Orange Trees

Navel Orange Tree

The Classic Dessert Orange: Named for the distinctive "belly-button" at the blossom end, the Navel is arguably the world’s most popular eating orange. It is a hardy, reliable grower that thrives in the sunny Eastern Cape.

Fruit Profile: Large, seedless, and incredibly easy to peel. The flesh is crisp, sweet, and low in acid, making it the perfect "grab-and-go" fruit for kids and lunchboxes.

Requirements: Best harvested in early-to-mid winter (June–July).

Landscape Value: Grows into a beautiful, rounded evergreen tree with dark, glossy leaves that provide excellent year-round privacy.

Red Navel Orange Tree (Cara Cara)

The Gourmet "Power-Orange": A spectacular natural mutation of the classic Navel, the Cara Cara is the "superfood" of the citrus world. It is highly prized by chefs and health enthusiasts for its unique colour and nutritional profile.

Fruit Profile: While the skin looks like a standard orange, the interior reveals a stunning deep pink-to-red flesh. It is exceptionally sweet with a complex, berry-like undertone (reminiscent of raspberries or strawberries) and contains up to 20% more Vitamin C and 150% more Vitamin A than a standard Navel.

Requirements: Seedless and easy to peel. It ripens slightly earlier than the standard Navel.

Care: Use our CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) to maintain the high nutrient levels this tree needs to produce its vibrant, pigmented fruit.

Valencia Orange Tree

The Juicing King: If you love fresh morning juice, the Valencia is your tree. It ripens later than the Navel and is famous for holding its juice without it turning bitter after squeezing.

Fruit Profile: Thinner skin with a very high juice-to-fruit ratio. It has a classic, refreshing, tangy-sweet orange flavour.

Requirements: Extremely hardy and wind-tolerant—a top choice for the more exposed gardens of Walmer and Lovemore Heights.

1. The Hole & Soil

Dig: Twice the width of the bag.

Mix: 50/50 with Pot & Barrel Triple Mix (R50).

Depth: Never bury the "bulge" (graft) at the base. Keep it above the soil.

2. Feed the Roots

Water with CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) immediately after planting.

3. The Walmer Wind-Proof

Stake it: Use a sturdy stake and a soft tie.

Shelter: Plant in a north-facing, sheltered spot to avoid the PE salt spray.

4. Mulch & Water

Mulch: Use Bark Chips (R55) to keep roots cool. Keep it 10cm away from the trunk.

Water: Deep soak 3 times a week for the first 3 months.