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best place to plant orange tree

Finding the best place to plant orange tree is the first step to enjoying a bounty of sweet, juicy fruit in your backyard. Whether you're dreaming of harvesting your own oranges for breakfast or hoping to fill your garden with the vibrant scent of citrus, understanding where to locate your orange tree is key to its long-term success. In New Zealand's temperate climate, the right spot will make all the difference for healthy growth and abundant harvests.

Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.

Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, it produces juicy, refreshing oranges that are ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and lunchboxes.

From $34.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
'Valencia' orange fruit.

Orange 'Valencia'

The ‘Valencia’ orange is a world-famous citrus variety celebrated for its sweet, juicy flavour and excellent juicing qualities. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this reliable orange tree produces heavy crops of seedless fruit that ripen later in the season, extending the citrus harvest.

From $219.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Citrus
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Orange 'Harwood Late' orange fruit.
Orange 'Harwood Late'

Orange ‘Harwood Late’ is a superb late season navel orange variety prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. This reliable...

From$34.95
Orange 'Barnfield' orange fruit with orange flesh ona table.
Orange Barnfield

Orange ‘Barnfield’ is a premium navel orange variety prized for its excellent flavour, seedless fruit, and reliable crops. This outstanding citrus...

From$219.95
A 'Fukumoto' Orange tree with orange fruit.
Orange 'Fukumoto'

How to grow Orange ‘Fukumoto’ in NZ

From$329.95
Blood Orange fruit with blood-red flesh.
Orange Blood Orange

Blood Orange is a highly distinctive citrus variety admired for its rich red flesh and sweet yet tangy flavour. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this...

From$369.95
Orange 'Washington Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Washington Navel'

The ‘Washington Navel’ orange is the most famous navel orange variety, celebrated for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and easy-to-peel skin. This...

From$329.95
'Cara Cara' orange fruit.
Orange 'Cara Cara'

The ‘Cara Cara’ Orange is a highly sought-after citrus variety, famous for its striking pink flesh and sweet, low-acid flavour. This seedless navel...

From$34.95
'Navelina' orange fruit.
Orange 'Navelina'

Orange ‘Navelina’ is a superb early season navel orange variety known for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. Perfect for New...

From$34.95
Orange Navelate fruit.
Orange 'Navelate'

Orange ‘Navelate’ is a premium late season navel orange variety prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and smooth, easy to peel skin. Perfect for...

From$49.95
chaenomeles-double-take-orange-
Chaenomeles 'Double Take Orange'

Chaenomeles 'Double Take Orange' is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular display of large, double orange flowers. The vibrant blooms...

From$27.53
chaenomeles-orange-storm-
Chaenomeles 'Orange Storm'

Chaenomeles 'Orange Storm' is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular display of large, double orange flowers. The blooms appear in...

From$27.53
Orange 'Powell Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Powell Navel'

Orange ‘Powell Navel’ is a premium late season navel variety renowned for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and long hanging ability on the tree...

From$34.95
Hemerocallis 'Orange Star' colourful flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Orange Star'

Hemerocallis 'Orange Star' is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The impressive, burnt orange blooms are...

From$23.39
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Hypocyrta tropicana (Goldfish Plant) with orange flowers growing as a potted plant indoors.
Hypocyrta tropicana

Hypocyrta tropicana, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a popular indoor plant owing to its foliage, flowers, and great form. The dark green...

From$30.29
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Orange 'Best Seedless'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Orange, or related Categories - Orange Trees.

Search best place to plant orange tree

Why Location Matters for Orange Trees

Orange trees thrive in sunny, well-drained positions with protection from harsh winds and frosts. Choosing the best place to plant orange tree means considering a few important factors to give your citrus its best start. South-facing walls that reflect warmth, sheltered courtyards, or north-facing garden beds typically provide the microclimate an orange tree loves. If you have limited space, oranges even do well in large containers, as long as they're placed where they can soak up plenty of sunshine.

Sunlight and Shelter: Essentials for Success

When searching for the best place to plant orange tree, sunlight is non-negotiable. Orange trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce rich, flavourful fruit. Avoid planting beneath the canopy of larger trees or near structures that cast heavy shade. Shelter is equally important; strong winds can damage young branches and dry out leaves, so choose a spot with some natural windbreak or consider installing a simple fence or hedge for protection.

Soil and Drainage for Orange Trees

Excellent drainage is crucial for oranges. The best place to plant orange tree is in sandy or loamy soil that doesn't become waterlogged after rain. If your garden has heavy clay, consider building up a raised mound or bed with quality citrus mix to prevent root rot. Before planting, dig in plenty of well-rotted compost and check that water flows easily through the soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal.

Great Orange Tree Varieties for Your Garden

Selecting the right variety is just as important as location. If you’re interested in classic, richly flavoured oranges, consider the versatile Orange 'Valencia', perfect for juicing or eating fresh and well-suited to a range of New Zealand gardens. For those wanting nearly seedless fruit, the Orange 'Best Seedless' is an excellent pick, thriving in bright, warm spots. If you prefer late-season oranges, Orange 'Harwood Late' offers delicious fruit and extends your harvest. Fans of unique flavours might try Orange Barnfield, which brings a rich, sweet taste, while the Orange 'Fukumoto' provides early, sweet crops and a compact, ornamental shape.

Planting Tips for Maximum Growth

Wherever you decide is the best place to plant orange tree, be sure to prepare the area well. Space trees at least 3–4 metres apart in the ground to ensure good air circulation. Mulch around the base (without piling up against the trunk) to keep roots cool and moist, and water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. A slow-release citrus fertiliser in spring and mid-summer will help keep your tree healthy and productive.

Creating the right environment means your orange tree—whether it's Orange 'Valencia', Orange 'Best Seedless', Orange 'Harwood Late', Orange Barnfield, or Orange 'Fukumoto'—will reward you for years to come with beautiful foliage, scented blossoms, and mouth-watering fruit. Plant wisely and enjoy the sweet rewards.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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