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Cara Cara Orange Tree

$9995 $15995
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Planting & Care

Planting Instructions for Cara Cara Orange Tree

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Grow Cara Cara outdoors year-round in USDA zones 8 through 11, in the sunniest spot available. Full sun drives strong growth, flowering and fruit. In colder areas, grow it in a large container so it can move into a bright, protected space, such as in front of a south-facing window, before freezing weather.
  2. Soil Preparation: Plant in well-drained soil or a quality citrus potting mix. Citrus roots dislike staying wet, so avoid heavy clay and low spots, or plant on a slight mound.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, setting the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the soil and the graft stays above ground. The tree can reach about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide; trees on dwarfing rootstock stay more compact and adapt well to containers.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply after planting. Outdoors, spread a thin ring of mulch, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. For the first few weeks, check the soil every few days and water again whenever the top inch feels dry so new roots never dry out.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water deeply, then allow the upper part of the soil to begin drying before watering again. Avoid letting the roots stay wet. Container-grown citrus may need more frequent watering in hot weather, so check the soil often.
  2. Fertilizing: Feed with a citrus fertilizer containing micronutrients from spring through late summer, usually every 6 to 8 weeks or as the label directs. Cut back in winter when growth slows.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Inspect leaves for scale, mealybugs, aphids and spider mites, especially on trees kept indoors. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering or a nutrient shortage.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Prune lightly after harvest to keep the tree a manageable size for patios and decks, removing dead, crossing or crowded branches and any shoots from below the graft.
  2. Frost Protection: Protect the tree whenever freezing temperatures are forecast. Move potted trees indoors or into a garage, and cover in-ground trees with frost cloth that reaches the ground. Watering the soil before a cold night helps it hold warmth.
  3. Growing in Containers: Use a large pot with drainage holes. Indoors, keep it in your brightest spot or add a grow light during short winter days, and move it back outside once nighttime temperatures stay mild in spring.

Additional Tips for Growing Cara Cara Orange Tree

  1. Pollination: Cara Cara is self-fruitful, so you only need one tree. Bees help fruit set outdoors; indoors, gently brush open flowers to help.
  2. Years to Fruit and Harvest: Young trees often begin fruiting within a few years. Fruit usually ripens from about December into early spring and holds well on the tree. Taste one before harvesting the rest, since color alone is not a reliable sign of sweetness. Due to state citrus regulations, it cannot ship to TX, FL, AZ or AL.

The Cara Cara Orange Tree thrives in Zones 8-11 outdoors (grows anywhere indoors)

Growing Zones for the Cara Cara Orange Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Cara Cara Orange Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 8-11 outdoors (grows anywhere indoors)
Mature Height 8 ft.
Mature Width 6 ft.
Cannot Ship To TX, FL, AZ, AL
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Citrus sinesis 'Cara Cara'

The Cara Cara Orange Tree thrives in Zones 8-11 outdoors (grows anywhere indoors)

Growing Zones for the Cara Cara Orange Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Cara Cara Orange Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 8-11 outdoors (grows anywhere indoors)
Mature Height 8 ft.
Mature Width 6 ft.
Cannot Ship To TX, FL, AZ, AL
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Citrus sinesis 'Cara Cara'

Description

Cara Cara Orange Tree: Sweet Pink-Fleshed Citrus With Berry-Like Flavor

Grow one of the most colorful oranges at home with the Cara Cara Orange Tree. From the outside, the fruit looks like a classic navel orange. Slice it open, and you will find beautiful pink-red flesh with a sweet flavor and hints of cranberry, cherry, and blackberry.

Cara Cara oranges are naturally seedless, easy to peel, and lower in acid than many other oranges. That makes them an excellent choice for fresh eating, lunchboxes, fruit salads, and anyone who prefers a sweeter citrus flavor.

Why You'll Love the Cara Cara Orange Tree

Beautiful Pink-Red Flesh: The inside of each orange has a rosy color that makes every slice stand out.

Sweet, Low-Acid Flavor: Cara Cara oranges are mild, juicy, and less tart than many common orange varieties.

Berry-Like Taste: The flavor has light notes of cranberry, cherry, and blackberry for a unique citrus experience.

Seedless Fruit: Enjoy fresh oranges without having to stop and remove seeds.

Easy to Peel: The rind comes away easily, making Cara Cara a great snacking orange.

Evergreen Beauty: Glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and bright orange fruit make the tree attractive through the seasons.

What Do Cara Cara Oranges Taste Like?

Cara Cara oranges are sweet and juicy with a softer, less acidic flavor than many other oranges.

What makes them special is their light berry-like taste. You may notice hints of cherry, cranberry, or blackberry mixed with the classic sweetness of a navel orange.

Pink Flesh That Makes Every Slice Stand Out

The signature color of Cara Cara oranges comes from natural lycopene, the same type of pigment that gives tomatoes and pink grapefruit their color.

The rosy flesh looks beautiful in fruit salads, breakfast plates, desserts, drinks, and snack trays.

Seedless and Easy to Peel

Cara Cara is a navel orange, so the fruit is naturally easy to enjoy fresh.

The peel comes off easily, and the flesh is seedless, making it a simple choice for kids, lunchboxes, quick snacks, and fresh eating right off the tree.

How to Use Cara Cara Oranges

Fresh Eating: Peel and enjoy the sweet fruit straight from the tree.

Fruit Salads: The pink flesh adds bright color and sweet citrus flavor.

Juice: Squeeze the fruit for a colorful, naturally sweet citrus drink.

Desserts: Add slices or zest to cakes, tarts, yogurt, and other sweet dishes.

Salads and Appetizers: Pair Cara Cara slices with greens, cheese, nuts, or fresh herbs.

Fragrant Flowers and Evergreen Foliage

The Cara Cara Orange Tree offers more than fruit. Glossy dark green leaves give the tree a lush evergreen look, while fragrant white citrus blossoms add beauty and sweet scent when the tree is in bloom.

As the fruit develops, bright orange color adds another decorative feature to patios, gardens, and sunny outdoor spaces.

Where to Grow a Cara Cara Orange Tree

Edible Gardens: Grow it for beautiful fruit and fresh oranges close to home.

Backyard Citrus Collections: Add a unique pink-fleshed orange to your mix of citrus varieties.

Patios and Decks: Container-grown trees bring fragrant flowers and colorful fruit close to outdoor living spaces.

Cold Climates: Grow the tree in a large container so it can be moved indoors before freezing weather arrives.

Cara Cara Orange Tree Sun and Soil Needs

Sunlight: Give your Cara Cara Orange Tree full sun for strong growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Soil: Citrus trees prefer rich, well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water stays around the roots for long periods.

Watering: Water deeply, then allow the upper part of the soil to begin drying before watering again. Container-grown citrus may need more frequent watering during hot weather.

Great for Growing in Containers

Cara Cara Orange Trees can grow well in large containers, especially when grown on a dwarfing rootstock.

Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining citrus potting mix. Container growing makes it easier to move the tree into a bright, protected location during cold weather.

A Colorful Orange With Sweet, Easy-Eating Fruit

If you want a citrus tree with pink-red flesh, sweet low-acid flavor, berry-like notes, seedless fruit, and easy-peel oranges, Cara Cara is an excellent choice.

Plant a Cara Cara Orange Tree and enjoy fragrant blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and sweet homegrown oranges with a colorful surprise inside.

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