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Cara Cara Orange Tree
The Cara Cara Orange Tree is a highly productive evergreen citrus variety prized for its uniquely colored fruit and exceptional flavor. This navel orange features a small navel, slightly oblong shape, and smooth skin without blush. The fruit is known for its deep pink to reddish flesh, similar to that of a red grapefruit, yet sweeter and less acidic. With a complex flavor profile blending cherries, berries, and classic orange, Cara Cara oranges are both refreshing and versatile.
Rich in antioxidants, they contain high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A, making them not only delicious but also highly nutritious, supporting heart health and overall wellness.
Climate & Growing Conditions
The Cara Cara Orange Tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil. As with most citrus, consistent watering is important—especially during the establishment phase and in dry climates. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause issues like yellowing leaves or leaf drop, particularly in container-grown trees.
Adaptable and resilient, Cara Cara oranges can be grown successfully in the ground or in large containers, provided they receive proper sunlight, soil, and water conditions.
Fertilization
For healthy growth and abundant fruiting, fertilize the Cara Cara Orange Tree with a balanced organic citrus food:
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Spring & Summer: Use fertilizers higher in nitrogen to encourage vigorous growth.
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Winter: Switch to blends with higher phosphorus and potassium to promote root strength and fruit production.
Citrus fertilizers often include essential micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which further support vibrant foliage, strong roots, and heavy fruit yields.
Cara Cara Orange Tree Pruning & Care
Pruning helps maintain the tree’s structure, airflow, and productivity.
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Winter (cooler months, typically January): Perform general pruning to shape the tree and remove unwanted growth.
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Summer: Thin by removing spurs, suckers, and inward-growing branches. Clear away dry fruit, weak twigs, and shaded interior branches to improve light penetration.
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Trunk Care: Painting the trunk with white, water-based paint before summer can protect against sunburn and heat damage.
Growth & Maintenance
If left unpruned, the Cara Cara Orange Tree can reach 15–20 feet tall, though it can also be maintained at a smaller size for ease of harvest. With consistent care, this tree will reward growers with large crops of richly flavored fruit year after year. For best results, plant in a sunny location with good drainage, and water regularly while avoiding excess moisture.
Step One:
Soil and Planting: Plant in soil that drains well. Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree’s roots and at least twice as wide.
Step Two:
Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the plant’s roots with a mixture of the native soil and high-quality planting mix that has washed sand and organic fertilizer.
Step Three:
Create a basin around the roots drip zone so that water collects. Water deeply until the roots and nearby soil is saturated and reaches field capacity.
Paradise Nursery Orange Tree Care Guide
Water orange trees about 2 - 3 times per week depending on the soil, season, conditions, and plant health. Reduce irrigation frequency in the Winter and increase in the Summer.
Fertilize orange trees with citrus food seasonally. However, the most important time to fertilize your orange trees is the Spring and Summer.
Pruning orange trees in the Winter when the weather is cooler. Thin your orange trees in the Spring and Summer.
Orange trees grow strong and can grow large. Please note Paradise Nursery's is available to provide home orchard services for our customers in Los Angeles County.