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Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree
Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree
Grows in a pot, almost anywhere
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Fruit & Citrus

Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 9-11

Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.

Size: 4-5 ft
$132 $165

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
  • Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate-growing evergreen citrus tree. Typically reaches approximately 8–12 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara'
Hardiness
Zones 9-11
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant
USDA zone map for Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

Why customers love it

Fruit you grow yourself

Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.

Grows in a pot

Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.

Fragrant blooms

White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.

Healthy, well-rooted trees

Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.

Care made simple

If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.

Sun
6–8 hrs direct

A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.

Feed
3 times a year

Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.

Cold
Inside below 32°F

Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.

  3. 3Month 3

    First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.

  4. 4Spring

    Fragrant white blooms.

  5. 5Harvest season

    Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.

Planting instructions
Plant Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base while keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
Watering & sunlight
Water deeply at the base when the top 2 inches of soil begin to dry. During establishment, this is typically once or twice per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, water less frequently, providing occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Watering frequency will vary depending on climate, soil type, rainfall, sunlight exposure, and the tree's establishment phase.

Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree grows best in full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the healthiest growth, abundant flowering, and maximum fruit production.
Pruning, feeding & winter care

PRUNING
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain the tree's natural shape. Minimal pruning is typically needed.

FERTILIZING
Feed with a fertilizer formulated for citrus trees beginning in early spring and continue according to label directions throughout the growing season. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the tree to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION
Protect young trees from freezing temperatures. In colder portions of its growing range, mulch around the base and cover the canopy during freezes. Container-grown trees should be moved indoors or to a protected location before temperatures fall below freezing.

Shipping & what's inside

Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.

1-year guarantee

Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree get?
Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree typically grows 8–12 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, making it an excellent size for home orchards, edible landscapes, and large patio containers.
How fast does Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree grow?
Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree is a moderate-growing citrus tree that typically grows approximately 12–24 inches per year under favorable growing conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree?
Choose a location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day and well-draining soil. A warm, sunny location protected from strong winds will encourage healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
How far apart should I plant Cara Cara Navel Orange Trees?
Plant Cara Cara Navel Orange Trees approximately 10–15 feet apart to allow room for their mature canopy and promote good air circulation.
When does Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree bloom?
Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree blooms in spring, producing fragrant white flowers that develop into fruit ready for harvest during winter.
How long does it take for Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree to bear fruit?
Most Cara Cara Navel Orange Trees begin producing fruit within 2–4 years after planting, depending on the tree's age at purchase and growing conditions.
Can Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree grow in a container?
Yes. Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree grows very well in a large container with excellent drainage. Container growing is ideal for gardeners outside USDA Zones 9–11 because the tree can be moved indoors or to a protected location during freezing weather.
Does Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree need another orange tree for pollination?
No. Cara Cara Navel Orange Tree is self-pollinating, so a single tree can produce fruit on its own. While nearby citrus trees may increase pollinator activity, they are not required for fruit production.
When are Cara Cara oranges ready to harvest?
Cara Cara oranges typically ripen from late fall through winter, although the exact harvest window depends on your climate. The fruit develops its best sweetness and flavor when allowed to fully ripen on the tree before picking.
What makes Cara Cara oranges different from regular navel oranges?
Cara Cara oranges look similar on the outside but have beautiful pinkish-red flesh inside. They are sweeter than many traditional navel oranges and offer subtle berry-like and floral notes while remaining completely seedless and easy to peel.
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