Orange
Citrus sinensis
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Quick Info
water
Regular watering, reduce slightly before flowering
spacing
6-7 metres between trees
depth
Plant at nursery depth, never bury graft union
sun
Full sun
season
Plant at start of wet season
frost
Sensitive to frost
height
5-10 metres
gemination
N/A (use grafted/budded trees)
sprout to harvest
3-4 years (grafted), 6-8 years (seedling)
soil ph
6.0-7.0
soil type
Well-drained, deep loamy soil
fertilizer needs
Moderate NPK, extra nitrogen for leaf growth
About
Oranges grow well in PNG lowland and mid-altitude areas. Citrus is in high demand in PNG markets and most fruit is currently imported, creating a strong opportunity for local growers. Budded or grafted trees produce fruit much sooner and more reliably than seedlings.
Health Benefits
Excellent source of vitamin C (one orange provides 100% daily needs), folate, potassium, and thiamin. Rich in antioxidants including hesperidin. Supports immune function.
Market Requirements
Fruit should be heavy, firm, and free of blemishes. Full colour not required - tropical oranges are often green-skinned when ripe. Sweet taste is key.