Critical Oranges Picking Moments for Florida Gardeners: Vital Time Strategies Explained
Florida, renowned for its vibrant orange groves, offers a unique experience for citrus fruit enthusiasts. With a plethora of U-pick farms, tours, and local products, a visit to these citrus farms is more than just picking fruit.
Orange-flavored ice cream is a local specialty in Florida, and the sweetest oranges are harvested during a specific period, perfect for enjoying fresh or in recipes such as orange marmalade and homemade jellies and jams.
Larry Meyers, a gardening expert with over 10 years of experience, aims to share his knowledge and create a one-stop shop for all gardening information. Despite our inability to determine when Larry last wrote about the orange harvest in Florida, his expertise shines through in the wealth of information available.
Florida is home to various citrus varieties, including Valencia Oranges, Navel Oranges, Tangerines, Sugarbells, Pineapple Oranges, and Honeybell Tangelos. Each variety has slightly different peak times, with Navel oranges usually ready in November, and Valencia oranges being picked as late as May.
Visiting these citrus farms can include tours to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process. Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, for instance, offers a petting zoo, swamp safaris, and is not just about picking fruit.
When you get to the U-pick farms, it is recommended to pick oranges that are bright in color, either yellow or orange. Some farms, like Ridge Island Groves in Haines City, offer you the choice to pick as much as you want for around $1 per pound.
Places like Sun Harvest Citrus not only allow you to pick but also have markets selling souvenirs and gourmet food products. Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton offers monster truck tours and an Old-Time Country Store selling homemade jellies and jams.
Buying citrus products supports local farmers in Florida. Vo-LaSalle Farms is pet-friendly and offers U-Pick strawberries and seasonal citrus. Bekemeyer Family Farm in Winter Garden offers U-Pick experiences and affiliate links for purchasing citrus online.
Dooley Groves in Ruskin offers a unique U-Pick experience with Honeybells and Ambersweet Oranges. Graham Farms in Umatilla offers a variety of fruits including pomelos and pummelos.
When picking oranges in Florida, it is recommended to wear long pants and sunscreen. The prime season for picking oranges in Florida is from November to May.
Florida oranges are known for their sweet, juicy flavor, making them a delight for anyone visiting these tropical farms. Whether you're a citrus lover or just looking for a unique experience, Florida's citrus farms are a must-visit destination.
