Top 20 Orange Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Oranges are one of the most popular and versatile citrus fruits, valued for their sweet, juicy flavor and high vitamin C content. Whether you’re growing oranges for fresh eating, juicing, or adding zest to your dishes, selecting the right variety is key to a successful harvest. This guide will explore the top 20 orange varieties to grow, along with tips on how to cultivate healthy and productive orange trees.

1. Valencia

Valencia is one of the most popular orange varieties for juicing. It has a thin skin and sweet, juicy flesh, making it perfect for fresh juice.

Tip: Valencia oranges need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the fruit juicy.

2. Navel

Navel oranges are known for their seedless fruit, easy-to-peel skin, and sweet flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Plant Navel oranges in full sun and ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent disease. Prune annually to maintain size and shape.

3. Cara Cara Navel

Cara Cara oranges are a type of Navel orange with pink-red flesh and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. They’re excellent for fresh eating and juicing.

Tip: Cara Cara oranges thrive in warm, sunny climates. Regular feeding with citrus fertilizer in spring will boost fruit production.

4. Blood Orange (Moro)

Moro blood oranges are famous for their deep red flesh and sweet, berry-like flavor. They’re great for fresh eating, juicing, and making sauces.

Tip: Blood oranges need full sun and consistent watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.

5. Seville (Sour Orange)

Seville oranges are known for their sour flavor and are commonly used for making marmalade and sauces.

Tip: Seville oranges require full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

6. Mandarin Orange

Mandarin oranges are small, sweet, and easy to peel, making them perfect for snacking. They’re also used in cooking and desserts.

Tip: Mandarin trees are slightly more cold-tolerant than other oranges. Plant in full sun and water regularly to keep the fruit juicy.

7. Trovita

Trovita oranges are sweet and juicy, similar to Valencia but with a slightly thinner skin. They’re excellent for both fresh eating and juicing.

Tip: Trovita oranges need full sun and regular watering. Fertilize in early spring to encourage strong growth and fruit production.

8. Washington Navel

Washington Navel oranges are seedless and easy to peel, with a sweet, juicy flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Plant Washington Navel in full sun and provide regular watering. Prune annually to remove dead or weak branches and improve air circulation.

9. Bergamot

Bergamot oranges are prized for their aromatic oil and sour flavor, commonly used in Earl Grey tea and perfumes.

Tip: Bergamot trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps control size and improve airflow.

10. Jaffa

Jaffa oranges are a popular variety from Israel, known for their sweet, juicy flesh and thin skin. They’re great for fresh eating and juicing.

Tip: Jaffa oranges need full sun and regular watering. Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

11. Salustiana

Salustiana is a sweet, seedless orange variety perfect for juicing. It’s widely grown in Spain and produces high-quality fruit.

Tip: Plant in full sun with regular watering. Prune after harvest to maintain size and shape.

12. Parson Brown

Parson Brown oranges are an early-season variety with sweet, juicy flesh and a slightly thicker skin. They’re great for juicing and fresh eating.

Tip: Parson Brown trees need full sun and regular watering. Fertilize in spring and summer for better fruit production.

13. Hamlin

Hamlin oranges are known for their sweet flavor and seedless fruit, making them ideal for juicing. They are also cold-tolerant, making them suitable for cooler regions.

Tip: Hamlin oranges need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to produce juicy fruit.

14. Ruby Blood Orange

Ruby blood oranges have deep red flesh and a unique sweet-tart flavor. They’re great for fresh eating, juicing, and adding color to salads.

Tip: Ruby blood oranges thrive in full sun and need regular watering. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

15. Pineapple Orange

Pineapple oranges are known for their sweet, juicy flesh with a hint of tropical flavor. They’re excellent for fresh eating and juicing.

Tip: Pineapple oranges require full sun and regular watering during the growing season. Thin the fruit early to encourage larger, juicier oranges.

16. Kinnow

Kinnow oranges are a hybrid mandarin variety, known for their small size, sweet flavor, and easy-to-peel skin. They’re ideal for snacking.

Tip: Kinnow trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain size and improves air circulation.

17. Clementine

Clementine oranges are small, sweet, and seedless, making them perfect for fresh eating. They’re also popular in salads and desserts.

Tip: Plant Clementine oranges in full sun and water consistently. Prune annually to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth.

18. Shamouti (Jaffa Orange)

Shamouti oranges, also known as Jaffa oranges, are sweet, seedless, and easy to peel. They’re excellent for fresh eating and juicing.

Tip: Shamouti oranges need full sun and regular watering. Fertilize in spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

19. Tarocco Blood Orange

Tarocco blood oranges are known for their vibrant red flesh and sweet, tangy flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and making sauces.

Tip: Tarocco blood oranges thrive in full sun and need regular watering. Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.

20. Lima

Lima oranges are a seedless variety from Brazil, known for their sweet, juicy flesh and thin skin. They’re great for juicing and fresh eating.

Tip: Plant Lima oranges in full sun and provide consistent watering. Regular feeding with citrus fertilizer improves fruit quality.

Tips for Growing Oranges Successfully

1. Full sun for best fruiting: Orange trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce sweet, juicy fruit. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot for planting.
2. Well-drained soil: Oranges prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
3. Water consistently: Oranges need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Fertilize in spring and summer: Feed orange trees with a balanced citrus fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth and fruit development.
6. Prune annually: Prune orange trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood, improve air circulation, and encourage new growth.
7. Pest control: Watch for common pests like aphids, scale, and spider mites. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to keep your tree healthy.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for an orange tree to produce fruit?
Orange trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, with full yields by the 6th or 7th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant orange trees?
The best time to plant orange trees is in early spring or late fall, while the tree is dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water orange trees?
Water orange trees deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry periods, especially while the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can orange trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact orange varieties like Navel or Cara Cara can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect orange trees from frost?
Use frost cloths, blankets, or wraps to protect orange trees during cold spells. In areas with frost risk, consider growing oranges in containers that can be moved indoors.