How to Grow Cara Cara Navel Orange
Wikimedia Commons
Cara Cara Navel Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Cara Cara'
fruitCara Cara is a premium navel orange cultivar known for its deep reddish-pink flesh, seedless fruit, and rich, complex flavor with subtle berry notes. The tree is a mid-sized citrus that produces abundant fruit and is prized by commercial growers and home gardeners alike. It originated in Venezuela and has become popular worldwide for its superior taste and appearance.
When should you plant Cara Cara Navel Orange in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Cara Cara Navel Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Cara Cara Navel Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Cara Cara Navel Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cara Cara Navel Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-10; marginal in zone 8b with protection
Sign up free to see if Cara Cara Navel Orange grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Cara Cara Navel Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development. Limited flowering. Tree gradually reaches 2-3 feet in height.
Remove any flowers the first year to encourage vegetative growth. Water consistently. Stake if needed. Apply balanced citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Juvenile Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree develops structure and canopy. May produce some scattered flowers and small fruit. Rapid height and width increase to 6-10 feet.
Prune to shape structure. Continue fertilizing. Most early fruit should be thinned or removed to strengthen tree. Begin regular pest monitoring.
Flowering (Winter/Early Spring)
4-8 weeksSmall white, fragrant flowers appear in clusters on branch terminals. Peak bloom typically February-April in most zones. Each flower has potential to set fruit.
Do not fertilize heavily during flowering; excess nitrogen reduces fruit set. Adequate water is critical. Protect from late freezes. Ensure pollinating insects access (citrus is largely self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination).
Fruit Development & Growth (Spring-Fall)
120-180 daysMarble-sized fruit develops from flowers. Fruit enlarges to full size over 4-6 months. Skin color remains green initially, then transitions to orange. Internal flesh develops characteristic pink-red coloration.
Thin excess fruit to 6-8 inches apart for larger, higher-quality fruit. Water deeply and regularly. Apply citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Monitor for pests and disease. Avoid heavy nitrogen which delays coloring.
Ripening & Harvest (Fall-Winter)
4-12 weeks (harvest window is extended; fruit ripens mid-November through January in most areas)Fruit reaches full color (orange exterior, deep pink-red flesh). Sugar content peaks. Fruit is ready for harvest when it reaches mature size and color. Can remain on tree for several weeks after ripening.
Reduce irrigation slightly to concentrate sugars. Harvest when fully colored—Cara Cara does not continue to ripen after picking. Store at 50-60°F if keeping long-term. Avoid damage during harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Monitor closely; use insecticidal soap or neem oil on nymphs; remove affected leaves; consider systemic insecticides in high-pressure areas; encourage natural predators
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use miticides if severe; maintain humidity; prune heavily infested growth
-
Prune out heavily infested branches; spray horticultural oil in dormant season; apply insecticidal soap during crawler stage; encourage beneficial insects
-
Remove by hand on small trees; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use horticultural oil; introduce predatory beetles
-
Prune out mined leaves; apply reflective mulch; use insecticidal soap on new flushes; rarely causes serious damage
-
Remove infected leaves and twigs; disinfect pruning tools; apply copper fungicide; maintain good air circulation; no cure—prevention is critical
Uses
Premium Table Fruit
CulinaryCara Cara is prized for fresh eating due to its exceptional flavor—a complex blend of sweetness with subtle berry and wine notes—and seedless fruit. The distinctive pink-red flesh is visually striking and adds appeal to fruit platters and displays. [source]
Juice & Beverages
CulinaryThe fruit yields high-quality juice with rich color and balanced sweetness. Excellent for fresh-squeezed juice, smoothies, and mixed beverages. The unique pink color adds visual appeal. [source]
Vitamin C & Immune Support
MedicinalLike all citrus, Cara Cara is rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. One fruit provides significant daily value. The fruit is a whole-food source of ascorbic acid. [source]
Ornamental & Landscape Value
HouseholdThe Cara Cara tree produces fragrant white flowers in spring and attractive orange fruit in fall/winter, making it a dual-purpose landscape tree. The deep red-pink flesh is visually striking when fruit is cut or displayed. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeCitrus flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit provides food for birds and wildlife in winter. Mature trees offer shelter and nesting opportunities. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruit when fully colored (deep orange exterior with pink-red flesh visible when cut). In most zones, Cara Cara ripens mid-November through January. Gently twist and pull fruit from branch, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. Fruit does not ripen after picking, so ensure full maturity before harvest. Can remain on tree for several weeks after ripening for extended harvest window. Store in cool conditions (50-60°F) for extended shelf life, or enjoy fresh immediately.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cara Cara originated in Falcon State, Venezuela, in the 1970s and was first commercialized in that region before spreading globally; the name 'Cara Cara' means 'face to face' in Spanish.
- 🌱 The distinctive pink-red flesh develops from lycopene accumulation and is one of the few natural red citrus varieties without being a hybrid with pomelo or blood orange genetics.
- 🌱 Cara Cara flowers have a particularly sweet fragrance and are visited extensively by honeybees, making these trees excellent for supporting pollinator populations in citrus-growing regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Cara Cara Navel Orange planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Cara Cara Navel Orange seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Cara Cara Navel Orange timeline →