Oranges

Very close to Washington Navel, with a slightly smoother rind that colors earlier. Its useful backyard trait is the ability to hold ripe fruit on the tree without quickly losing quality. Early peel color does not necessarily mean better eating: Atwood can taste less developed than Washington early in the season.

Despite its name, this Australian selection extends California’s navel harvest into spring and potentially early summer. UCR lists a February–June season at Riverside. Also known as Pollock Late, it offers a way to spread the harvest when planted alongside an early navel, rather than having every orange ready in winter.

A Brazilian Bahianinha selection with generally smaller, more oval fruit, thinner peel, and a less conspicuous navel than Washington. The tree is described as less vigorous and more consistent in bearing, although these differences can be modest in California. Araras is maintained separately, but its advantages over other Bahianinha selections are not well documented.

A late Australian navel selected for good fruit size and the ability to remain on the tree into early summer. Riverside’s recorded season runs February–June. Its main attraction for a backyard orchard is fresh navel oranges after the usual winter harvest; local heat and fruit condition will determine how late they remain enjoyable.

An ordinary-looking orange outside opens to pink or reddish flesh inside. Cara Cara retains the seedless fruit and familiar sweet-orange character of its Washington Navel parent, making it useful for fresh eating and colorful slices. The pigment is lycopene, not the anthocyanin found in blood oranges. Discovered in Venezuela, it is well adapted to California.

An old Sierra Madre selection introduced for home gardens. Carter closely resembles Washington, but descriptions emphasize a thinner, smoother rind, softer and juicier flesh, and a sweeter, less tart taste. It also ripens slightly earlier. The differences are subtle, but its softer texture and mild flavor may appeal to growers who find some navels too sharp.

A variegated Cara Cara accession listed separately by CCPP from VI 978. Its ornamental character makes it of interest to citrus collectors. Published information on this specific selection’s fruit size, flavor, and cropping is limited, so it should not yet be presented as a proven improvement over standard Cara Cara or the other variegated selection.

Selected in Argentina, Cogan resembles Robertson in both tree and fruit but was reported to mature earlier there. UCR records winter ripening at Riverside. It offers collectors another early-season navel selection, although there is little published evidence of a distinctive flavor or a clear advantage over better-known California navels.

Rich sweetness and lower acidity than many navels give Dream a milder eating character. The medium-sized fruit has moderately soft flesh and a smooth rind. This Florida selection ripens early and was noted there for holding its internal quality on the tree. A useful variety to consider if you prefer a sweet orange without a strong tart edge.

A Texas selection bearing smaller, thin-skinned oranges with a tiny, often nearly invisible navel. Fruit is described as flavorful, and the tree tends to be more compact than Washington with relatively consistent crops. Its early Texas harvest should not be assumed everywhere: UCR records November–January ripening at Riverside.

Fisher’s useful trick is ripening internally before the peel fully catches up. California trials found it reached an acceptable sugar-to-acid balance ahead of Washington and several other early navels, without equally early rind coloring. For backyard growers, tasting a sample is more informative than waiting for every orange to turn completely orange.

Deep reddish-orange peel and early maturity distinguish this Japanese selection. Fruit can mature three to four weeks ahead of Washington, and trees tend to be smaller than many navels. Rootstock choice deserves attention: decline and bark disorders have been reported on several common stocks, including Carrizo and C-35. Its strong points are early harvest and attractive color.

A South African selection praised for flavor, with medium-large to large fruit that holds well on the tree. It is reported to mature four to six weeks after Palmer in South Africa. The peel can be pebbly or coarse, but eating quality is its stronger selling point. California harvest timing may differ from those original reports.

Gillette looks different even before it fruits: its large, thick, cupped leaves can resemble grapefruit foliage. The seedless oranges are generally large and round, with a thicker rind and Washington-like flavor. Fruit matures a little earlier and holds well. Historical descriptions also report less splitting and sunburn, although the vigorous tree is only moderately productive.

