Cara Cara Orange Tree
Cara Cara Orange Tree
SKU:EDB-CIT-CAR-23-5C-FW
Cara Cara Orange Tree: The Citrus That Sets the Bar
Meet the citrus that is perfectly sweet. The Cara Cara Orange Tree delivers bright pink fruit with a flavor so rich and low in acid, you'll never look at grocery store oranges the same way again.
Whether you're working with a cozy patio or a sunny yard, the Cara Cara adapts like a pro. Its compact size means you can grow it in a container or plant it in the ground—and either way, you're in for a juicy reward.
Why You'll Love the Cara Cara Orange
- Produces sweet, low-acid oranges with stunning pink flesh
- Compact enough for containers—perfect for patios or sunny indoor spots
- Fast-growing and productive, even in the first few seasons
- Self-pollinating, so you only need one tree to enjoy fruit
- Fragrant white blooms add ornamental charm before the fruit sets
Just give it full sun, a bit of patience, and a good view—because this tree is a looker and a producer. From kitchen to cocktail glass, the Cara Cara brings homegrown citrus to a whole new level.
Product Details
-
Product Category
Edibles
-
Product Subcategory:
Citrus
-
Botanical Name:
Citrus sinesis 'Cara Cara'
-
Does Not Ship To:
AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, TX
-
Mature Height:
8 ft.
-
Mature Width:
8-12 ft.
-
Growing Zone:
8-11 outdoors
-
Indoor Growing:
Indoors or Patio (non-freezing)
-
Sunlight:
Full Sun
-
Growth Rate:
Moderate
-
Harvest Time:
Winter
-
Bloom Time:
Spring
Planting Directions
<h2>How to Plant and Care for a Cara Cara Orange Tree</h2> <h2>Planting</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Choose a spot with 6–8 hours of full sun daily. Outdoors is best in warm climates; indoors, place near a south-facing window.</li> <li><strong>Container:</strong> If temperatures drop below 40°F, plant in a container with good drainage. Use a pot 1–2 sizes larger than the shipping pot, with several drainage holes.</li> <li><strong>Soil:</strong> Use well-draining potting soil, ideally citrus-specific or a sandy loam mix.</li> <li><strong>Humidity:</strong> Indoors, mist daily or place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity.</li> <li><strong>Watering After Planting:</strong> Water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes. Let the top 2–3 inches of soil dry out before watering again.</li> </ul> <h2>Watering</h2> <ul> <li>Water once or twice per week. Use the finger test: if the soil is dry 2 inches down, it’s time to water.</li> <li>Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot.</li> <li>Mulch around the base (if planted outdoors) to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.</li> </ul> <h2>Fertilizing</h2> <ul> <li>Use a citrus-specific fertilizer every 6 weeks during spring and summer.</li> <li>Cut back to once every 2–3 months in fall and winter.</li> <li>Follow package directions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing.</li> </ul> <h2>Pruning</h2> <ul> <li>Remove suckers at the base as they appear.</li> <li>After fruiting, cut out dead wood and open up the center for airflow.</li> <li>Potted trees can be pruned any time of year as needed.</li> </ul> <h2>Pollination</h2> <ul> <li>The tree is self-fertile, but indoor trees may need help.</li> <li>Use a small, dry paintbrush to transfer pollen from bloom to bloom once daily during flowering.</li> </ul>
FAQs
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About the Cara Cara Orange Tree</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>1. Does the Cara Cara Orange Tree need a pollinator to produce fruit?</strong><br>
Nope! The Cara Cara is self-pollinating, which means it doesn't need a second tree to bear fruit. That makes it a perfect pick for small spaces or solo growers.
</li>
<li>
<strong>2. Can I grow the Cara Cara Orange Tree in a container?</strong><br>
Absolutely. Its compact size makes it ideal for container growing on patios, balconies, or even indoors near a sunny window. Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.
</li>
<li>
<strong>3. How long until the tree starts producing oranges?</strong><br>
The Cara Cara is a fast grower and can begin producing fruit within 1–2 years when grown in the right conditions. You’ll enjoy early harvests and a tree that keeps giving.
</li>
<li>
<strong>4. What makes the Cara Cara’s oranges different from regular oranges?</strong><br>
Cara Cara oranges have a unique pink flesh and a sweet, low-acid flavor that’s smoother and richer than standard oranges. They're great for snacking, juicing, or slicing into salads.
</li>
<li>
<strong>5. When and how do I harvest the fruit?</strong><br>
Cara Cara oranges typically ripen in winter. Harvest when the fruit feels heavy and the skin deepens in color. Twist gently off the branch or use clippers—no need to rush; ripe fruit can hang on the tree for a while without spoiling.
</li>
</ul>