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How to Grow Oranges

Quintessential to a well balanced breakfast, the humble orange juice is a staple to many Australian breakfast tables. But it has so many other uses, too – orange and poppy seed cake, thrown raw in salads or used as a tangy glaze for hams; so it pays to grow your own for a fresh supply!

There are many varieties to choose from, including Valencia (also available in dwarf form), Seville or Washington Navel.

Full sun

Water regularly

Well drained

In cold climates, plant shrubs in spring, once the soil has warmed up. In warmer areas, shrubs can also be planted in autumn

How to grow oranges in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in the hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed your orange tree with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn.

Step 7

When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow oranges in a pot

When planting in a pot, choose a dwarf orange variety, such as Dwarf Valencia or Dwarf Navel.

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. TIP: Consider placing the pot on pot feet if you live in a cold area, so it can be easily moved inside or to a more protected spot in winter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in the hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water deeply, 2-3 times during the week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 5

Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn.

Step 6

When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

When planting in a pot, choose a dwarf orange variety, such as Dwarf Valencia or Dwarf Navel.
If you’re short of sunny spots in the garden, grow citrus in pots that can be moved to take advantage of changing patterns of sunlight.
In heavy clay soils, it’s best to put extra effort into soil preparation. To check if your soil needs work, dig a hole and pour a bucket of water into the hole – if it takes more than 30 minutes to disappear, then you will need to work your soil. Consider raising the level of the bed as much as possible, dig in gypsum and plenty of Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Potted oranges should be grown in a good quality mix (such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter) and moved into larger containers as they grow.
Remove any small fruit that develop within the first two years - thinning excess fruit when they’re small will encourage better sized and tasting fruit to develop in the coming years.
Valencia is the best variety for most areas of Australia. The fruit hang onto the tree for many months after ripening and the fruit juice does not sour after storage in the fridge.
Washington Navel is prized for its incredibly sweet fruit, however, it’s more susceptible to diseases and the fruit juice does not last as long as Valencia.
There are bitter varieties available that are used to make marmalade.
Some varieties produce fruit all year round (check the label).