A practical way to extend navel season. Lane Late matures roughly four to six weeks after Washington and can retain good fruit on the tree for several additional months. Fruit resembles Washington in size and shape, with a smoother peel and smaller navel. Its established late harvest makes it a useful companion to an early winter orange.

Small fruit and modest crops limited Leng’s commercial appeal, but UCR field notes praised its fine-textured flesh, abundant juice, thin rind, and excellent flavor. Older descriptions were less enthusiastic, suggesting performance varies. A worthwhile curiosity for home growers willing to trade fruit size and yield for a potentially very good eating orange. Fruit can be prone to splitting.

This Spanish Washington mutation is valued for keeping fruit on the tree well beyond maturity. Oranges tend to be smaller, with a concealed navel and thinner, more tightly attached peel. The flesh is described as softer and the flavor milder than Washington. A long picking window is its attraction, although the degree of lateness varies with growing conditions.

Early fruit on a naturally less vigorous tree makes Navelina appealing where space is limited. The seedless oranges have smooth, deep orange to reddish-orange peel and a small navel. Juicy flesh tastes sweet but generally less rich and tangy than Washington. Originally selected in California as Smith’s Early, it became widely established in Spain before returning under this name.

Elongated fruit and deeper orange coloring in both peel and flesh help distinguish Newhall from Washington. It ripens somewhat earlier, produces slightly smaller oranges, and grows a little less vigorously. UCR observations describe good flavor. This is a familiar navel eating experience with useful differences in appearance and harvest timing.

A South African selection known for vigorous, upright growth and good crops of medium-large fruit. Flavor and maturity are broadly similar to Washington, so Palmer is more a different tree and production selection than a different-tasting orange. Allow room for growth; it is not naturally compact. Hot weather during fruit set can reduce the crop.

A Texas-sourced navel accession grown at UCR from seed received in 1959. Winter ripening is recorded at Riverside, but detailed comparisons of flavor, yield, and tree habit are scarce. Its regional history gives it collector interest; the available records do not establish a particular advantage over Washington or other familiar backyard navels.

A naturally smaller, productive navel with a long history as a patio or backyard tree. It begins bearing young, ripens ahead of Washington, and sets crops relatively well in hot conditions. Oranges can grow in tight clusters and become slightly misshapen. Its advantages are manageable growth and generous cropping; Washington generally has the edge in fruit quality.

Good-sized fruit with an unusually thin rind is Bonanza’s clearest distinction. California trials found peel coloring about two weeks ahead of Washington, while internal maturity averaged only about a week earlier. A useful early navel, but attractive orange skin can precede the best flavor. Selected from a backyard-orchard region near Lindsay, California.

A California selection that showed particularly good peel color among late-harvested navels in an Arizona trial. Its name alone is not a reliable harvest calendar: UCR records December–January ripening at Riverside. Published descriptions of flavor and tree habit are limited, making it a variety for local comparison rather than a guaranteed extension of navel season.

The name needs explaining: Summer Gold was introduced from Australia as a late navel, but California evaluations did not confirm that trait. UCR records November–January ripening at Riverside. It remains an interesting Washington-derived selection, but growers seeking reliable spring or summer navel fruit should not choose it on the strength of its name.

An early Washington navel sport, Thomson Improved typically ripens about two weeks ahead of its parent on a less vigorous tree. Seedless fruit has a thin, smooth rind, but loses quality if left hanging too long—plan to pick promptly. This version of Thomson Improved is the Rocky Hill selection, reported to improve on the original’s maturity, color and production, though comparative evidence is limited.

Variegated foliage, irregularly striped fruit, and deep pink flesh give this selection ornamental appeal. There are trade-offs: UCR reports small fruit, thin rind prone to splitting, and inconsistent eating quality. Best chosen as an unusual edible ornamental or collector’s tree, rather than as a more productive or better-tasting replacement for ordinary Cara Cara.

