Cara Cara Orange Tree

Cara Cara orange tree is one of the more unusual citrus trees we have to offer.

Although Cara Cara oranges look like navel orange trees, when you peel them open, you’ll see pink flesh, similar to grapefruits. When used in juices and desserts, Cara Cara oranges add lots of vibrant color as well as sweetness.

These oranges are not available in most grocery stores, so why not grow your own to secure your supply?

Botanical name: Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara'

Other names: Red navel orange tree

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Cara Cara orange tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width.

It has a rounded shape with dense, glossy deep green foliage. The leaves are oval and can grow to 4 inches long.

Small, white flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance in the spring.

Followed by Cara Cara oranges, which look very similar to traditional navel oranges but have pink flesh. Bright orange and smooth skin. These fruits typically ripen in the fall or winter.

Pests: Cara Cara orange trees may attract pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale.

For aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water.

To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of the infestation using a cotton swab.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Signs of overwatering: Root rot, drooping leaves

Signs of too little water: Browning and drying leaves

Signs of too much sun: Leaf burn, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, stunted growth, few flowers

The easiest way to propagate a Cara Cara orange tree is through cuttings. Obtain 1-foot-long semi-hardwood cuttings with a sharp tool and plant them in the soil. Keep soil moist until it's well established.

HOW MUCH DOES a Cara Cara Orange Tree COST?

At our nursery, Cara Cara orange trees cost $120 for a 15-gallon container, and $200-250 for a 24” box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

When does a Cara Cara orange tree produce fruit?

The Cara Cara orange tree typically produces fruit that ripens from fall through winter.

How long does it take for a cara cara orange tree to bear fruit?

Most orange trees start to bear fruit when they're about 3 years old.