; treat the pest and wash leaves. Cracking fruit: erratic watering; keep soil evenly moist.