The classic California backyard orange: large, seedless, easy to peel, and rich in flavor. This accession traces to Riverside’s historic parent tree. Fruit is at its best through the winter season and can remain on the tree for an extended picking period. Many named navels are mutations or selections of Washington, making it the useful benchmark for comparing the others.

Amoa 8 combines Moro blood orange with Avana mandarin, producing fruit with striking red flesh and a rind that can turn red to dark purple. It peels very easily, with segments that separate readily and good flavor, though numerous seeds are a drawback. Developed in Italy with ornamental appeal in mind, it offers unusual color in an edible mandarin-like fruit. Ripens December–January at Riverside.

A Tunisian selection of Maltaise Sanguine with juicy flesh, few seeds, and floral, berry-like flavor notes. UCR trials found higher sugar levels than Moro and Sanguinelli during January and February sampling. Red pigmentation is generally lighter than those varieties, making this an interesting choice for growers who value flavor more than intensely dark flesh.

Large fruit and very few seeds make this California Tarocco selection appealing for fresh eating. The flesh can develop substantial red coloring, but the amount varies with winter conditions and harvest date. A chilly winter helps bring out its color; deep red flesh should not be expected every season.

An old California selection collected in Soledad, possibly descended from a seedling dating to before the 1930s. Rounded fruit has some seeds and lightly red-tinted flesh. Its reported late-summer harvest in Soledad contrasts with winter ripening at Riverside, so local harvest timing is uncertain. Best suited to collectors interested in less familiar California citrus.

Once a leading Spanish blood orange, Dobla Fina bears mild, fragrant fruit on a relatively small, spreading tree. This selection can show a red peel while remaining only lightly colored inside. Few seeds are a plus, but the rind is difficult to peel and ripe fruit drops readily. Its historical interest is stronger than its claim to dependable blood-orange color.

Closely associated with Tunisia, this old “half-blood” orange is prized for tender, juicy flesh and sweetness balanced by lively acidity. Medium-sized fruit has a smooth, relatively easy-peeling rind. Red coloring is often partial rather than uniform. A choice for fresh eating, with flavor and texture providing as much interest as the color.

One of the earliest blood oranges and among the most deeply colored, Moro can develop flesh approaching purple-red. Juicy, nearly seedless fruit has a distinctive berry-like flavor that differs from a typical sweet orange. It performs especially well in inland climates. Pick when the flavor is right: fruit can remain on the tree but develop unpleasant off-flavors if held too long.

Twisted, unusually shaped leaves make this orange an ornamental curiosity even without fruit. There is another surprise: UCR confirmed that it is a blood orange, with red pigment in both rind and flesh. Introduced through Corsica from Moroccan material, it offers collectors unusual foliage and potentially blushed fruit. Do not expect uniformly dark red flesh.

Pink flesh and very low acidity give this orange a different character from tangy blood oranges. The color is associated with lycopene rather than blood-orange anthocyanins. Collected from Rio Farms in Texas, it may be a Vaniglia Sanguigno type, although its exact identity remains uncertain. Best suited to people who enjoy very mild citrus.

Tender, juicy flesh and rich orange flavor are Ruby’s main strengths. Red streaking is unreliable, even in favorable inland locations, and fruit may remain entirely orange near the coast. The productive tree has a relatively compact growth habit. Worth considering for eating quality, but a poor choice if consistently red flesh is the main goal.

This Spanish selection stands out for its strongly blushed peel as well as red-colored flesh. A small to medium, thornless tree bears heavily, although large crops can mean smaller fruit. It generally ripens later than Moro and can remain tart early in the season. Distinct from the Italian varieties with similar Sanguinello names.

Expect scattered red flecks rather than the dark flesh of Moro. UCR observations describe a familiar sweet-orange flavor with few to moderate numbers of seeds. This lightly pigmented selection offers collectors a different expression of the blood-orange group, but is unlikely to satisfy someone seeking vividly red juice or slices.

An unusual navel orange with true blood-orange pigmentation. Large, smooth-skinned fruit has few or no seeds, and the flesh can range from mostly orange to striking patches of dark red. Discovered in Upland, California, it combines navel characteristics with a distinctive flavor. UCR trials found high sugar levels and generally lighter pigmentation than Moro.

