Lanes Late Orange – Fresh, Juicy Late-Season Oranges for Toowoomba Gardens
Lanes Late Orange is a highly prized navel orange variety, loved for its ability to extend the orange season well into winter and spring. Unlike most navel oranges, which finish early in the season, ‘Lanes Late’ holds fruit on the tree for much longer, allowing gardeners in Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs to enjoy sweet, seedless, and juicy oranges for months after other varieties have finished.
The fruit is medium to large in size with a smooth, bright orange skin that’s easy to peel. Inside, the flesh is seedless, rich in flavour, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity. Its ability to remain on the tree without losing quality makes it a fantastic choice for home gardeners who want an extended harvest.
Growth & Habit
‘Lanes Late Orange’ is a vigorous, evergreen tree that thrives in Toowoomba’s climate. It produces glossy green foliage, fragrant white blossoms in spring, and a heavy crop of oranges from winter through to late spring. Mature trees typically reach 3-4 metres in height and 2-3 metres wide (Full Size), making them suitable for both backyard orchards and larger gardens. With regular pruning, it can also be kept smaller, perfect for growing in a sunny courtyard or espaliered along a warm wall.
Planting & Care
Citrus trees grow best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. In Toowoomba, plant ‘Lanes Late’ in a sheltered position to protect it from frost in its early years. Once established, it is tolerant of cooler winter nights but will benefit from mulch around the base to protect roots and retain moisture.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot summer months and while fruit is developing.
Fertilising: Feed regularly with a quality citrus fertiliser throughout the growing season for healthy foliage and strong fruiting.
Pruning: Light pruning after harvest will maintain shape, airflow, and encourage strong new growth.
Pests & Diseases: Monitor for aphids, scale, and citrus leaf miner. Neem oil or horticultural sprays are useful organic options for treatment.
Harvest & Uses
‘Lanes Late Orange’ is an excellent juicing and eating orange. The fruit is sweet, seedless, and juicy – perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or using in desserts, preserves, and marmalades. Its extended season ensures a continuous supply of homegrown oranges well beyond the normal harvest period, making it one of the most rewarding citrus trees to grow in Toowoomba.
Key Features
Late-season navel orange with fruit holding well into spring
Medium to large, seedless, sweet, and juicy fruit
Vigorous evergreen tree with glossy foliage and fragrant spring flowers
Thrives in Toowoomba’s climate with proper care
Perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and preserves
Suggested Uses
Plant as a feature tree in the garden
Grow in a dedicated home orchard with other citrus varieties for extended harvests
Train as an espalier against a wall for a space-saving fruiting option
Ideal for backyard growers who want fresh oranges well into spring