UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Monthly Tip

Harvesting Oranges

Tip description

Valencia Oranges (top) with grafted Kishu Mandarin (below)
Valencia Oranges (top) with grafted Kishu Mandarin (below)
There’s a simple way to know whether your citrus fruit is ripe: taste it! Citrus varieties differ in when they first ripen and how long the fruit holds on the tree. Harvest dates depend on the variety and the climate. For example, the normal fruit season is winter for Navel orange, and summer for Valencia orange. Until you are familiar with your particular tree, sample a fruit periodically to see if it suits your taste. Allow fruit to ripen fully on the tree, as citrus does not continue to ripen once it’s picked. 

More information: Harvesting and storing citrus

Months applicable
  • January
  • February
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
Category
  • 1. To-do

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