A California backyard discovery with deeply red flesh, few seeds, and fruit often larger and sweeter than Moro. The vigorous tree crops well, and ripe fruit can hold into late spring, extending the blood-orange season. Flesh is firmer than Tarocco’s. Sometimes called Smith Red Valencia, although its supposed Valencia parentage is doubtful.

UCR describes Tarocco #7 as one of the best-tasting blood oranges in its collection. Large, nearly seedless fruit can develop deeply colored flesh even when the peel shows little red. The vigorous tree is described as moderately productive. A strong candidate for growers prioritizing fresh-eating quality; winter temperatures influence how much color develops.

A California Tarocco selection producing medium-large to large fruit with few or no seeds. Its main season runs through winter into early spring. At Riverside, it has shown the least red pigmentation of UCR’s three Tarocco selections, so expect a lighter-colored orange rather than reliably dark flesh. Named for its source in Thermal, California.

Pink flesh and almost no acidity give this Italian orange a very different character: sweet and mild, without the usual citrus tang. The juicy fruit contains numerous seeds and can be eaten from late fall or early winter. Its pink color comes from lycopene, not the pigment in true blood oranges. Best for people who enjoy very low-acid fruit; others may find the flavor flat.

A relatively small, productive tree that begins bearing young. The oval fruit has few or no seeds and holds on the tree much better than Dobla Fina. Peel color can be attractive, but the flesh often develops little or no red. Its strengths are pleasant flavor and a forgiving picking window; the name should not be taken as a promise of dark blood-orange flesh.

Seedless fruit and an earlier start distinguish this South African selection. Acidity drops sooner than in most Valencias, allowing harvest roughly two to three weeks earlier. The productive, fairly upright tree bears smooth-skinned oranges for eating or juicing. Sugar levels can be lower than in other Valencias, and rootstock choice affects eating quality.

Large, virtually seedless oranges with abundant juice and high sugar levels make Midknight particularly appealing for home juicing. The tradeoff is tougher segment membranes and a peel that can be difficult to remove. This South African selection grows more slowly than many Valencias; large fruit can make the crop look sparse even when its total weight is respectable.

Found in a California backyard, Olinda drew attention for smooth, thin-skinned fruit full of juice. A classic choice for extending the orange harvest into warmer weather, it produces familiar Valencia flavor with some seeds. Fruit can remain on the tree for gradual picking; a greenish blush returning to the peel in summer does not necessarily mean it is unripe.

Pehrson #3 stood out in California trials for good yields, attractive peel color and little regreening—the tendency of ripe oranges to turn green again. That makes it interesting for growers who value fruit that keeps its orange appearance. It came from a project preserving promising Valencia selections as Orange County orchards disappeared.

Productivity is the reason to consider Pehrson #4. It was selected from a California Valencia trial for the highest cumulative yield and a favorable distribution of fruit sizes. For a household that uses plenty of oranges, that is a practical distinction. Its documented strength is cropping performance; a special flavor advantage has not been established.

Despite the name, expect deep orange flesh and richly colored juice rather than blood-orange red. This Florida mutation ripens with other Valencias and has produced good crops in UCR observations. Its main distinction is color, with no established flavor advantage over ordinary Valencia. Occasionally, branches may revert to producing standard-colored fruit.

An early, seedless Turkish orange with smaller, somewhat elongated fruit and a paler rind than most navels. Its appeal is an early crop of pleasantly flavored oranges, including potential for early-season juice. Pick when ready rather than leaving the crop indefinitely: UCR observations recorded substantial fruit drop later in the season.

An early Florida hybrid combining sweet orange, clementine and tangelo ancestry. Moderate cold hardiness is a useful feature, but young trees can establish slowly and produce disappointing crops before improving with age. Fruit may be nearly seedless in isolation but noticeably seedy around other citrus. An interesting experiment for a patient grower.

