Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors

TreeSource is a wholesale supplier, so we do have minimums. However, if you can find Cara Cara trees on the Availability Page, you can order with no minimums in place. Search the page for Oranges (Navel).

Shipping costs vary widely depending on the destination and tree quantities. Orders placed during the week are typically shipped on the following Monday using UPS Ground.

Cara Cara orange trees are moderately resistant to some pests and diseases, but they aren't immune. All About Citrus and Subtropical Fruits by Ortho can help you learn more. Here's a brief breakdown of their resistance and vulnerabilities:

Common Pests:

• Aphids: Can cause leaf curling and attract sooty mold due to honeydew

• Citrus leafminer: Larvae that tunnel into young leaves, causing curling and distortion

• Scale insects: Sap-sucking pests that can weaken trees

• Spider mites: Especially common in dry conditions

• Whiteflies and mealybugs: Occasionally a problem, especially in greenhouses or humid climates

Just like other sweet orange varieties, Cara Cara trees are somewhat susceptible to disease. Potential issues include:

• Phytophthora root rot: A fungal disease that affects roots in overly wet soils

• Huanglongbing (HLB or Citrus Greening Disease): One of the most serious threats to citrus; spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP)

Citrus can easily be overwatered, so it’s best to have them on a watering schedule once a week. Buy a hose timer so you can water your citrus trees correctly.

Baby trees only need 10 gallons of water a week during the spring and all, so if it rains enough, you can skip a week. As your tree thrives and matures, irrigate in line with the “drip line” of the tree, which is what the outer edge of the tree canopy is called and is where the roots are growing in your soil.

When the canopy is about 3 feet in diameter, buy an in-line drip hose that you can form into a circle with drippers about 2 feet apart. Make the drip hose circle 4 feet in diameter around the tree, ensuring that the tree is in the center of the circle.

It is best to keep the water away from the trunk of older trees. As the tree grows to 6 feet in diameter, add another circle at 7 feet for a larger wetted area, keeping the original 4-foot circle. Potted trees are quite different from in-ground trees and require frequent watering, often daily during the warmer months.

Cara Cara navel oranges can thrive in a variety of climates, but they definitely have their preferences. Here’s how they generally perform in different environments:

Ideal Climate (USDA Zones 9–11)

• Mediterranean to Subtropical climates: Think California, Arizona, parts of Florida, or southern Texas.

• Warm, dry summers and mild winters are perfect.

• They need plenty of sunshine and warmth to produce sweet, richly colored fruit.

Cooler Climates (USDA Zone 8 and below)

These zones are challenging, but it’s possible to make it work with protection.

• They’re not frost-tolerant. Freezing temperatures (especially below 27°F / -2.8°C) can damage or kill the tree.

• In borderline areas, people grow them in containers and bring them indoors during cold months.

• Greenhouses or high tunnels can help extend the growing season.

Hot/Dry Climates

They do okay in hot dry climates if they have::

• Drip irrigation to manage water efficiently.

• Mulching to protect roots and retain moisture.

• Late afternoon shade.
  

Note: Excessive dry heat can sometimes lead to sunburn on fruit and leaves, so some partial afternoon shade or strategic planting can help.

Humid/Tropical Climates

• Cara Cara trees have a mixed performance here. For instance:
  

  • The fruit set may be more sparse.

  • Fruit may be less sweet if nights don’t cool off enough—cool evenings help concentrate sugars.

  • There is higher disease pressure (like fungal issues) due to constant moisture and humidity.

  • Root rot and citrus greening (HLB) are more prevalent in these areas, so choosing disease-resistant rootstock and monitoring trees is key