We think of oranges as summer fruits. How could we not when they boast bright sun-kissed orange colors, and flesh that bursts with fun, zesty flavors? On top of that our most beloved OJ is made from Valencia Oranges which are in season during summer.
But did you know that there are oranges that can brighten your day during the cold, bleak days of winter? There are a few orange varieties that are in season in winter like Hamlin LA Sweet Orange, which is available in mid-winter, dwarf Blood Orange that you can find from December through May, and sweet Navels that are in season from October to February.
Orange trees can survive low temperatures around 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind though that cold-hardy as they may be, orange trees like Louisiana Sweet Orange tree, Moro Orange tree, dwarf Navel Orange tree, and other summer and winter orange trees still need cold protection when the temperatures drop below 30 degrees. Frost and freezing weather could damage fruits on mature trees while younger trees may die.
Know your Oranges
- Valencia Orange is a sweet-tangy orange that is in season in summer. If you wish to have a steady supply of Valencia oranges it is best to buy a standard or dwarf Valencia Orange tree for sale and grow it in your backyard. Not only will you get fresh fruits, but you will also get a nice accent tree that gives off an amazing floral scent throughout your property. Are you wondering how big Valencia Orange trees get? A standard Valencia Orange tree height is around 8 to 12 feet, while a dwarf-sized tree can reach up to 6 feet high. Valencia Orange tree care includes proper watering, sufficient sunlight exposure, and fertilizing.
- Navel Orange is an easy to peel, sweet, seedless orange that gives off a pleasant floral aroma. For this orange we would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions we get from orange enthusiasts and lovers.
- Why are Navel Oranges called Navel Oranges? – You see that hole on the other end of the fruit opposite the stem end? It is a rudimentary fruit that looks like a human belly button, which earned it the name Navel Orange.
- Where are Navel Oranges from? – Since Navels are seedless and can only be propagated via cuttings and grafting, we can be sure that all Navels are from a single orange tree that grew in Bahia, Brazil.
- When do Navel Oranges bloom? – Navel orange trees usually bloom in April. Flowers set fruit in mid-April to May and ripen in 7 to 12 months.
- Can I plant Navel trees in small spaces? – Navel orange trees do not grow as tall as other trees, however, you may still opt for a dwarf Washington Navel Orange tree to make sure it does not outgrow its limited planting space. Make sure to purchase dwarf Navel Orange trees for sale from reputable nurseries so you are guaranteed a healthy young tree.
- Hamlin Sweet Orange – the Hamlin Sweet Orange tree produces medium to large oval to round, easy-to-peel fruits. The fruits, which are typically harvested in mid-winter to December, boast of sweet rich flavor that can be used to make desserts, marmalades, and cocktail drinks. You can find a Hamlin Orange tree for sale from citrus nurseries.
- Dwarf Blood Orange tree – Just because it is orange doesn’t mean its color is automatically orange. What makes Blood Orange dwarf tree unique is the maroon color of the flesh that varies in intensity. Blood oranges also offer a distinct rich orange taste with a tinge of raspberry tones. Dwarf Moro Blood Orange tree fruits are in season from early winter to early spring.