Grow a connection to California’s Gold Rush: this selection comes from the Mother Orange Tree planted in Butte County in 1856. It represents the seedy sweet oranges grown before Washington navels transformed California citrus. Expect a midseason crop on a potentially substantial tree. Its documented distinction is its history, rather than a unique fruit flavor.

A traditional Spanish orange prized for abundant juice, fragrance and well-flavored flesh. The relatively thin rind surrounds medium-sized fruit that can hold well on the tree, allowing gradual picking. Trees are vigorous and productive. Often described as nearly seedless, although California collection observations show that seeds can occur.

Cipo’s unusual feature is its sprawling, weeping growth: branches extend outward and downward, sometimes carrying fruit right onto the ground. This slow-growing Brazilian orange could make an interesting trained specimen or raised-container tree. The fruit is an ordinary, pleasant midseason sweet orange with some seeds; the architecture is the real attraction.

Selected near Phoenix, Diller has a documented history of productivity under desert conditions. Small to medium oranges have juicy, well-flavored flesh and generally fewer seeds than many old sweet oranges, though they are not seedless. A practical candidate for hot inland gardens, with fruit suitable for both eating and squeezing.

A Puerto Rican sweet orange for hobbyists exploring Caribbean citrus. Fronton is maintained in California’s citrus collection, but published information on its flavor, seediness and local harvest season is sparse. Treat it as a variety to discover in your own garden; a specific advantage over familiar oranges has not yet been established.

Known as “Brocade” orange, Jincheng is associated with China’s Sichuan Province. Its oblong fruit and deep reddish-orange rind give it a distinctive appearance, while introduction records report high sugar levels. UCR lists winter to early spring maturity at Riverside. An interesting Chinese selection for growers looking beyond Mediterranean and American oranges.

Despite its common name, Koji is a small, sour Japanese mandarin-type citrus rather than a conventional sweet orange. UCR records an autumn harvest at Riverside. Its appeal is to collectors of Japanese citrus and growers interested in tart fruit; shoppers expecting a miniature sweet navel would be disappointed.

Almost no acidity gives Lima a gentle sweetness with very little citrus tang. Some people enjoy that mildness; others find it flat. This Brazilian orange has juicy, pale flesh, small to medium fruit and some seeds. The tree can become large and productive. Choose it specifically for the acidless eating experience.

A traditional midseason orange with pleasant flavor and plenty of seeds. Despite the intriguing name, the collection records do not establish a distinctive wine-like taste. UCR observations noted good flavor but substantial fruit drop by late season, so sample the crop regularly and harvest while it is ready.

This Texas selection combines early fruit, low acidity and a comparatively compact, productive tree. Oranges are juicy and mildly sweet, with seed numbers influenced by pollination. Trees tend to bear young and carry fruit in clusters. Although the low acid makes fruit taste ready early, a little more time on the tree can improve juice content and eating quality.

An old Italian orange with elongated fruit, juicy flesh and few or no seeds. Traditionally valued for late maturity and excellent holding on the tree, it suits growers who enjoy picking gradually. The rind clings tightly, so peeling takes effort. Trees can flower out of season and are sensitive to extremes of heat, cold and dry wind.

Named for its delicate fragrance, this old Florida orange produces rich, sweet juice from tender flesh. Expect seeds and a midseason harvest on a productive, largely thornless tree. Fruit does not hold indefinitely, so plan to pick and use the crop when ripe. Greater frost sensitivity than many sweet oranges makes a protected planting spot worthwhile.

A numbered Puerto Rican sweet orange selection preserved through California’s citrus introduction program. Its Caribbean origin is documented, but reliable descriptions of the fruit and California performance remain limited. An option for growers who enjoy evaluating uncommon citrus and recording their own harvest and tasting observations.

Rico 7-56 is maintained as a separate Puerto Rican sweet orange selection. Available records do not explain how its fruit differs from Rico 5-50, so claims of better flavor, fewer seeds or a different season would be premature. Its current appeal is to collectors exploring Puerto Rican citrus diversity.

