If you’re growing citrus in the Sunshine State, knowing when to pick oranges in Florida is the key to enjoying the sweetest, juiciest fruit. Getting the timing right makes all the difference between a good orange and a great one.
This guide will walk you through the best time for harvesting, how to tell if an orange is ready, and the simple steps to pick them correctly. Whether you have one tree in your backyard or you’re just curious about Florida’s harvest, you’ll find the practical advice you need right here.
When To Pick Oranges In Florida
Florida’s orange harvest doesn’t happen all at once. The season stretches across several months, depending on the type of orange you’re growing. The general rule is that color is not the best indicator of ripeness in Florida.
Our warm climate means oranges can regreen, or turn a little greenish-yellow, even when they are perfectly ripe inside. Instead of just looking, you’ll need to use a combination of timing, touch, and taste.
Florida’s Primary Orange Harvest Seasons
Different varieties mature at different times. Here’s a breakdown of the main seasons:
- Early Season (October – January): This is when Navel oranges are ready. They’re seedless and easy to peel, making them a fantastic fresh-eating orange. Hamlin oranges, often used for juice, are also harvested in the early fall and winter.
- Mid-Season (December – March): Pineapple oranges, known for their rich flavor and aroma, are harvested during this period. They have some seeds but are excellent for both eating and juicing.
- Late Season (March – June): Valencia oranges are the stars of the late season. They are the premier juice orange and often have a higher sugar content in the spring and early summer heat. This is when most of Florida’s commercial juice oranges are picked.
How to Know an Orange is Ripe and Ready
Follow these steps to test your oranges before you start picking.
- Check the Calendar: Note the expected maturity window for your specific tree variety. If you’re unsure, a local nursery can help identify it.
- Conduct the Taste Test: This is the most reliable method. Pick one orange that looks promising and sample it. It should be juicy, sweet, and flavorful with no sharp acidity.
- Feel the Weight and Texture: A ripe orange will feel heavy for its size, indicating plenty of juice. The skin should be firm but with a slight give when you gently squeeze it.
- Observe the Color (With Caution): Look for a deep orange or yellow-orange hue, but don’t discount fruit with a greenish tint. A uniform color is a good sign, but always back it up with a taste test.
A Note on Weather and Ripeness
Cold weather actually improves an orange’s flavor and color. A few cool nights can cause the green chlorophyll to break down, letting the orange pigment shine through. This is why Valencias harvested in April or May often taste sweeter than those picked in March.
If a freeze is forecasted, you should harvest ripe fruit immediately. Even a light freeze can damage fruit still on the tree.
The Right Way to Harvest Your Oranges
Picking oranges properly protects the tree and ensures the fruit stores well. You don’t want to damage the stem or the fruit’s skin.
- Use the Right Tool: For high branches, use citrus picking clippers or sharp pruning shears. Never just pull or yank the fruit off the tree.
- Clip the Stem: Cut the stem about half an inch above the top of the orange. Leaving a small stem button helps prevent the fruit from rotting at the top.
- Handle With Care: Place the oranges gently into a bucket or harvest bag. Avoid dropping them, as bruises can lead to spoilage.
- Don’t Strip the Tree: It’s okay to leave some oranges that aren’t quite ready. They will continue to ripen and you can come back for them in a week or two.
What to Do After You Pick
Post-harvest handling is simple but important for extending the life of your fruit.
- Wash and Dry: Gently wash the oranges in cool water to remove dust or bugs. Dry them thoroughly with a towel.
- Cure for Sweetness (Optional): For some varieties, letting them sit at room temperature for a few days to a week can allow sugars to fully develop further.
- Store Correctly: Oranges store best in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They can last for several weeks this way. At cool room temperature, they’ll be good for about a week.
- Enjoy or Preserve: Eat them fresh, juice them, or even freeze the juice for later use. The zest is also wonderful for baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors during harvest time.
- Picking by Color Alone: As mentioned, this is the biggest mistake in Florida. A greenish orange can be perfectly ripe.
- Using Dirty Tools: Always clean your clippers before use to avoid spreading disease between trees or branches.
- Harvesting When Wet: Try to pick fruit when the tree is dry to prevent the spread of fungal issues.
- Ignoring the Tree’s Health: If your tree looks stressed or diseased, the fruit may not ripen properly. Address tree health issues first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you pick oranges too early?
A: Absolutely. If picked too early, oranges will be sour, dry, and never develop there full sweetness. Always do a taste test first.
Q: How long is the Florida orange season?
A: Commercially, it runs from about October through June. In a home garden, you might have fruit ready from late fall right through early summer, depending on your varieties.
Q: Do oranges continue to ripen after picking?
A: No, they do not. Unlike some fruits, oranges will not get sweeter after they are removed from the tree. They may soften or change color slightly, but the sugar content is set at harvest.
Q: What is the best month to pick oranges?
A: There isn’t one single “best” month. It depends on the type: Navels are best in December and January, while Valencias peak in April and May. For the best flavor, you need to know your tree.
Q: Why are my oranges splitting on the tree?
A: Splitting is often caused by irregular watering, like a heavy rain after a dry spell. The fruit takes in water to fast and the skin bursts. Consistent watering can help prevent this.
Knowing when to pick oranges in Florida is a rewarding skill that leads to the best possible fruit from your tree. By paying attention to the harvest calendar, performing the simple taste test, and using careful picking techniques, you’ll enjoy the full, sweet rewards of your labor. Remember, patience and a little practice are your best tools for a perfect harvest.