How to Grow Cara Cara Navel Orange
Cara Cara Navel Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Cara Cara'
treeCara Cara is a premium navel orange cultivar prized for its deep red flesh, seedless fruit, and rich, complex sweet-tart flavor. This medium-to-large tree produces abundant fruit and is a favorite among home gardeners and commercial citrus producers. The variety originated in Venezuela and is now grown worldwide in suitable climates.
When should you plant Cara Cara Navel Orange in your zone?
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Example Cara Cara Navel Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cara Cara Navel Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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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 zones 8b-10b; can survive brief freezes to 25°F (-4°C) with protection
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Get my Cara Cara Navel Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung grafted tree develops root system and initial canopy growth; minimal branching, focus on vertical growth
Water consistently, stake for support, remove any flower buds to redirect energy to growth, apply slow-release fertilizer monthly during growing season
Vegetative Growth (Years 1-2)
12-24 monthsTree develops branching structure and fuller canopy; continued vigor with new leaf emergence
Prune to establish open center or vase shape, apply citrus fertilizer every 6-8 weeks, mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, monitor for pests
Flowering & Fruit Set (Year 3+)
4-8 weeks (flowering), then 4-6 weeks (fruit set)Fragrant white flower clusters appear in spring; small green fruit develops after pollination
Allow flowers to develop, thin excessive fruit for larger individual oranges (1 fruit per 6 inches of branch), increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, maintain consistent water
Fruit Development & Maturation (6-8 months)
24-32 weeksFruit grows from small marble-size to full size (3-4 inches diameter); skin transitions from green to orange; flesh develops signature deep red color and flavor
Maintain regular watering schedule, apply balanced citrus fertilizer, reduce nitrogen slightly to enhance sweetness, protect from excessive heat stress in extreme climates
Harvest & Post-Harvest
Harvesting occurs November-March in Northern HemisphereMature fruit ready for picking when fully colored and slightly soft to gentle squeeze; maintains quality on tree for several weeks
Hand-pick or use pruning shears to avoid damaging tree and fruit, prune dead wood after harvest, reduce watering slightly in winter dormancy period
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected leaves, apply horticultural oil or neem oil, introduce parasitic wasps, avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes tender new growth
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Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity, introduce predatory mites
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Apply horticultural oil in dormant season, hand-scrape visible scales, spray with neem oil during growing season, encourage natural predators
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Monitor for yellowing leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, remove affected growth, consult local agricultural extension if Huanglongbing suspected
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Spray with strong water stream, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs and lacewings, avoid excessive nitrogen
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and
Use yellow sticky traps to monitor, apply horticultural oil, increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering which creates humidity for whiteflies
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryCara Cara oranges are prized for fresh consumption due to their seedless nature, tender texture, and complex sweet-tart flavor with subtle berry notes. The deep red flesh makes visually striking juice and adds elegant color to fruit platters and desserts. [source]
Marmalade and preserves
CulinaryThe distinctive color and flavor make Cara Cara exceptional for marmalade, jams, and fruit preserves. The natural pectin content and complex flavor profile yield superior preserves compared to common orange varieties. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidant source
MedicinalLike all citrus, Cara Cara oranges are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function, and contain anthocyanins (the compound giving the flesh its red color), which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Natural cleaning products
HouseholdCitrus peels contain limonene, a natural solvent useful for creating homemade degreasers and cleaning solutions. The pleasant fragrance makes it popular in DIY household cleaners. [source]
Ornamental and aesthetic value
CraftThe deep red flesh, rich orange exterior, and fragrant spring blossoms make Cara Cara an attractive ornamental tree for home landscapes. The visual contrast of fruit color and foliage creates year-round garden interest. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cara Cara oranges mature November through March in the Northern Hemisphere (May-September in Southern Hemisphere). Harvest when fruit is fully orange and slightly yields to gentle pressure—color is more reliable than firmness for ripeness. The deep red flesh color develops fully only when tree-ripened in cool season; fruit picked too early will be less sweet and less colorful. Use pruning shears or hand-twist gently to avoid damaging branches. Fruit can remain on tree for several weeks without quality loss, allowing extended harvest period. Yields are typically 50-100 lbs per mature tree (8+ years old) depending on climate and care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cara Cara means 'face to face' or 'dear dear' in Spanish and refers to the two dimples on the end of the fruit, which are characteristic of navel oranges.
- 🌱 The red flesh color is due to anthocyanins and develops more intensely in cool climates during the fall/winter harvest season; fruits harvested in warmer months are less vibrant red inside.
- 🌱 Cara Cara is entirely seedless (or nearly so) because navel oranges are propagated by grafting, not seed; the 'navel' is actually a small secondary fruit embedded in the skin at the bloom end.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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