As we eat more oranges than any any other citrus fruit it is a wonder that more home gardeners who have the room do not plant an orange tree. They are great for fresh fruit, for juice and of course for making marmalades. Choose the right orange tee for the right purpose.
Allm varieties are self fertile, so you only need one. All are evergreen and all are sun loving. As with all citrus trees, orange trees require little to no pruning, however if you do need to prune, the best time is in spring.
Orange trees can also be used as informal hedges as well as for espalier growing along fences or walls. The flowers are scented and attractive, the foliage a glossy green and if protected from frosts, orange trees are very easy care.
For growing in containers look for the grafted dwarf varieties.
Growing Orange Trees
Really these are easy trees to grow,orange trees like a sunny position and a humus rich well drained soil. They require little care and no pruning. Masses of fruit once established.
Orange Tree Care
Like most citrus trees, Orange trees require a sunny position and a well drained soil. Nearly all Orange trees are grafted, this means that when you will need to remove any shoots from the below the graft as they appear.
The main factors are constant, however not to much water, and fertiliser.
With watering, over watering will reduce the quality of the fruit, just as much as under watering. Fertiliser should be a specific citrus fertiliser, this will promote good fruit growth without to much foliage growth.
Oranges trees will reach around 3 – 4 metres in height depending on the variety.
Orange Tree Varieties
- Seville Orange – This is the variety famous ‘sour orange’ for making marmalade, an excellent fruit tree for the home garden.
- Valencia – With very few seeds this is regarded as one of the best varieties. Early fruiting and will grow well in many areas of Australia including the hills around Melbourne. It will perform better in warmer climates, in cooler arfeas fruit will take longer to ripen.
- Washington Navel – Very sweet juicy fruit in early winter, regarded as the best for cooler climates.
Orange Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au