The orange probably comes from subtropical areas in Myanmar, northern India and southern China. The plant still thrives today, primarily in subtropical and frost-free Mediterranean climates. Depending on the variety, oranges sometimes have long fruit ripening times; but their fruits do not necessarily ripen before winter.
When is the harvest time for oranges?
The harvest time for oranges varies depending on the variety, but they usually ripen 6 to 9 months after flowering. Early-ripening varieties, such as “Fukumoto” or “Newhall”, are ready to harvest from October, while late-ripening varieties only ripen from November or even later.
Unripe fruits can be overwintered
On average, oranges ripen between six and nine months after flowering. As plants of the subtropical or tropical climate zone, they usually bloom several times a year, although the fruits from summer or autumn blossoms that do not ripen in autumn can remain on the tree during the absolutely necessary frost-free overwintering. They will then simply continue to grow until they are fully ripe the next spring.
Maturity time is important
If you want to cultivate oranges in Germany, you should, if possible, use early-ripening varieties such as the “Fukumoto” or “Newhall” navel oranges. Other varieties such as B. “Navelina”, on the other hand, only ripen from November onwards, and many Valencia oranges only ripen in late winter or spring of the following year. Oranges should only be harvested when fully ripe because, unlike other fruits such as: B. Peaches – do not ripen.
Tips & Tricks
You can't necessarily tell whether an orange is really ripe by its peel. In order for the fruit to turn bright orange, it needs cool temperatures - otherwise it simply stays green but is still ripe. Ripe oranges can stay on the tree for up to 14 months.