From Rotuma in the South Pacific, this seedy midseason orange earned favorable flavor comments in California collection observations. It has occasionally shown faint flecks of blood-orange color, but other seasons produced none at all. Grow it for its fruit and island provenance; red flesh is an occasional possibility rather than a dependable feature.

Tender, melting flesh and abundant sweet juice are Salustiana’s strengths. This Spanish selection usually has few or no seeds and can hold its quality on the tree, useful when a household wants to pick a little at a time. It ripens relatively early and grows into a vigorous, productive tree. California observations suggest fruit size can run smaller than some descriptions imply.

The historic Jaffa orange: oval, nearly seedless and pleasantly sweet, with a thick rind that peels surprisingly well. Segments separate readily, making it particularly useful for fresh eating. Its main limitation is climate: hot, dry conditions during flowering can reduce production. A better prospect in a mild, sheltered garden than an exposed desert site.

Trovita produces smaller, juicier and milder fruit than Washington navel, with an earlier harvest and juice that does not become bitter as quickly. It has performed well under desert conditions, making it useful where navels struggle to crop. Expect some seeds and a vigorous, upright tree that may alternate between heavier and lighter harvests.

A modern USDA hybrid with trifoliate orange ancestry and demonstrated tolerance to citrus greening in Florida trials. Pear-shaped fruit has pebbly skin and a mild orange-like flavor; early-picked fruit can have an off-taste that diminishes with maturity. Its disease tolerance is significant, but does not mean immunity. A distinctive choice for experimental backyard growers.

A Chinese sweet orange whose introduction records highlight high soluble solids, an indicator of sugar content. UCR lists winter to early spring maturity at Riverside. Detailed California comparisons are limited, so exceptional sweetness should not be assumed in every garden. An interesting selection for growers exploring Chinese oranges beyond the familiar mandarins.

The citrus behind Earl Grey tea’s distinctive fragrance. Bergamot bears yellow fruit with intensely aromatic peel and very sour flesh; its appeal is in flavoring and fragrance. The nearly thornless tree grows to a small or medium size with a spreading habit. Fruit ripens in late winter.

Abundant fragrant flowers and a low, spreading canopy make this an appealing ornamental or citrus hedge. Dense foliage grows on thornless branchlets, and small, few-seeded oranges hold well on the tree after ripening in winter. The fruit is strongly sour and bitter; flowers and garden presence are its main attractions.

Double, perfumed flowers are the draw of this old European sour orange. It grows vigorously upright and is traditionally described as bearing flattened fruit with a second fruit embedded inside. An intriguing choice for flower lovers and citrus collectors. Although this selection was introduced after horned fruit was observed, that shape is not reliably established.

Tiny, dark green leaves crowd thornless branches on this naturally compact, slow-growing tree. Small oranges ripen in winter and can remain on the tree for much of the year, giving it lasting ornamental appeal. Expect tart fruit with seeds. Chinotto types have a long tradition of being candied whole; the manageable growth also suits a patio collection.

A Japanese heirloom with a conspicuous neck and pebbly yellow peel that comes off easily. Despite its placement among sour oranges, ripe flesh can be tender and pleasantly sweet-tart, with lemon, orange and grapefruit notes. Numerous seeds are the main drawback. The tree can become large, making rootstock choice important where space is limited.

This old Australian citrus has smooth peel and a tart, grapefruit-like character comparable to Poorman. Historically valued as a grapefruit substitute where summers provide too little heat for good grapefruit, it offers something different from a conventional bitter orange. The tree is vigorous and can become large; fruit ripens in winter to early spring.

A straightforward choice for growers seeking classic bitter-orange character for marmalade. Selected as a representative sour orange, this old California accession offers the familiar sharp, bitter fruit rather than an unusual ornamental form. Fruit ripens in winter to early spring. Best planted with a kitchen use in mind, since it is too sour for most people to enjoy fresh.